Social Entrepreneurship - Change.org: What Social Entrepreneurs are Thankful For

What Social Entrepreneurs are Thankful For

Published November 27, 2008 @ 10:09AM PT

A few days ago, I fired up my Twitter and Facebook accounts and dug into my Gmail address book to reach out to some of the social entrepreneurs I'm inspired by throughout the year. For this Thanksgiving Day post, I thought it would be nice to share what these social innovators - all at different stages of their careers and enterprises - are inspired by and thankful for. Suffice it to say, I'm thankful for the ability to reach out and learn from people in every country on every continent. We live in a remarkable time, and the world is full of promise.

Andrew Mason, The Point @andrewmason
I am thankful for my 14 wonderful cats.

George Srour, Building Tomorrow
I’m thankful for those who believe that they have the power to change the world, one big dream at a time.

Justin Massa, MoveSmart.org @justinmassa
I am thankful that all of the signs so far point to a new administration which values creativity, critical thinking, and equity.

Susannah Cunningham, Iraqi Information Office at St. Andrews Refugee Ministry @susannahcc
I am thankful for being born a woman in the US and realizing how it is both extraordinary and mundane to trust common law enforcement in my home country. Who knew, that in the practical world Human Rights are extraordinary privileges?

Sean Stannard-Stockton, Tactical Philanthropy
I am thankful for the robust online conversation about philanthropy and social investing, even (especially?) when people deeply disagree with me!

Rabbi Josh Feigelson, Ask Big Questions
There's a Jewish blessing that praises God as the "One who gives strength to the weary." I'm thankful for the possibility of resilience.

Mark Hanis, Genocide Intervention Network
I'm thankful for technology like 1-800-GENOCIDE which can streamline the entire process for individuals to pressure their public officials to make Never Again mean something. One call can make a big difference! I'm thankful for having a great team of colleagues who have made the anti-genocide movement a powerful one.

Josh Levy, Change.org
I'm thankful that I'm in a position to spend my days helping to bring people together, to get them more involved in the issues of our time. And to do this while helping my own family grow -- these are real privileges.

Alex Steed, Millennials Changing America @alexsteed
A fantastic network of co-collaborators, co-conspirators, partners, and friends who share wisdom, resources, and drive in a way that makes collective change feel more possible than ever before.

David Ellis, Interfaith Youth Core
I am thankful for colorful imaginations

Amy Benziger, Social Capital Media
I am thankful for the advancements in social media. I am continually reminded through watching true stories of inspiring social entrepreneurs from around the world of why I am in the field of social capital and how imperative it is to work towards accelerating capital to good.

Vanessa Mason, Subject to Change @vanessamason
I am thankful for my job which continues to amaze me how wonderful each individual can be despite rough circumstances

Graeme Thickins, Tech-Surf blog @graemethickins
I'm thankful that innovation never slows down, even in a 'bad economy'..actually, entrepreneurs, now's your time to shine!

Jessica Margolin, The Groupery @thegroupery
I am thankful for and grateful to volunteers, parents, kids doing chores, kind folks; also CEOs & leaders who enable social responsibility efforts.

Marc Dangeard, Entrepreneur Commons @mdangear
I am thankful for the opportunity the financial crisis brings us to revisit how we fund businesses and to reconsider the concept of maximizing profit. I am thankful for web2.0 technologies that allow us to create global tribes without the filter of traditional channels.

Anne Fio, Fio Partners @annefio
I am thankful for the enthusiasm, inspiration & effort of so many across the globe to influence positive change.

Tori Tuncan, Lend4Health @lend4health
I'm thankful that I listened to myself when I had an idea to start a microlending site to help people gain access to health.

Brendan Baker, The First Drop, @brendanbaker
I am thankful for the opportunities provided by being Canadian and the insatiable desire to leverage them for change.

Joseph Dee, MaRS Discovery District, @josephdee
I'm thankful to be a part of the exponential change towards good that's happening in our world right now.

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Because I am slow in responding to Nathaniel's emails...

I am thankful for the many brilliant and selfless people who have listened to me and challenged my ideas, pushing them to be just a little bit better. To them I am truly indebted.

I would also like to note that this includes Nathaniel, one of the most supportive friends to entrepreneurs far and wide. I am very thankful for our GChat conversations!

Posted by Molly Day on 11/27/2008 @ 07:39PM PT
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I am thankful for being able to worship God without government interference or oppression in the US. I am thankful for my family and friends and the love that they provide me, which makes it possible for me to serve others through my consumer blog and YouTube Channel. I am thankful for Change.org. I am thankful for the millions of people around the world who give of themselves to help others to make our world a more safe, just, positive and better place to live in.

Posted by Harold Cameron on 11/28/2008 @ 12:15PM PT
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I am tankful for being in life by this moment. I appreciate this extraordinairy part of black history, let be plentyfull citizen and have participate, have actions, have ideas, be a part of our well being.

Posted by Walter Fleuristil on 11/30/2008 @ 07:07AM PT
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Author Biography

Nathaniel Whittemore: Evanston, IL; Nathaniel is the founding Director of the Center for Global Engagement at Northwestern University, which works annually with hundreds of students in dozens of countries around the world through curricular programs and student project incubation.