How to Change the World: The Power of Social Entrepreneurs and New Ideas

Author: David Bornstein (USA)
Publisher:
Publish Date: April 1, 2006
Features: The social entrepreneurs who are lured into this book belong to a crucial generation: they are independent, creative leaders who ignite sparks of social change in the United States and in parts of the world where people need help. In the future, we will hear more about them. — Bill Bradley (former NBA basketball star, Democratic Senator from New Jersey)
Human progress is always driven by dreamers who seek a better future and pour their lives into realizing that promise. With courage and determination, these social entrepreneurs fearlessly confront the world's toughest challenges. Bernstein gives us a precious gift: a book about hope, courage, and strength—the very qualities that enabled those extraordinary men and women to change the world. — Jeff Skoll (Chairman and Founder of the Skoll Foundation, co-founder of eBay)
David Bornstein's book will touch many minds and souls. I hope it reaches a wide readership. Without the efforts and vitality of civil society, the implementation of all development needs in the world today would be frustrated by inequality, especially in developing countries and societies. — Armínio Fraga (former Governor of the Central Bank of Brazil)
So inspiring and uplifting—these stories of social entrepreneurs will encourage and motivate many people—those who seek to create a better world. — Nelson Mandela (leader of the African National Congress, former President of South Africa)
What business entrepreneurs mean economically, social entrepreneurs mean for social change. David Bornstein writes: They are idealistic, creative individuals who question the status quo, forge new opportunities, refuse to give up, and ultimately rebuild a better world. How to Change the World tells the compelling stories of these extraordinary individuals—some from the United States, others from many countries, including Brazil to Austria—to provide the private sector with an "excellence guide."
In the United States, a man named J.B. Schlemmer helped thousands of middle school students from low-income families attend college. In South Africa, a woman named Veronica Khosa developed a home-based AIDS care model that changed government health policy. In Brazil, thanks to the efforts of Fabio Rosado, hundreds of thousands of rural residents in remote areas gained access to electricity. Then there's the American James Grant, who led and "marketed" a global child immunization campaign, saving 25 million lives and earning himself a reputation. And there's the American Peter Drayton, who founded the volunteer hub "Ashoka" to fund and support these social entrepreneurs, as well as over a thousand others like them, spreading the power of their ideas around the world.
These extraordinary stories reveal a massive transformation that has not been widely reported by the media: Around the world, the fastest-growing sector of society is the private sector, while millions of ordinary people—social entrepreneurs—are increasingly stepping into places where governments and businesses have failed to solve problems. As its title suggests, How to Change the World: Social Entrepreneurs and the Power of New Ideas tells us that with determination and creativity, individuals can also achieve extraordinary things. For those who seek to leave a positive mark on the world, this is both an inspiring read and an invaluable action guide. It will change the way you see the world.