Monica, thanks so much for this post! You’re right–change is made through community. But why must grassroots public service/philanthropy be void of any economies of scale? I firmly believe that every day many among us are making a difference in their communities in ways that are both profound for the people involved AND scalable to other communities facing similar issues. Unfortunately, most of the people who are effective at positive change in their own communities are not always the ones who think to scale any of their concepts beyond the reach of their immediate environment. Similarly, the policy makers and corporate managers are often oblivious to the realities of people on the grassroots level and have a hard time gaining access to the relevant information and experiences that offer true understanding.
Although it’s inherently difficult, it is quite possible to take the actions of an innovative individual and take them to scale. I presume that as an entrepreneur you already understand this. I would simply like to stress that the same principles should apply to socially motivated work. We must force ourselves to be more creative, though, and employ some of the same industriousness that we often reserve for our own entrepreneurial ventures.
This post has been extremely relevant to an essay that I’m writing about private enterprise and bottom-up development in the developing world. I would like to share it with you when I’m finished, if you so desire.
Thomas – you are probably right about the economies of scale. The trouble I see with it is that in order for grassroots to work, you really have to keep getting people to support your movement and stay active. I’d love to hear more of your thoughts on how to scale a social movement.
It certainly takes a special person to be like your new friend and live and teach in her neighborhood. Although I’d like to think I could do that, deep down I know I wouldn’t/couldn’t.
But, just because you have a job that isn’t directly tied to helping health and human services, doesn’t mean you can’t make a difference. Young people all of over – whether they’re lawyers, marketing specialists, or teachers – make a difference by getting involved in politics, giving to charity, volunteering with kids, elderly, animals, or whatever else floats their boat. There are millions of ways that we can all have an impact.
Don’t get me wrong – We need people like your friend. They are brave, amazing people, and I am so thankful for them. But, we all have an opportunity to make a difference.
Thanks so much for posting this. It has been something I have been thinking about and struggling with recently.
After graduating college, a few of my girl friends went into the Peace Corps and Americorps. I hold such reverence for these organizations and the people giving their time and effort to help people around the world. Although I realized these organizations weren’t for me at this time in my life, I learned that sometimes it is the simple things that you can do each day that matters.
I used to think that there was so much that needed to be done and I didn’t know where to start, so I didn’t. I finally realized that making the world a better place starts with yourself and the people around you. Sharing your talents, your capabilities, a smile or a coffee with your friends, co-workers, and neighbors can make a difference. I know it has for me when I needed help.
Even though your occupation may not be “helping people” directly, it doesn’t mean that you as a person aren’t. Like you said, it is only through holding each other up through community that we can truly change the world around us.
Monica, I love that you wrote about this. I’ve seen quite a few blog posts from other Millennials about the paralysis that can come with wanting to do good and I actually wrote about it a little while ago. You should check out Sam Davidson (fellow BC blogger) and his organization Cool People Care (coolpeoplecare.org). It’s all about making the world a better place five minutes at a time.
Angela and Carla, I agree that we should be thankful for people who make a difference the way my friend has – but I also see the flip-side where it’s just not for everyone. A career in teaching is not for me, nor will it ever be. Sometimes I wish it were so I could see more clearly how I contribute to making the world better.
Its been a while, I like the new site design. I’m curious, you know me being from Chicago (Inner city guy) and all, to the area your friend lives in? I should add, not sure if you remember, but I’m currently in Tulsa, OK. I’m pursing a MA in Judaic Christian Studies. Anyhow, I agree, community involvement is huge but we must avoid the trap of Western society that tells us to build high fences, to keep to ourselves and so forth. I used to work in a rough community located on Spading and Jackson, yeah, I think those were the streets. South side of Chicago. Take care out there, hope everything goes well. I hope the situation improves for both of you and the communities you represent.
Truly inspirational Monica. This post reminds me of why I run 20 minutes to the gym every morning instead of driving my car and contributing to pollution, traffic, and road rage stress. It reminds me of why my girlfriend and I take tote bags to the grocery store to use instead of plastic bags that harm the environment.
I think people often forget that there are so many little things that we can do that can help make this world become a better place. Your friend is doing something very honorable by providing a great and safe education for her students. I currently have 10 “students” of my own who work with me at Future Delivery. I’m trying to teach them everything I know about entrepreneurship, business, and social media so that they can one they use these tools to do something great for society.
When I started blogging, your blog was one of the very first that I started reading. Your writing has really helped me become a better blogger and inspired me to create a company that will help Millennials become more productive while having fun at the same time.
Why don’t you guys make a difference in the neighborhood? Known gang leader? If you are so sure, why not get media or police involved? You let it happen, that is why it happens.
The reason to not get the media involved is because there is so much crime in a large city like Chicago that the media doesn’t care until a major crime has happened and has no jurisdiction anyway.
I recently spoke to Mayor Daley about getting the police involved, and he explained to me why the police don’t get involved. I won’t get into it here, but what he told me really changed my entire perspective on how dangerous it is to become a police officer in the city, and why they have trouble retaining good police officers, which brings the entire force down and is why you hear of so much corruption within the system. The whole thing reminds me of Gotham City in Batman Begins.
And you’re right. No one needs four types of cereal. And change isn’t as simple as leaving a comment on a blog.
Great post! However one thing I encourage all people who have dedicated their professional lives to helping others is that they become advocates. That their energy while useful in places like the classroom cannot end there if they truly wish to bring about the change that brought them to their jobs in the first place.
When it comes to education we lose kids by the thousands yet seem content with saving them in the tens. It’s a start but not nearly enough.
Can I suggest Step Up Women’s Network. There’s a chapter in Chicago. Membership starts at $50 a year, and you get to enhance your professional development and give back to the community at the same time. They host awesome networking events at places that pamper you and provide you the opportunity to drop in a volunteer with at risk teens when your schedule permits. http://www.suwn.org
Monica O'Brien is the Director of Digital at Fizz and author of the book Social Pollination, which helps businesses leverage social media for crazy growth!
Monica O'Brien is the Director of Digital at Fizz and author of the book Social Pollination, which helps businesses leverage social media for crazy growth!
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
Monica, thanks so much for this post! You’re right–change is made through community. But why must grassroots public service/philanthropy be void of any economies of scale? I firmly believe that every day many among us are making a difference in their communities in ways that are both profound for the people involved AND scalable to other communities facing similar issues. Unfortunately, most of the people who are effective at positive change in their own communities are not always the ones who think to scale any of their concepts beyond the reach of their immediate environment. Similarly, the policy makers and corporate managers are often oblivious to the realities of people on the grassroots level and have a hard time gaining access to the relevant information and experiences that offer true understanding.
Although it’s inherently difficult, it is quite possible to take the actions of an innovative individual and take them to scale. I presume that as an entrepreneur you already understand this. I would simply like to stress that the same principles should apply to socially motivated work. We must force ourselves to be more creative, though, and employ some of the same industriousness that we often reserve for our own entrepreneurial ventures.
This post has been extremely relevant to an essay that I’m writing about private enterprise and bottom-up development in the developing world. I would like to share it with you when I’m finished, if you so desire.
Keep up the good work!
Thomas – you are probably right about the economies of scale. The trouble I see with it is that in order for grassroots to work, you really have to keep getting people to support your movement and stay active. I’d love to hear more of your thoughts on how to scale a social movement.
Hi Monica,
It certainly takes a special person to be like your new friend and live and teach in her neighborhood. Although I’d like to think I could do that, deep down I know I wouldn’t/couldn’t.
But, just because you have a job that isn’t directly tied to helping health and human services, doesn’t mean you can’t make a difference. Young people all of over – whether they’re lawyers, marketing specialists, or teachers – make a difference by getting involved in politics, giving to charity, volunteering with kids, elderly, animals, or whatever else floats their boat. There are millions of ways that we can all have an impact.
Don’t get me wrong – We need people like your friend. They are brave, amazing people, and I am so thankful for them. But, we all have an opportunity to make a difference.
Peace,
Angela
By the way, I like the new look! And, I’m thrilled to see you posting again.
Sorry for the separate comment; forgot to mention in my last one.
Monica-
Thanks so much for posting this. It has been something I have been thinking about and struggling with recently.
After graduating college, a few of my girl friends went into the Peace Corps and Americorps. I hold such reverence for these organizations and the people giving their time and effort to help people around the world. Although I realized these organizations weren’t for me at this time in my life, I learned that sometimes it is the simple things that you can do each day that matters.
I used to think that there was so much that needed to be done and I didn’t know where to start, so I didn’t. I finally realized that making the world a better place starts with yourself and the people around you. Sharing your talents, your capabilities, a smile or a coffee with your friends, co-workers, and neighbors can make a difference. I know it has for me when I needed help.
Even though your occupation may not be “helping people” directly, it doesn’t mean that you as a person aren’t. Like you said, it is only through holding each other up through community that we can truly change the world around us.
-Carla
Monica, I love that you wrote about this. I’ve seen quite a few blog posts from other Millennials about the paralysis that can come with wanting to do good and I actually wrote about it a little while ago. You should check out Sam Davidson (fellow BC blogger) and his organization Cool People Care (coolpeoplecare.org). It’s all about making the world a better place five minutes at a time.
Angela and Carla, I agree that we should be thankful for people who make a difference the way my friend has – but I also see the flip-side where it’s just not for everyone. A career in teaching is not for me, nor will it ever be. Sometimes I wish it were so I could see more clearly how I contribute to making the world better.
Vanessa, thanks for the link! Sam is great.
Hey Monica
Its been a while, I like the new site design. I’m curious, you know me being from Chicago (Inner city guy) and all, to the area your friend lives in? I should add, not sure if you remember, but I’m currently in Tulsa, OK. I’m pursing a MA in Judaic Christian Studies. Anyhow, I agree, community involvement is huge but we must avoid the trap of Western society that tells us to build high fences, to keep to ourselves and so forth. I used to work in a rough community located on Spading and Jackson, yeah, I think those were the streets. South side of Chicago. Take care out there, hope everything goes well. I hope the situation improves for both of you and the communities you represent.
Great post! I’m inspired!
Truly inspirational Monica. This post reminds me of why I run 20 minutes to the gym every morning instead of driving my car and contributing to pollution, traffic, and road rage stress. It reminds me of why my girlfriend and I take tote bags to the grocery store to use instead of plastic bags that harm the environment.
I think people often forget that there are so many little things that we can do that can help make this world become a better place. Your friend is doing something very honorable by providing a great and safe education for her students. I currently have 10 “students” of my own who work with me at Future Delivery. I’m trying to teach them everything I know about entrepreneurship, business, and social media so that they can one they use these tools to do something great for society.
When I started blogging, your blog was one of the very first that I started reading. Your writing has really helped me become a better blogger and inspired me to create a company that will help Millennials become more productive while having fun at the same time.
- Jun Loayza
You live in Englewood?
Why don’t you guys make a difference in the neighborhood? Known gang leader? If you are so sure, why not get media or police involved? You let it happen, that is why it happens.
Also, no one needs 4 different types of cereal.
Smarty: No, I don’t live in Englewood.
The reason to not get the media involved is because there is so much crime in a large city like Chicago that the media doesn’t care until a major crime has happened and has no jurisdiction anyway.
I recently spoke to Mayor Daley about getting the police involved, and he explained to me why the police don’t get involved. I won’t get into it here, but what he told me really changed my entire perspective on how dangerous it is to become a police officer in the city, and why they have trouble retaining good police officers, which brings the entire force down and is why you hear of so much corruption within the system. The whole thing reminds me of Gotham City in Batman Begins.
And you’re right. No one needs four types of cereal. And change isn’t as simple as leaving a comment on a blog.
Great post! However one thing I encourage all people who have dedicated their professional lives to helping others is that they become advocates. That their energy while useful in places like the classroom cannot end there if they truly wish to bring about the change that brought them to their jobs in the first place.
When it comes to education we lose kids by the thousands yet seem content with saving them in the tens. It’s a start but not nearly enough.
Can I suggest Step Up Women’s Network. There’s a chapter in Chicago. Membership starts at $50 a year, and you get to enhance your professional development and give back to the community at the same time. They host awesome networking events at places that pamper you and provide you the opportunity to drop in a volunteer with at risk teens when your schedule permits. http://www.suwn.org