Tiffany Finley's blogshttp://www.justmeans.com/editorials/sustainabledevelopment/7.htmlFri, 25 May 2012 00:32:39 GMThttp://www.justmeans.com en hourly 1http://www.justmeans.com/Quantifying-the-Impact-of-a-Social-Enterprise/47971.htmlThu, 31 Mar 2011 10:13:49 GMTTiffany Finley Measuring the success, impact, and potential of a social value creation organization typically falls into unchartered waters. REDF has shared a Social Return on Investment report and methodology paper that starts to layout the groundwork for understanding social enterprise's specific value. Originally published back in 2000, the approach has undergone a great deal of feedback and continues to evolve today. REDF is a collaborative network for venture philanthropy, social enterprise, and similar w Read Full Article ]]> Measuring the success, impact, and potential of a social value creation organization typically falls into unchartered waters. REDF has shared a Social Return on Investment report and methodology paper that starts to layout the groundwork for understanding social enterprise's specific value. Originally published back in 2000, the approach has undergone a great deal of feedback and continues to evolve today. REDF is a collaborative network for venture philanthropy, social enterprise, and similar work. They host a wide variety of resources and research to help lay a solid groundwork while furthering the dialogue for social enterprise valuation.While REDF hosts a platform and series of research for new business, their work is far more grounded in helping people help themselves. Initially founded as The Roberts Enterprise Development Fund based out of San Francisco, the organization has focused on those who are least likely to be steadily employed. They leverage their funding and business assistance to support SEs that employ "individuals who are overcoming chronic poverty, homelessness, criminal history, substance abuse or mental illness."Business typically categorizes these individuals as risks when considering them for employment. REDF and other organizations understand that these individuals need a different type of employment and support system to overcome both their personal issues and perform well in the workplace. Through key transition organizations that REDF supports, like Community Housing Partnership, individuals are able to find permanent housing, receive job training, leadership development, and understand possibilities for employment.By quantifying the work of organizations like the Community Housing Partnership, investors and potential entrepreneurs can gain a better sense of the impact they may be able to create. Benchmarking within the social enterprise landscape is scattered at best, so building upon existing evaluation and standardization tools, future entrepreneurs can better plan for success. The SROI analysis by REDF reviews their tool sets, methodologies, and analysis in order to share their learnings as well as open up the platform for discussion for future studies. The resources are geared toward practitioners in CSR, SRI, Social Enterprise, and Non-Profit work and include case studies to illustrate the findings. Their resources also host a variety of nuggets for social enterprise investors, leaders, and visionaries including a Social Enterprise Feasibility and Business Planning Guide. Tailored to the social enterprise business, many of these resources are advancements from standard business plans and metrics that tend to reflect only the profit aspect of business.If you are considering investing in or starting a social enterprise, their planning and metric guides are worth reviewing to better understand the landscape and the potential impact of the organization.Photo Credit]]>http://www.justmeans.com/India-s-Microfinance-Collapse-and-Educated-Second-Rising/47982.htmlThu, 31 Mar 2011 03:00:58 GMTTiffany Finley India, considered the epicenter of the developing world Microfinance Institutions (MFIs), is facing a severe crisis. The sources and events leading up to the collapse are unclear. In response, the leaders of microfinance solutions and their employees have found an increased motivation to be sure that every last loan and effort is spent well. These individuals, often attracted to MFIs with the promise of steady work, have found new significance from the phrase "meaningful work". As they are able Read Full Article ]]> India, considered the epicenter of the developing world Microfinance Institutions (MFIs), is facing a severe crisis. The sources and events leading up to the collapse are unclear. In response, the leaders of microfinance solutions and their employees have found an increased motivation to be sure that every last loan and effort is spent well. These individuals, often attracted to MFIs with the promise of steady work, have found new significance from the phrase "meaningful work". As they are able to see their communities start to flourish and entrepreneurs start healthy local economies, they are determined to continue the stability and success MFIs have brought to their regions.With not only the dedication to keep MFI project-funding from drying up, but also the financial resources and experience to ensure success, Grameen Foundation and Grameen Foundation India have teamed up to address the collapse. Their first objective is to work directly with MFIs on their internal organizational structure, training, and leadership. By equipping the MFI staff with additional tools to fulfill their organization's mission, the Grameen Foundations will help stabilize the heart of the microfinance sector in India. By investing directly in the distribution channels, their efforts can be leveraged from the internal staff outward toward the entrepreneurs receiving funding.The collapse has been brewing since November, when questions concerning the unusually high profits from microfinance projects in India were analyzed. From unethical business sharks to market in place of mission minded accusations, many of the issues went unresolved. Regulators are now taking on a more serious role to address predatory lending and favoritism within the microfinance sector. The unethical practices have been compared to the predatory financial institution practices in the United States that have been credited with the economic downturn in the US, and consequentially globally. The majority of predatory microfinance practices came out of large banks and lending institutions, while the smaller MFIs appeared to be more resilient.These unfavorable reports of MFIs have cast a great deal of doubt on the future of microfinance in India. Yet the dedication of field workers and non-profit organizations to restore the mission-minded purpose to small-scale MFIs are fighting back. It would be disappointing to say the least to see small-scale loans with big impacts be revoked due to higher-level negligence and predatory practices. Time will tell whether the social enterprises that sprouted from microfinance loans will survive once the banks have truly fallen.Photo Credit]]>http://www.justmeans.com/Get-Your-Great-Idea-Funded--StartingBloc--the-People-Incubator/47966.htmlWed, 30 Mar 2011 20:00:45 GMTTiffany Finley Join an entire community of inspired people through StartingBloc's fellowship program! The fellowship hosts both entrepreneurs, those creating their own organizations and ventures, and intrapreneurs, those who intend to create change within a company or existing system. Geared mainly toward students and young professionals, StartingBloc is all about personal development. Their focus is on social innovation for early career-minded individuals.Instead of crowd-sourced funding, grants for starting Read Full Article ]]> Join an entire community of inspired people through StartingBloc's fellowship program! The fellowship hosts both entrepreneurs, those creating their own organizations and ventures, and intrapreneurs, those who intend to create change within a company or existing system. Geared mainly toward students and young professionals, StartingBloc is all about personal development. Their focus is on social innovation for early career-minded individuals.Instead of crowd-sourced funding, grants for starting organizations, and social enterprises, StartingBloc's focus is on investing and developing people. Once a Fellow, always a Fellow, with ongoing events and support for a lifetime, this is a personal investment in the future. The program begins with accepted Candidates attending the Institute for Social Innovation for education, networking, and inspiration. Truly a learning experience, the curriculum is taught by leading professionals and leverages the organization's ties to top tier graduate programs. The organization also hosts a variety of workshops, regional events, and even a post-Institution event to keep Fellows connected.To date, the organization has facilitated the growth of 1,500 Fellows from 53 different countries. Their work focuses on corporate social responsibility, social entrepreneurship and sustainability. These fields are growing exponentially and have been deemed some of the most relevant fields for the success of future generations in an ever-changing business landscape. There are some fees associated with attending the Institute, but StartingBloc provides sponsorship tools and scholarships to make their programs accessible regardless of financial restrictions.A 2008 Fellow, Alia Whitney-Johnson, founded Emerge Global. This non-profit provides a source of income and trade for girls and young women in Sri Lanka. She was inspired after uncovering the severe gender inequalities and abuse while on a Tsunami-relief trip. A horrifyingly common situation, girls are thrown out of their own homes after becoming pregnant from rape or incest incidents. Alia founded this program to give these girls voices, creativity, confidence, money, and the hope for a more positive future. She has helped over 200 girls through her program and the numbers are growing. Through her Etsy store and donations, the organization continues to thrive.If this is what just one fellow has been able to accomplish, there is much hope for future fellows. During times of increasing civil unrest, positive programs that recognize the value of human beings and the importance of investing in the whole person become critical for a positive future. StartingBloc is one of many organizations that work to develop people, and help them bring their passions to fruition.Get Your Great Idea Funded is a series highlighting Foundations, Institutions, and Think Tanks that fund social entrepreneurship to connect the idea-person with funding sources.Photo Credit]]>http://www.justmeans.com/Social-Enterprise-Conference-Connects-and-Inspires/47747.htmlFri, 25 Mar 2011 16:48:53 GMTTiffany Finley The 12th annual Social Enterprise Conference kicked off earlier this month with a host of new panelists, topics, and a contest for inspiring entrepreneurs. An entirely student-run event, the Conference is presented by students of the Harvard Business School and the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. After being listed as one of the Top 12 Most Influential and Exclusive Executive Gatherings by Forbes.com in 2009, the Conference continues to grow and inspire meaningful change.This year focused Read Full Article ]]> The 12th annual Social Enterprise Conference kicked off earlier this month with a host of new panelists, topics, and a contest for inspiring entrepreneurs. An entirely student-run event, the Conference is presented by students of the Harvard Business School and the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. After being listed as one of the Top 12 Most Influential and Exclusive Executive Gatherings by Forbes.com in 2009, the Conference continues to grow and inspire meaningful change.This year focused on "Sustaining Impact, Living Change". This was a particularly poignant topic given the rapid closure of businesses nationwide following the economic downturn. Unfortunately the majority of small businesses continue to fail due to a variety of reasons. Conferences such as this offer prospective entrepreneurs the opportunity to learn from other's mistakes and build a network of supporters.Typically a sold-out event, the Conference featured four keynote addresses, thirty panels, and a career fair for 1,200 conference participants. The event attracts students, alumni, and many professionals and company representatives looking to learn and meet aspiring entrepreneurs. The sessions and workshops were focused on fundraising, policy, networking, social media, as well as specific social enterprise projects and topics.The "Pitch for Change" contest was a highlight for many participants this year. Individuals made elevator pitches for their idea, no business plan needed, to compete for the grand prize. They offered cash and consulting packages to the winners from Root Cause and also placed them on Echoing Green's Fast Track roster.The semi-finalists for Pitch for Change included ideas like KarmaGoat, where individuals can raise funds for charities by selling their unwanted items online. LexPop is an idea to make the "Wikipedia for the creation of open source public policy." Its intention is to leverage crowdsourcing for knowledge to help shout over the current cacophony by special interest groups and lobbyists. Investours is another sprouting idea that merges travel to foreign countries with microfinancing local populations. The enterprise would host microfinance tours in developing countries for investors interested in SRI. The tour fees would create interest-free micro-leans for the local entrepreneurs they are introduced to along their journey.These are just some of the great ideas by aspiring social enterprise owners. These types of gatherings and ideas help provide hope and convene knowledge to create the foundation for a better future.The Social Enterprise Conference is an annual event. For more information about this year's proceedings, please visit their website.Photo Credit]]>http://www.justmeans.com/Free-Professional-Labor-For-Social-Enterprises/47615.htmlThu, 24 Mar 2011 15:48:48 GMTTiffany Finley A Match.Com service for non-profits and social enterprises looking for talented individuals to donate their time, Catchafire is "hiring". With National Volunteer Week sprouting up in April, now is a great time to start scanning for ways to give in whatever way you are most gifted. With almost $2 million USD in donated value from Pro Bono volunteers, Catchafire is helping both talented professionals and organizations become connected to leverage their work together.Imagine a 5'2" businesswoman ha Read Full Article ]]> A Match.Com service for non-profits and social enterprises looking for talented individuals to donate their time, Catchafire is "hiring". With National Volunteer Week sprouting up in April, now is a great time to start scanning for ways to give in whatever way you are most gifted. With almost $2 million USD in donated value from Pro Bono volunteers, Catchafire is helping both talented professionals and organizations become connected to leverage their work together.Imagine a 5'2" businesswoman hauling lumber for building houses vs. that same woman applying her business smarts to a social enterprise. Now this is not to say she couldn't hold her own in the construction industry, but Rachael Chong, Catchafire's Founder, thought her time would be better spent doing the latter. She founded Catchafire to help busy professionals share their skills to better the work of non-profits and social enterprises. By aligning skill sets with much needed professional assistance in non-profits and small businesses, individuals can tailor their volunteer hours towards something that is right up their alley.Catchafire is based in NYC, and has a strong contingency there, but it is poised to grow. It offers membership packages to social enterprises and non-profits on a sliding scale. Both the organizations and the volunteers must meet specific requirements to help make the best match. Volunteers undergo a two week trial period, and if they agree to stay, projects can last up to 3 months. You can browse open projects and organizations on their website to get a better sense of the type of organizations and work that is available.One organization, Champion Access who focuses on advancing underemployed talent, was able to transform from a start-up idea to a full-fledged marketed organization with the help of their volunteer. Andy Duddleston, the Champion Access Founder, requested help marketing their organization and received a timely and well-executed press-kit. This is a great example of connecting organizations in need of help with people that want to give back. During tight economic times, individuals are looking for an increasing amount of non-monetary contributions they can make toward good work. Catchafire is one example of an organization connecting the dots for professionals and organizations.National Volunteer Week kicks off on April 10 and runs until the 16th for 2011. ]]>http://www.justmeans.com/Social-Enterprise-Investment-Made-Easy--ProFounder/47596.htmlThu, 24 Mar 2011 13:02:52 GMTTiffany Finley How do you get investor buy-in for your social enterprise organization before its gotten off the ground? ProFounder, similar to the Kickstarter method, allots 30 days for crowd-sourced funding. They build out a fundraising website for you and help promote your work on their website to increase the amount of exposure and possible investors. ProFounder's focus steers away from the Creatives and focuses more on pure business tactics and revenue generation. Investors from this platform aren't just i Read Full Article ]]> How do you get investor buy-in for your social enterprise organization before its gotten off the ground? ProFounder, similar to the Kickstarter method, allots 30 days for crowd-sourced funding. They build out a fundraising website for you and help promote your work on their website to increase the amount of exposure and possible investors. ProFounder's focus steers away from the Creatives and focuses more on pure business tactics and revenue generation. Investors from this platform aren't just investing to get your idea funded, they are actual investors in your organization for the long haul.For entrepreneurs this moves beyond start-up funding toward long-term business accountability and connections. The sign-up process is streamlined, and you have the opportunity to set your own investment terms for your enterprise. So you can choose to share X% of your revenues over Z years plus any non-monetary benefits you deem appropriate. This also safeguards enterprises during unprofitable years as well, since the investors are taking the risk with the entrepreneur.ProFounder charges $100 once your fundraising website is up and running and offers post-fundraising assistance for $1,000. They basically come on board as part of your team to finalize funding collections and record keeping. Similar to Kickstarter, if all of the requested funds are not raised, you don't get a dime. Yet with their program you can republish and adjust the amount you are seeking to fundraise. Entrepreneurs must be based in the US and have a for-profit business model. There is also a per-state limit of the number of investors, so ProFounder recommends setting minimum donations at $100 or higher so you don't burn out of your local community with small donations.The uprise in funding for social enterprises and small businesses is being seen globally. These types of programs take a more business-minded approach than the original microfinance structure. Their methodologies are helping businesses grow on smaller-scales by leveraging the internet's global community. Small business makes up the vast majority of businesses in the United States, and some economists point to these localized economies as sources of stability during global economic fluctuations.Get Your Great Idea Funded is a series highlighting Foundations, Institutions, and Think Tanks that fund social entrepreneurship to connect the idea-person with funding sources.Photo Credit]]>http://www.justmeans.com/Want-To-Buy-From-Social-Enterprises-There-s-a-Map-For-That/47315.htmlSun, 20 Mar 2011 00:23:58 GMTTiffany Finley We label organic cotton, fair-trade products, and safety practices, but what about good business? Social enterprises are often associated with the triple bottom line: people, planet, and profits as equals. Now, there is a label to distinguish social enterprises from other companies, consider it a business label. The Social Enterprise Mark certifies businesses that have put social and environmental causes first. It is the only social enterprise certification on the market, and it currently is bas Read Full Article ]]> We label organic cotton, fair-trade products, and safety practices, but what about good business? Social enterprises are often associated with the triple bottom line: people, planet, and profits as equals. Now, there is a label to distinguish social enterprises from other companies, consider it a business label. The Social Enterprise Mark certifies businesses that have put social and environmental causes first. It is the only social enterprise certification on the market, and it currently is based in the UK.One of the major benefits of being the single social enterprise label on the market, is the initial impact and differentiation it provides for businesses. Both shoppers and businesses can make decisions based on the mark as a tool for understanding the business they are supporting. With 74% of consumers preferring to purchase from companies with social and environmental efforts, the business gain is immediate. Studies found that over 88% of commissioners prefer to give work to companies with these types of values over other companies if their bids were equal. The goal is to create an established presence in the minds of customers and businesses so that choosing companies that are certified signifies a business decision.Not just any company can apply for the Mark. Companies that are focused on social or environmental objectives, and leverage their profits to invest in their work or community are considered social enterprises. The Mark not only identifies these companies, but is helping promote a more closed loop system where money is reinvested locally and in more ethical work than simply profit maximization business plans. Since social enterprise doesn't apply to just one industry, but instead to all sectors of growth, the Mark has the potential to make a significant impact in putting the decisions and rewards in the hands of consumers.The Mark opens the door for certifications that move beyond the material inputs and manufacturing of products. Under this type of certification service-companies can also gain a label to better communicate their values more simply and universally. Since the majority of market tools today focus on material and labor inputs, this effort to create greater transparency and recognition for mission statements and values of businesses is an important step to the company of the 21st century.Time will tell if this eco-label will expand beyond the UK and be embraced globally. It certainly has the potential to do so, as consumers are demanding more information about material inputs, they may also turn and demand more information about the intentions of a company. What better way to highlight that consistently than with a standard? Others fear that this will add to the jumble of labels on the market that send consumers into information overload and eventually inaction. Perhaps the UK is playing the part of the pilot program for the market-readiness of this idea. Either way, it will dictate whether consumers and business alike are ready for this progression toward social enterprise recognition in the marketplace.For more information, visit Social Enterprise Mark.Photo Credit]]>http://www.justmeans.com/Get-Your-Great-Idea-Funded--Kickstarter/47173.htmlThu, 17 Mar 2011 21:34:05 GMTTiffany Finley You have 90 days to crowdsource funding for your great idea, or you receive none of the money pledged. Kickstarter is a creative genius' portal into not just gaining publicity and support for their idea, but for creating a network of interested funders to see their idea through to the end. Somce criticize their unique all or nothing approach, but their reasoning is sound. They believe that raising $1,000 for a project that requires $9,000 to get off the ground isn't sensible. Those who have sent Read Full Article ]]> You have 90 days to crowdsource funding for your great idea, or you receive none of the money pledged. Kickstarter is a creative genius' portal into not just gaining publicity and support for their idea, but for creating a network of interested funders to see their idea through to the end. Somce criticize their unique all or nothing approach, but their reasoning is sound. They believe that raising $1,000 for a project that requires $9,000 to get off the ground isn't sensible. Those who have sent in money are dissapointed that their investment didn't go to good use, and the creatives responsible for seeing their dream through to fruition on a portion of the necessary budget can get into a bit of a bind. The great news? Every project gets a chance.For the Creative GeniusesThis type of funding is for the truly creative people out there. Think artists, musicians, writers, performers, and more. If you think you may just be this person, or group of people, thenreview their simple guidelines on their website and click "Start Project". You will go through a series of questions and project approval time before your brilliance is shared with the World at large on the Kickstarter website. Kickstarted does not request the rights to your creative genius, because it is about you and your ideas coming to life. As the creative person you are, you will need to devise rewards for the people who pledge you money for your idea. Then you can check your status on the Kickstarter website to see how far your funding has progressed.With an all-or nothing funding strategy, the projects with the most momentum, aka people spreading the word, will most likely receive the necessary money. Projects can be listed up to 90 days to receive funding, after which the project is closed. If you don't raise your target number of funds, you are sadly given none of the pledged money. On the other hand if you reach your goal, you have just fundraised enough money to make your idea happen! If you do succeed, Kickstarter will charge a 5% fee, otherwise your time in the sun is free.For their Monetary CounterpartsNow if you aren't the idea person, you can play the financing and cheerleading roles instead. You pick projects you are interested in supporting and commit an amount of money if the project succeeds in raising its necessary funds. If it doesn't, then you don't pay a thing. If it does, then you are charged the amount you pledged. But there is also an additional benefit. As part of this crowdsourced funding idea, the creatives are also responsible for devising rewards schemes. So if their project does succeed you are not only a funder, but you also get a little something special to commemorate your patronage. A new way to make online fundraising even more interactive.As the self-proclaimed largest funding platform for creative projects in the World, it is a wonderful source of inspiration and possibilities.Get Your Great Idea Funded is a series highlighting Foundations, Institutions, and Think Tanks that fund social entrepreneurship to connect the idea-person with funding sources.Photo Credit]]>http://www.justmeans.com/Entrepreneur-Spotlight--Shutting-Down-Orphanages/47112.htmlWed, 16 Mar 2011 09:52:53 GMTTiffany Finley According to UNICEF, it is estimated that there are over 145 million children without families or loved ones to care for them in the World. With poverty, war, natural disasters and civil unrest contributing to the number of orphaned, abandoned, and vulnerable children, care is of the utmost importance. Traditionally, institutions and orphanages were created to help look after and provide for this negleted part of the population. Yet a couple from the UK has been inspired to move beyond the age o Read Full Article ]]> According to UNICEF, it is estimated that there are over 145 million children without families or loved ones to care for them in the World. With poverty, war, natural disasters and civil unrest contributing to the number of orphaned, abandoned, and vulnerable children, care is of the utmost importance. Traditionally, institutions and orphanages were created to help look after and provide for this negleted part of the population. Yet a couple from the UK has been inspired to move beyond the age of institutional care. They believe that compassion, family, and a place to call home are what the most neglected children of the World deserve. Through their non-profit, Hope and Homes, they are working in Central and Eastern Europe as well as Africa to connect children in need with families that will love them as one of their own.New Age of Child CareThis model moves beyond foster care, orphanages,and temporary homes. It focuses on eliminating the need for institutions by creating a network to connect children with potential families. To date the organization has shut down numerous instiutions throughout Europe that formally housed abandoned children. Their goal is to not just place these children in family-based care, but to help provide them with opportunities to live life to their fullest potential. They focus on keeping families together, addressing the specific needs of the child, and shedding the idea that the government will take care of those most in need. In the conflict-ridden areas where they work, the governments are struggling to stay in power and maintain their city, so institutional care for children is a lesser priority. Hope and Homes focuses on the rehabilitation possibilities for these children to aid them in experiencing life to the fullest extent possible.Hope and HomesBased in Wiltshire, UK, Hope for Homes was originally started by Mark andCaroline Cookafter a visit to Sarajevo, Bosnia in 1994. There, they witnessed the ruins of state-run child care."The orphanage, home to some 120 children, had been badly damaged by constant shelling. There was no glass in the windows and no running water or electricity and very little food. It was freezing cold in the winter and the children were crammed into one room, kept warm by a single flame from a gas pipe. One correspondent from The Times described it as "the worst place in Sarajevo aside from the morgue." These children who had already suffered the ordeal of being orphaned or abandoned were now living in poverty, fear and misery, and had little hope for a happier future. "Since that day, they have been on a mission to fulfill their vision, a world where every child feels loved. By closing down institutions and re-directing efforts toward family-based care, they believe they are creating a more positive future for these children.This type of work can be applied to many developing countries that house 130 out of the 145 million vulnerable children in the world. With natural disasters on the rise along with civil unrest and economic collapses, caring for vulnerable, abandoned, and orphaned children does not always rise to the forefront. It should be noted that children do not necessarily need to be orphaned to be considered vulnerable. Hope and Homes works to keep families together to help them get back on their feet as a team, prioritizing family-based care not only as a right, but a basic human need.Photo Credit.]]>http://www.justmeans.com/Get-Your-Great-Idea-Funded--Echoing-Green/46908.htmlSun, 13 Mar 2011 00:01:16 GMTTiffany Finley You have two years to change the World. Echoing Green's Fellowship program can give you the funding, mentorship, and toolbox to see your dream for social change through to fruition. All you have to do is win the funding. An easy task if you have what they call a "bold, high-impact solution" that beats out almost 3,000 other applicants globally. With almost $30 million spent on just under 500 entrepreneurs, in 42 countries on 5 continents, Echoing Green is one of the leading social change funders Read Full Article ]]> You have two years to change the World. Echoing Green's Fellowship program can give you the funding, mentorship, and toolbox to see your dream for social change through to fruition. All you have to do is win the funding. An easy task if you have what they call a "bold, high-impact solution" that beats out almost 3,000 other applicants globally. With almost $30 million spent on just under 500 entrepreneurs, in 42 countries on 5 continents, Echoing Green is one of the leading social change funders worldwide.The monetary investment isn't what has set-up these organizations for success. Echoing Green takes a hands-on approach to weeding out their candidates for the true social change ideas that are feasible to begin in two years. They also provide extensive support through training, mentorship, and connections to individuals in various fields. Two out of three EG funded organizations reach sustainability, and 86% hire one or more staff members after the second year of operations. So they fund, guide, and network their Fellows to increase their success rate dramatically.The goal of Echoing Green isn't just to help social entrepreneurs get a jump-start, it's to create more rapid and sustainable change that can become part of the mainstream. Originally founded in 1987, they aim to "apply entrepreneurial principles to social sector investing." Based on this mindset, Echoing Green frames their Fellows as investments that they continue to nourish, connect, and help grow.TheGenocide Intervention Network,founded by Mark Hanis, sprung from a 2006 Echoing Green Fellowship. It has sent an incredibly powerful message to the World about genocide: it cannot be ignored and should never re-occur. In 2010 it merged with the Save Darfur Coalition, resulting in the largest global anti-genocide organization with 800,000 committed activists worldwide. EG funds ideas across a variety of areas from community development to public health.Echoing Green accepts applications for the two-year fellowship program every Fall, with $60,000+ available for world-changing ideas.Get Your Great Idea Funded is a series highlighting Foundations, Institutions, and Think Tanks that fund social entrepreneurship to connect the idea-person with funding sources.Cartoon: Hawaii's People's Fund]]>http://www.justmeans.com/A-Future-Fueled-By-Tequila/46761.htmlThu, 10 Mar 2011 09:34:16 GMTTiffany Finley Corn, soy, and algae get all the attention, when the "It's 5 o'clock somewhere" mentality could significantly alter the biofuels market. Agave, the plant that produces tequila, has all the right properties to usher in an "energy revolution" according to leading biofuel scientists. Agave grows in semi-arid regions, requires hardly any inputs in terms of fertilizers, pesticides and water, and is hardy enough to endure temperature extremes and drought. Forget the government subsidies, this plant ha Read Full Article ]]> Corn, soy, and algae get all the attention, when the "It's 5 o'clock somewhere" mentality could significantly alter the biofuels market. Agave, the plant that produces tequila, has all the right properties to usher in an "energy revolution" according to leading biofuel scientists. Agave grows in semi-arid regions, requires hardly any inputs in terms of fertilizers, pesticides and water, and is hardy enough to endure temperature extremes and drought. Forget the government subsidies, this plant has the potential to provide alternative fuel sources to regions not conducive to corn and soy, its habitat does not compete with global carbon sinks, and at present a large portion of the plant is wasted during tequila production, leaving existing reserves ready for production today.Alternative Fuels are not Necessarily RenewableOne of the major barriers to truly renewable corn, soy, and wheat production are the input and location requirements. When grown according to its natural cycle, the soil takes 5-7 years to regenerate after 1 season of corn. Therefore, corn requires an extensive amount of fertilizers, pesticides, and numerous other chemical inputs to keep it healthy and its yields high. It also absorbs a large government subsidy along with soy. Corn and soy have been touted as the alternative fuel sources of the present and future, yet without extensive fossil fuel and government inputs the crops are highly vulnerable to failure.Agave on the other hand, takes in very little water, is incredibly hardy, and can easily grow on otherwise un-farmable land. According to Arturo Velez from the Agave Project, the most productive Agave species can produce twice the biomass (dried) as hybrid poplar, three times the sugar of sugarcane, and four times more cellulose than eucalyptus while capturing a significant amount of CO2. With semi-arid describing nearly 20% of the World, these plants have a distinct advantage over more care-intensive crops such as corn and soy. Velez states that Mexico is home to 80 million acres of potential agave farmland that would produce 5,600 million tons of dry biomass, or the equivalent to meeting the US's transport fuel needs. No Compromise for Carbon SinksOne of the largest points of contention for devoting new land to alternative fuels is the trade-offs. Slash and burn farming erases necessary carbon sinks from the world's resources to support a short-term fuel habit. The amazing and unexpected benefit of turning to a semi-arid plant is simple, location. Moving away from biodiversity hotspots, like tropical rainforests, and toward more arid regions removes this threat. This partnered with a significant reduction in inputs including water and fossil fuels helps agave outrank corn and soy. It also opens up the possibility for fuel production in several developing countries that either currently make tequila, or have abandoned agave fields from the days of sisal fiber production. Places like Mexico, Australia, and Africa are projected to be the potential Agave hotspots.Business Win-WinFor established industries, like Tequila, that use the agave plant, this opportunity presents a win-win situation. First, it takes the food versus fuel debate off the table, since tequila, although delicious to some, is not considered a staple nor does the biofuel production stop tequila production. In some tequila plants, it is estimated that up to 80% of the plant is wasted, leaving plenty to be redirected toward biofuels production. For many places it also means that new land will not be put into production, saving businesses significant initial input costs. For large companies like Brown-Forman and Fortune Brands that own Tequila businesses, this present an interesting business proposition to further expand their market share into the newest renewable on the market.Yet this development is not without its warnings. Agave investors are cautioned to watch for over-exploitation of the wild species and to build sustainable agriculture management principles into their future plans. Everything in balance seems to be the message, and an apt one at that.Photo Credit.]]>http://www.justmeans.com/The-Dangers-of-Collaboration-Duplicity/46752.htmlWed, 09 Mar 2011 13:23:34 GMTTiffany Finley The expansive number of collaborative efforts would appear to signal global investments in sustainability on the surface. But taking a look inside the Institutes, think tanks, working groups, and strategic partnerships reveals an astonishing amount of duplicity amongst mission statements. So why are there so many efforts to address the same issue using the same thinking? Critics believe this duplicity to be attributed to dissatisfaction with current efforts, the desire to take a different approa Read Full Article ]]> The expansive number of collaborative efforts would appear to signal global investments in sustainability on the surface. But taking a look inside the Institutes, think tanks, working groups, and strategic partnerships reveals an astonishing amount of duplicity amongst mission statements. So why are there so many efforts to address the same issue using the same thinking? Critics believe this duplicity to be attributed to dissatisfaction with current efforts, the desire to take a different approach, or that the organization may serve a different purpose than that which is stated. With a great deal of the meetings occurring behind closed doors, suspicion runs high as to whether these industry groups are there to be proactive or obstructive.The announcement of Ameripen, an Institute formed by large US-based corporations to address the crossroads of packaging and the environment. Thisis the latest duplication in sustainability collaboration. The goal of Ameripen, or the American Institution for Packaging and the Environment, is to help shape public policy on packaging and the environment, with the intent of being "material neutral". A term, they do not define on their website nor in their literature. The leaders have expressed a desire to transform thinking from Cradle to Grave toward Cradle to Cradle, a concept that was introduced way back in 2002 by William McDonough and Michael Braungart.The disconcerting part lies in the fact that the Sustainable Packaging Coalition has worked since 2005 in this very same field to provide a collaborative forum to leverage best practice and knowledge. Their work is not mentioned at all on Ameripen's site or materials. A curious omission given that SPC has done the most public work in this arena after Wal-mart's new supplier sustainability index was enforced with packaging restrictions. Also of interest since two companies are on the Founding Members list of both organizations. The structures of the two organizations are similar in the sense that they are membership-based groups that work with industry leaders. The difference lies in the SPC's base with GreenBlue, a credible sustainability non-profit, while Ameripen's scant information points toward corporate leaders as the top-level decision-makers.Some are praising Ameripen's formation as a new form of social enterprise in which companies are working together to help shape the future of their own industries through business methodologies and proactive involvement in policy-making. Others are highly critical of Ameripen's intentions to promote sustainable packaging. They fear the industry group will leverage its political arm to promote unnecessary leniency on regulation regarding packaging. Ameripen's formation was announced just this week, so time will tell whether the Institution will provide additional information on its intentions and work. It is also possible that Ameripen's focus on policy will help promote proactive approaches to packaging reduction, redesign, and even changes in transportation and storage. Since the SPC does not deal primarily in the policy-making arena, Ameripen's work has the potential to compliment the SPC's extensive past efforts. Yet there was no recognition of the SPC's work in the press releases or literature. Time will tell whether these two industry organizations will compete against one another, or leverage one another's respective priorities toward sustainable packaging.Ameripen was founded by The Coca Cola Company, Colgate-Palmolive Company, ConAgra Foods, Dow Chemical Co., Dupont Packaging & Industrial Polymers, Kellogg Company, MeadWestvaco (MWV), Proctor & Gamble, Sealed Air Corporation, and Tetra Pak Inc. The Sustainable Packaging Coalition was founded by Priority Metrics, Aveda/The Estee Lauder Companies, Cargill Dow LLC (now NatureWorks), The Dow Chemical Company, EvCo Research, MeadWestvaco (MWV), Nike, Starbucks Coffee Company, and Unilever.Artwork by Jennifer Davis at Tiny Showcase.]]>http://www.justmeans.com/Largest-Study-on-Oil-Spill-Impacts-on-Human-Health-Kicks-Off/46322.htmlThu, 03 Mar 2011 15:17:03 GMTTiffany Finley Following the tragic Gulf Oil Spill last year, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) is leading the largest study ever conducted on the possible effects of an oil spill on human health. The study will assess Gulf of Mexico residents who help with the oil spill clean up, surveying their health over the next five years. The Gulf Long Term Follow-Up Study (GuLF STUDY) will compare the health of clean-up workers to those who did not assist in the clean-up efforts to determi Read Full Article ]]> Following the tragic Gulf Oil Spill last year, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) is leading the largest study ever conducted on the possible effects of an oil spill on human health. The study will assess Gulf of Mexico residents who help with the oil spill clean up, surveying their health over the next five years. The Gulf Long Term Follow-Up Study (GuLF STUDY) will compare the health of clean-up workers to those who did not assist in the clean-up efforts to determine if particular health problems are more prevalent in the clean-up workers. The study is mainly funding by the National Institutes of Health, with $19 million set aside, and a $6 million contribution from BP. BP was not involved in the research's design, implementation, nor will it be involved in analyzing the results.Health Goal of StudyThe study will analyze several factors that may be contributing to poor health among oil spill clean-up workers. They will engage 100,000 individuals to participate, with a study size goal of 55,000 participants. Analyzing how individuals were exposed is an important piece of the research puzzle, ranging from air pollution and controlled burns to direct contact either to oil or dispersants and even contaminated seafood. NIEHS will also enlist the help of toxicologists to help determine appropriate biomarkers to guide the research and analysis of results.The study will include questionnaires and physical examinations. The study is taking a comprehensive approach to identifying other factors that may contribute to illness or increased chances of getting sick. Factors such as stress, job loss, and access to health care will be included and may also help shed light on mental as well as physical health. Currently, a range of illnesses from respiratory difficulties and rashes all the way to chemicals in worker's bloodstream has raised red flags. There is also believed to be a high risk of cancer for those involved in the efforts.Possible Implications of the StudyThe study has the potential to guide safer clean-up efforts down the road worldwide. It will also serve the Gulf communities to assess their public health systems including accessibility to care, those with insurance, and other health measures. The study will also help give a voice to those impacted by the oil spill, since the majority of attention was focused on responsibility and industries. It may also provide grounds for individuals to file lawsuits against BP for their subsequent illnesses.This is an important step in assessing not only ecological and industrial impacts of poor regulation and poor business management, but to value the human capital in charge of undoing one of the most hazardous human-caused accidents to date.To follow the results of the study, please visit the NIH's Gulf Study website. Photo Credit]]>http://www.justmeans.com/Is-Development-Unifying-or-Polarizing/46299.htmlThu, 03 Mar 2011 12:21:13 GMTTiffany Finley Ban Ki Moon, the Secretary General of the United Nations, declared that sustainable development IS the growth agenda for the 21st Century. Yet many are skeptical of the ability to merge the vast industrial and technology advancements with the necessity to live within our means. Others find this combination's potential to be the most important and evolved of all human development to date. Their unification will require dramatic changes in mainstream mindsets regarding consumption, economics, and Read Full Article ]]> Ban Ki Moon, the Secretary General of the United Nations, declared that sustainable development IS the growth agenda for the 21st Century. Yet many are skeptical of the ability to merge the vast industrial and technology advancements with the necessity to live within our means. Others find this combination's potential to be the most important and evolved of all human development to date. Their unification will require dramatic changes in mainstream mindsets regarding consumption, economics, and governance. Their polarization will lead to unbalanced growth that will not sustain itself in the medium to long run. Is there hope for unification of these two world views?Difference Between Growth and DevelopmentThe distinction between growth and development has been the difference between sustainability and rise to crash systems. There are natural limits to growth that mainstream economics distorts with scarcity and cost being the limiting factors in place of a more comprehensive understanding of limits and defining "resources". Regardless, a constant rate of growth is a very different goal than a constant rate of development. Development, in terms of human development, is better evaluated through human-scale development models like that of Manfred Max Neef or Maslow's hierarchy of needs. By removing products, resources, and prices from center stage and re-formulating our thinking to value human capital, we can start to envision different forms of development and cooperation in place of simple input and output models.Two Competing ViewsProponents of growth models believe that the current state of human development in the developed world is irreconcilable with the state of human development that exists within nature's means. This viewpoint often reveals prejudice toward one state over the other. For example, those invested in an industrialized society often frame the 'other' side as being outdated and their ways of life irrelevant to the developed world. Those invested in living within nature's means often demonize the 'other' side as being built on incorrect assumptions causing them to carry out atrocious actions which harm the Earth they all depend upon for survival. What this type of polarization highlights, is the blind sightedness of each side. One cannot simply ignore the other, it cannot demonize the other, in fact they need one another to create a hybridized solution that merges the best of both forms of lifestyle with one another. With only one earth, limited resources, and climate change teetering on the edge of a severe tipping point, this unification is a necessity for development. Two Unified ViewsFirst, both sides need to recognize that they do not have all the answers. There is not a technological fix for addressing climate change on a global scale that will completely reverse the damage already incurred fast enough. With man's ability to drastically alter the landscape, humans have become so powerful that we have forgotten our manners in a sense. With human-centric cities, jobs, and modes of communication, it is easy to forget about the extensive amount of inputs that are required to sustain our systems as well as its toxic outputs. Likewise, the developed world has greatly reduced rates of hunger, poverty, homeless, and reliance upon natural system fluctuations. By sharing the best of both worlds, the developed and the natural, development, in place of growth, can take on a whole new meaning. But it will require a concerted effort to work together and learn to value the knowledge of both sides of the system.Ban Ki Moon highlighted this at the Davos World Economic Forum (WEF) this year, stating: "It is easy to mouth the words 'sustainable development,' but to make it happen we have to be prepared to make major changes - in our lifestyles, our economic models, our social organization, and our political life. We have to connect the dots between climate change and what I might call here, WEF - water, energy and food."By making sustainable development, the merging of both sides of the equation, a global priority we will be better equipped to handle the extreme importance of the next four years, which will determine the next 100 years of our ecological system.Photo Credit.]]>http://www.justmeans.com/Budget-Cuts-Will-Stunt-US-Development/46212.htmlTue, 01 Mar 2011 18:25:40 GMTTiffany Finley As the United States continues to fumble through budget cut debates, or lack thereof, politicians are toeing a dangerous line determining the future of the Country. Development, in particular sustainable development, is a mode of investments and behaviors that aim to improve the quality of life for present and future generations. Different from growth, development is not based on unlimited growth patterns, therefore respecting the limitations and necessities required to keep a system evolving an Read Full Article ]]> As the United States continues to fumble through budget cut debates, or lack thereof, politicians are toeing a dangerous line determining the future of the Country. Development, in particular sustainable development, is a mode of investments and behaviors that aim to improve the quality of life for present and future generations. Different from growth, development is not based on unlimited growth patterns, therefore respecting the limitations and necessities required to keep a system evolving and in balance. Since development provides a more comprehensive and realistic take on the path forward, it is disconcerting to review the House-approved budget cut list. Prioritization for the 21st Century and BeyondThe budget cut's take a focused approach to reducing or eliminating several social and environmental programs, including limiting the power of the EPA and removing the AmeriCorps program. This is a fascinating and all together un-strategic approach. Since the health of the environment directly impacts the health of the Country including limits to growth, human health, and quality of goods created, this seems like a step back in time. And since investing in the education, human health, volunteerism, and addressing development issues within the US comes through several social programs including AmeriCorps, it is counter-intuitive to cut these programs if the end goal is to create a healthier, more educated, and resilient Nation. Reviewing the programs that are being carefully passed over for budget cuts hints at the archaic thinking that the budget cut process has thus far utilized. Budget Cuts are Development, not Political IssuesThe outrage in Wisconsin highlights the polarization of the "sides" instead of the hard work that budget cuts require to make effective long-term decisions. The United States was founded on previously unchartered principles that spoke to freedom, the valuation of each human being, and the distinct privilege of choice. Choosing individuals with the unique foresight to plan for the sustainable development of a nation is something very unique to the United States. Yet reviewing the political polarization, it would appear that Americans are more drawn to fighting words than working together to create a joint future. The pure politics and games being played by both sides are constant distractions from the real issues at hand. How will the United States proceed to develop? It has fallen behind the majority of developed nations, and yet some politicians continue to advocate for looser regulations and cuts to programs that help build the human capital of the Country. Development, which will be partially dictated by the budget cuts, is not a political issue, it is a human issue. One that both sides should be addressing with honesty, heart, and the resolve to find an agreement that works not only for the political system, but for the citizens that system was put in place to guide. Conspiracy versus TransparencyWith the advent of intense political polarization, there has been an uprising of both conspiracy theories and great demands for transparency in politics. From the prank call to Scott Walker, in which the Governor fails to recognize the impact on the individuals suffering from the lockout and lack of discussion, to political scandals being brought front and center. The question is, what does this do for the American people? Does it help create jobs? Does it help guide them through difficult times? Does it help assure them that those who have been elected are acting in their best interest? The answer of course is No. By deflecting their responsibility by portraying their work as "better than" instead of just "better. Period." they are missing the point. Without considering the full system of consequences, including ecological, social, and economic equally, they will continue to fail to not just balance the monetary budget, but to balance the severe debt of social and ecological justice as well. Who Pays for Inefficient and Ineffective PoliticiansWith all of the public fanfare, who is keeping this type of low productivity afloat? Unfortunately, it is the US taxpayers once again. By portraying budget cuts as black or white, right or wrong, and even all or nothing, they have undermined the purpose of the democratic system that requires majority votes. Many proposed items are offered up, knowing that they will be shot down, in place of working out sensible compromises so both sides are able to create what is best for the people, not just their political parties. Talk of 'making their mark' or 'sending a message' is not half as admirable as the individuals who work together to determine what will help the United States not just get rid of debt, but prepare for a rapidly changing World in which they have already fallen behind. Regardless of which party or ideals a US citizen associates with, it is in everyone's best interest as a nation, a nation that consumes 1/3 of the world's products and of its resources, to come together to plan for a future, together. The two most prominent "sides" aren't going anywhere, so why not recognize their differences and work towards a solution in place of wasting precious negotiation time with stall tactics? Some claim this to be too idealistic. On a global scale, it is necessary. Time will tell whether US citizens can help guide their own political leaders to do what is best for their Country, and consequentially, the World.Photo Credit: Terrence Nowicki Jr.]]>http://www.justmeans.com/Air-Pollution-is-a-Silent-Killer--More-Risky-than-Cocaine/45800.htmlFri, 25 Feb 2011 13:28:20 GMTTiffany Finley A recent study in Belgium found that individuals exposed to air pollution, typically in heavy traffic, were more susceptible to heart attacks than those using alcohol, coffee, cocaine, and physical exertion. Transportation systems in big cities around the world play a bigger role than just moving people and things, they impact human and ecological health, community, and culture. Since vehicular traffic is one of the major sources of city air pollution, the necessity and effectiveness of vehicles Read Full Article ]]> A recent study in Belgium found that individuals exposed to air pollution, typically in heavy traffic, were more susceptible to heart attacks than those using alcohol, coffee, cocaine, and physical exertion. Transportation systems in big cities around the world play a bigger role than just moving people and things, they impact human and ecological health, community, and culture. Since vehicular traffic is one of the major sources of city air pollution, the necessity and effectiveness of vehicles in cityscapes is a question of efficiency, ecological impact, and now health concerns. As modes of transit multiply, viewing systems as interrelated will be a key component in creating healthy sustainable development.Overview of StudyFirst, preventative measures should be the focal point for those with high risks of heart attacks and/or heart disease. Refraining from smoking and actively engaging in physical exertion, a healthy diet, and maintaining a healthy weight should be the first line of defense. But if heart disease and heart attacks run in the family or are a high risk, environmental hazards should be one of the first things to go according to this study. The study suggests air pollution as a higher risk for several reasons, yet the most striking is the rate of exposure. A greater number of people are exposed to air pollution than there are drug users and other rarer risks. It also suggests looking at geographic and population trends in place of single patient history to determine risk factors, increasing the risk for those in large cities with high levels of air pollution.Pollution Health RisksAccording to the World Health Organization, air pollution accounts for 2 million premature deaths annually across the globe. It is rated as a major environmental risk to health in the WHO system. As population increases in developing nations, as do industrialization and other forms of development that lead to air pollution, human health concerns skyrocket. This may raise concerns about human rights, wellbeing, and government responsibility related to creating high standards of living for healthy populations. The study found that although cocaine has the highest individual trigger rate, traffic has the greatest population trigger rate due to rates of exposure. Considering that drugs, alcohol use, and other major triggers are typically born out of human choice, air pollution and specifically traffic is an interesting addition to the mix. Although the intersection of environmental and human health is nothing new, this study elevates the necessity of population-specific risks and environmental hazards. By integrating these concerns into the health industry, environmental health may get a boost in the public agenda.Government ResponsibilityAs cities and countries evolve, the type of growth has long-term implications on the health of the people, their environment, and their culture. Air pollution is nothing new to industrialization. Before the Beijing Olympics, regulation was installed to reduce the extensive air pollution. Mexico City has so much vehicular traffic it is now intensely regulated. With the issue being rooted in both environmental and social causes, a pronged approach is needed. On the social side, there are the issues of human health, transportation disrupting community development, and cultures being formed around vehicular traffic in place of people. The second layer is the obsolete use of automobiles in densely populated cities, where mass transit is more efficient and more financially profitable than roads. On the environmental side, air pollution threatens biodiversity among other environmental factors.Governments are attacking the issues of transportation, pollution, and human health as separate factors with varying degrees of importance. What this study demonstrates is the interrelated nature of all three things, and the necessity for smart, sustainable growth to address these issues. As budget discussions pour over America and development strategies reign elsewhere, the question of prioritization and efficient investments is being overshadowed by the compartmentalization of issues. By viewing the system as interrelated, lawmakers and political leaders would be able to make more efficient and effective decisions, as would citizens and leading organizations.Photo Credit: Impact Lab]]>http://www.justmeans.com/Civil-Discourse-Missing-from-Walker-s-Democracy/45716.htmlThu, 24 Feb 2011 17:20:33 GMTTiffany Finley Scott Walker's continued refusal to negotiate sheds light on the new "tactic" that threatens global development, obstructionism. After Congress finally made progress regulating the 1800s delay tactic of the filibuster, this comes as a major setback to addressing the US's critical issues. Politicians and their allies are focusing on flexing political muscle in place of dealing with the issues at hand on both sides. Which raises several important questions. First, is it the responsibility of those Read Full Article ]]> Scott Walker's continued refusal to negotiate sheds light on the new "tactic" that threatens global development, obstructionism. After Congress finally made progress regulating the 1800s delay tactic of the filibuster, this comes as a major setback to addressing the US's critical issues. Politicians and their allies are focusing on flexing political muscle in place of dealing with the issues at hand on both sides. Which raises several important questions. First, is it the responsibility of those in charge to thoroughly address the concerns of the people they represent? Second, is this further evidence of American politician's inability to conduct civil discourse about pressing issues? Lastly, what example does this type of leadership set for not only future generations but for governments globally?Opinion over ResponsibilityAmericans celebrate the gift of elected officials, not something every nation in the World has the opportunity to enjoy. Yet, when those officials fail to work with the people they represent geographically, regardless of political orientation, disappointment lurks around the corner. Wisconsin Governor, Scott Walker, took this failure to a new level with his firm stance to ignore those opposed to his point of view and then leverage his political role to punish those in government who disagreed with him.Regardless of which side of the debate a person falls on, his actions are reprehensible because they go against basic human nature. Humans are a communal species, meaning we best survive when we work together. Walker openly states that although he will "listen" to the opposing view, he will not value it or consider it for decision-making purposes. A disappointing statement, given his role as a civil servant, which entails representing and protecting the people he is determined to shut out. The larger question of his true motives is hidden behind the outrageous fanfare of his actions. It is disappointing that an elected official refuses to be transparent, and that they hide behind the letter of the law in place of upholding the spirit of the law. Some consider his actions an abuse of power.The Threat of No Civil Discourse in a DemocracyOne of democracy's key components is supposed to be civil discourse, in which individuals discuss critical issues as adults to better illuminate and understand the different sides of an issue. In this case, Walker has openly stated that he will listen but not act on anything he hears. His inability to intake new or differing opinions, along with the lack of transparency on why his decisions will better the State of Wisconsin and address their budget issues over other more strategic cuts does not bode well for him. Failing to demonstrate political prowess, respect for his fellow Wisconsinites, and the courage to openly debate his decision hint at something deeper. The United States is seeing an increasing amount of politicians incapable of civil discourse. This is a disturbing revelation given the average age and schooling of politicians. Similar to the health care debate, or lack there of, it is not only the American people who are missing from the debate table. It is the "opposition" in which both political parties have absolutely refused to debate certain issues.Typically, when an individual feels they are in the right, they are willing to discuss and even debate their position. When a political party takes a stand, they spend an incredible amount of time and money on promoting that position. Yet, when an opposing position arrives, each party seems to retreat in their own way, in place of gathering their thoughts and engaging in a transparent public debate. The type of obstructionism that Walker is leveraging in Wisconsin highlights this inability to discuss pressing issues in an adult manner, something that has both parents and international government concerned.Don't Follow the LeaderThe behaviors displayed in political obstructionism go against basic teachings from Kindergarten, where we learn to play and share with others, we make decisions for the betterment of the group and honesty rules. The top-down approach utilized by Walker and other politicians is not the same type of leadership children and Millennials are learning, which is a hybrid between top-down and bottom-up management. Yet the larger issue of concern is what this type of inability to discuss and negotiate in the public eye communicates to other Countries. Leadership that refuses to listen to the people it has been installed to lead, and that hides behind politics in place of addressing the concerns of its people sounds like the story from too many third world nations suffering from political unrest. It is shocking to find this level of obstructionism and lack of transparent leadership with the ability to negotiate fair terms in one of the most developed nations in the World.For those sincerely concerned with debt, failing to address constituents and dragging out a political debate hardly seems like the pro-active approach to addressing the budgetary issues the US is currently suffering. It is the hope of many that an adult conversation can take place to rectify in the situation, despite the lack of political leadership.]]>http://www.justmeans.com/The-Explosive-Power-of-Video-as-a-Human-Rights-Tool/45542.htmlTue, 22 Feb 2011 11:37:31 GMTTiffany Finley Knowledge-sharing, one of the oldest evolutionary tools, has gone even more global for humans through video. With nearly 65% of the population being visual learners, and with almost 7,000 different languages around the globe, videos have blown open the doors of communication. Cultures previously cut off from the rest of the World by location, language, disabilities, and even poverty are now being empowered to tell their stories. Pictorial and oral history have been the human species main veins o Read Full Article ]]> Knowledge-sharing, one of the oldest evolutionary tools, has gone even more global for humans through video. With nearly 65% of the population being visual learners, and with almost 7,000 different languages around the globe, videos have blown open the doors of communication. Cultures previously cut off from the rest of the World by location, language, disabilities, and even poverty are now being empowered to tell their stories. Pictorial and oral history have been the human species main veins of communication and story telling between generations and cultures. With the extensive spread of technology, video is able to overcome some of the most basic barriers, and is evolving into a tool for human rights advocates, environmentalists, and groundbreaking news globally.The Language Barrier, OvercomeLanguage, including spoken, written, and physical forms, is one of the unique and complex evolutions of the human species. In some cultures the written language is irrelevant to their way of life, and in others the language spoken is only known to a very small group of individuals, yet one thing the majority of the World has in common is the ability to comprehend visual images without any written or spoken assistance. This is where video steps in to transform communication, knowledge sharing, and learning into a global event. Since the majority of complex subjects are best understood through visual aid, video offers a more universal solution.Information Sharing Made EasyNow if you speak one of the major languages around the World, you will find technology, computers, the internet, and literature in your language. If you do not, then you are at a severe disadvantage to learning 21st century tools like the computer. Since video cameras contain fewer buttons, that are typically color-coded, they are more universal for learning purposes. They also do not have the extensive functionality and options that a computer, iPad, or smartphone has, keeping its purpose clear and easy to comprehend. This allows cultures exposed and unexposed to technology a more simple medium for communication.This can lead to some incredible information sharing. For instance, the non-profit WITNESS has leveraged video as an explosive tool for human rights. They empower citizens in areas with high levels of pollution, severe violations of ethical work standards, and other impoverished areas. Video transforms their stories from myth to reality, and let's the people share their experiences and perspectives in place of filtered views from media.The Logistics ConundrumWith the incredible power video holds for individuals and communities previously without global voices, it also has its setbacks. The logistics can be videos own largest barrier. First, individuals must have access to a video camera, electricity to charge the equipment, and some form of access, through computers or external people, to the Internet to share their stories. Second, individuals must be trained to use and upkeep the video equipment, which requires an outside individual. Lastly, the disposal of unused or broken equipment can result in unwanted e-waste. Electronic waste is a growing issue worldwide, and since third world nations are known to take the brunt of the toxic waste, it would be contradictory to empower them with video and then leave them to their own devices for its disposal. They have no prior knowledge of the internal, not to mention relatively toxic, workings of such technology. Especially since the majority of such components are mined from portions of the earth that require extensive equipment to extract.A Tool for Social AdvocacySo although there are no perfect solutions to extending and sharing the voice of those all over the World, video can serve as an important tool to help leverage their stories. Whether individuals are illiterate, speak a little known language, or live in the most remote village in the world. Video can help share their stories and illuminate the diversity of culture around the World. It can also be a critical tool in providing voices to those who suffer, and inspire all of us to help improve social and ecological conditions worldwide.For more information about video as a tool for human rights and social advocacy, please visit WITNESS or on their video Hub.Photo Credit.]]>http://www.justmeans.com/EPA-E-Waste-Bust--Responsibility--Design-and-Laws-To-Blame/45175.htmlSat, 19 Feb 2011 12:50:31 GMTTiffany Finley Two companies responsible for attempting to illegally export hazardous waste are facing tens of thousands of dollars of fines from the US EPA. Metro Metals Corp and Avista Recycling Inc mislabeled a shipment of nearly 1,000 computer monitors as "scrap plastic" in place of properly disposing of the hazardous waste in compliance with US law. Electronics are one of the primary products that governments worldwide are reviewing for Product Take Back Legislation or Extended Producer Responsibility to Read Full Article ]]> Two companies responsible for attempting to illegally export hazardous waste are facing tens of thousands of dollars of fines from the US EPA. Metro Metals Corp and Avista Recycling Inc mislabeled a shipment of nearly 1,000 computer monitors as "scrap plastic" in place of properly disposing of the hazardous waste in compliance with US law. Electronics are one of the primary products that governments worldwide are reviewing for Product Take Back Legislation or Extended Producer Responsibility to account for the waste and its appropriate disposal. Yet, the question for many designers and consumers alike is: Isn't there a way to design electronics to minimize or remove hazardous components that lead to e-waste?What is E-WasteE-Waste is short for Electronic Waste, specifically from computers, televisions, radios, and other devices. This waste is typically considered hazardous due to cathode ray tubes and other electronic components that contain high levels of lead, mercury, cadmium, and even arsenic. It requires special disposal that consumers often pay to third party companies. The growing controversy is the rise in e-waste's export to third world countries, where there is little to no knowledge of the hazardous contents inside. This has lead to many alleged sicknesses including leukemia and other forms of blood cancer. But this issue is not just found in e-waste dumping grounds, it is also being found in the manufacturing mini-cities of electronic companies in developing nations.Story of Electronics Annie Leonard, who created the Story of Stuff with Free Range Studios, made a video called the "Story of Electronics" that highlights the design issues and e-waste problems of the current methods of electronics production. One of the key highlights from the video is the concept of "Designed for the Dump" or the "grave" as many designers call it. This refers to products that are not designed to have any lifespan outside of its initial purpose. Computers are an excellent example. They contain a vast array of metals and toxic components, many of which are valuable. Yet to extract any of the valuable components, you must first expose yourself to the hazardous toxins. This is considered a simple design flaw, one which students overcame when developing the Arc Bloom Laptop. This computer can be disassembled completely in about a minute, with two small removable components that house the hazardous waste. This design allows the laptop to be almost 100% recyclable for the average consumer, an important step away from "Designed for the Dump".Role of Product Take Back PoliciesIt is a great relief that most of the issues associated with E-waste can be solved with a more whole systems approach to product design. Yet until these steps are taken, the World is dealing with a very large E-waste problem since technology is essentially outdated every 2 years. This is where efforts in Product Take Back Policies and Extended Producer Responsibility step-in to help deal with the waste as well as encourage more responsible design. These policies are common in Europe and a few leading Countries. Unfortunately in nations like the United States, China, Brazil, and India that contain either large populations or a high rate of consumption per capita, these policies aren't being adequately addressed. This becomes an increasingly high concern given the rate of consumption, the rate of obsolescence of these devices, and the rapid growth of technology worldwide. Although regulatory measures, like the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act that require adequate disposal of hazardous waste may act as a safeguard, an added nudge to take more complete responsibility and pride in product manufacturing and design would better alleviate the e-waste issue.So, what is the good news other than that the majority of this waste can be addressed through whole systems design? Some states within the US are taking a pro-active stance and passing their own e-waste legislation. The Electronics TakeBack Coalition was one of the motivating forces that has helped cover 65% of the US population by some form of e-waste recycling law. But as demonstrated by this recent bust by the EPA, companies are still working around legislation. By combining both the legal ramifications for improper waste disposal as well as regulations for product design to help turn nudge into shove for more long-term and thoughtful product design.For more information, watch the Story of Electronics by Annie Leonard, review the information at the Electronics TakeBack Coalition, or read over the European Electronics Takeback Laws.Photo Credit: E Waste in Guiyu]]>http://www.justmeans.com/Is-the-USA-Un-Developing/44921.htmlThu, 17 Feb 2011 12:09:25 GMTTiffany Finley As budget cut talks begin in the USA, the priorities will become increasingly transparent. Reviewing the suggested budget cuts leaves an unsettling feeling that one of the World's superpowers isstrategicallyplanning for the 1970s, not 2012 and beyond. With severe slashes to social and environmental programs, and little review of actual strategic investments for long-term stability, the question of thought process surfaces. Are the leaders of the United States stuck in an antiquated mode of probl Read Full Article ]]> As budget cut talks begin in the USA, the priorities will become increasingly transparent. Reviewing the suggested budget cuts leaves an unsettling feeling that one of the World's superpowers isstrategicallyplanning for the 1970s, not 2012 and beyond. With severe slashes to social and environmental programs, and little review of actual strategic investments for long-term stability, the question of thought process surfaces. Are the leaders of the United States stuck in an antiquated mode of problem-solving?Proposed Budget Cut OverviewPresident Obama and Congress have been working to curb 9% of nondefense discretionary spending by the government based on 2010 numbers to start to address the $14 trillion dollar national debt. Republicans, working to fulfill their campaign promise, are proposing $74 - $100 billion in budget cuts, which is more than what the President has called for at this time. There are disagreements for freezing domestic spending for the next five years at 2010 levels, President Obama's suggestion, versus 2008 levels, Republican's suggestion. One of Obama's major budget changes would be to end the Bush era tax cuts for the richest Americans along with freezing domestic spending that is expected to save around $1.2 trillion. The majority of other proposed budget cuts will come from mainly social and environmental programs with a few unexpected cuts to NASA, NIH, and the GSA Federal Building Fund. The highest cuts will include a combined $1.7 billion to the EPA, $1 billion from high speed rail, $1.3 billion from Community Health Centers, and $2 billion from Job Training Programs.The cuts are highly controversial given their transparent bias toward business and preservation of current systems regardless of efficiency. President Obama stated that "Just as it would be a terrible mistake to borrow against our children's future to pay our way today, it would be equally wrong to neglect their future by failing to invest in areas that will determine our economic success in this new century." Yet both the President's suggested budget cuts as well as the GOP fall short of addressing the US's excessive spending today and the absolute necessity to create a foundation for future generations.Mind Shift to the Millennium and BeyondNo government is perfect, but the extreme inefficiencies within the US government continue to cost taxpayers money during the worst economic downturn since the 1920s recession. Filibusters, a delay tactic from the 1800s, have been used extensively by both parties today, the 2000s. Due to these delays and other inefficiencies, the government often goes into Special Sessions to resolve unfinished tasks. Now shift toward the corporations that many politicians work to defend so dearly and take a look inside their operations. If a high level executive started reading the Bible from front to back to delay a Board decision, the individual would promptly be removed and not asked to return. If the top level talent couldn't get along to make a decision, there would be a lot of pressure for them to resolve their differences and get down to work before the company would pay them overtime. Paying employees overtime for a job they had ample time to complete, but purposely delayed is an equally ludicrous idea not to mention a waste of money. It would appear that the US government could learn a great deal from the companies, whose tax breaks they defend, in terms of efficiency and resolve to finish the tasks they started and were assigned. There are around 10,000 bills proposed in Congress annually, only 400 of those bills pass into law, giving bills a 4% chance of succeeding.Reviewing the suggested budget cuts propel Congress' 1800sfilibustertactics to at least the 1970s, where oil is king, the environment is a dumping ground, and social issues are a little too "soft" to deal with head on. This does not sound like the approach of a developed country in the age of the millennium. It is shocking to find the antiquated thinking that road widening, business tax cuts, and protecting certain military investments that even the Pentagon has asked to stop funding is what is going to "save" the US from its ever-increasing deficit. This time warp comes at a critical time in our development, since the next 4 years will determine the environmental health of the next 100. Blatant failures to invest in mass transit, start to shoulder the responsibility for the country's greenhouse gas emissions, and support those most in need on the ground level are not typically found in proudly developed countries. The excuses range from the deficit to downright conspiracy theory, but one thing is clear, the government seems to be functioning in the past.The United States remains one of the sole developed nations that has failed to make international commitments and set national standards on greenhouse gas emissions. It is so far behind other developed countries in terms of Mass Transit, that it is known abroad as the "Car Country". With unemployment rates still alarmingly high, multitudes of individuals are without healthcare, and a shocking amount of Americans going hungry every day. Investing in the people, the foundation, of a Country would appear to be the most logical investment, not cut.With a thoughtful reshuffling of priorities and an eye to long-term sustainable development, the US has the potential to not only significantly cut its spending, but also provide a foundation for future generations to not just survive, but to thrive.Photo Credit: Cox & Forkum]]>