The Problem with Bowling Alone
Respect, local community involvement, and identity politics.
Civic Engagement Social innovations that enrich society and enhance democratic participation
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Debunking Empowerment
Contrary to common belief, giving people living in public housing a sense of ‘empowerment’ has little to do with whether they are then involved in activities to improve their community.
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Social or Cultural Entrepreneurship: An Argument for a New Distinction
A look at the difference between cultural and social entrepreneurship.
A Failure of Philanthropy
From the archives: American charity shortchanges the poor, and public policy is partly to blame.
Circles of Change
Lending circles, self-help groups, and study circles are among the oldest and most effective tools for creating personal and social change.
Offsetting Green Guilt
Voluntary carbon offsets allow people to invest in projects that allegedly counteract their greenhouse gas emissions. But can voluntary offsets help slow global warming? Or are offsets a way for consumers to buy their way out of bad feelings?
Stop Raising Awareness Already
It’s time for activists and organizations to adopt a more strategic approach to public interest communications.