The Acumen Fund, Social Capitalism and other random thoughts

Wow! I just heard a podcast on one of my favorite programs, Speaking of Faith with Krista Tippett (they're changing the name /focus soon, though). It was about a new venture called The Acumen Fund which was founded by Jacqueline Novogratz. I can't begin to explain it in a way that would do it justice so if you're interested, go here:http://speakingoffaith.publicradio.org/programs/2010/different-kind-of-capitalism-2/index.shtml

However, I have to tell you a little bit about it! It is a program that invests in entreprenuers who are in their own ways, making the world a "better place". It's social conscience meets making a profit. I love it! I love that it combines the desire to work and produce something new (the entrepreneurs) with the desire to give back to communities!

It really made me think, too. It made me think about the disparity between the poor and the rich. It made me think about that I *am* the elite Jacqueline references. When is the last time you even thought about the fact that you have clean, running water any time you want it? When was the last time you *really* worried if you would be able to pay for that water!?

It made me think about the people in Haiti who are complaining about the free healthcare they're receiving from NGOs (seems they're going to put the existent healthcare providers out of business). It made me think about the Jamaicans who are struggling to farm but cannot compete with American farmers with their capital and their machinery.

These topics all seem related to me. What is the best way to help these different groups? Is it to fly our best charitable workers to them and do the work for them? Is it to throw money at them? Is it to take over the industries they can't succeed at because we can do it more efficiently? I think none of these approaches are really working. They're what we're trying and we've just been spinning our wheels.

But I like this approach The Acumen Fund is modelling. I like the idea of somehow merging (despite my criticism of co-optation) the private and public sectors. Can we teach people to fish while also giving them some fish? I think so! It makes my head swirl with interesting thoughts. If anyone is reading this, please feel free to add your own thoughts!! (P.S. It also could be I just listen to much public radio! HA!)

I'mmmm Coming Out...so we better get this party started!

HA! I hope Pink doesn't mind the lift of lyrics!
I came out this last weekend. Nope, I'm not gay. I'm happily married to a man. But I AM a Democrat. I live in an area where that is just about the same thing...and not in a good way...and Heaven help you if you're both gay and a Democrat!
My friends and family and people who have taken more than 15-30 minutes to learn anything about me already know my political affiliation. It doesn't take much to figure out. I talk about saving the environment, I have feminist leanings, I believe government can help people (and should!), and well, around here, I'm different.
But Saturday, I came out. I went to my first public event that was outwardly Democratic. It wasn't just a "save the environment" event or an Earth Day festival, it was a Democratic Rally. And I didn't just attend, I volunteered!
It was great...I was hot and dehydrated and worn out and sore by the end of the day but I felt like I was contributing to "the cause". I carried chairs, put up banners, made drinks, put out tables and covered them with tablecloths, "(wo)manned" the bouncy house and talked to people who actually think remotely similarly to me on the issues of the day!
I'm not crazy about our highest level candidate this year, a gubernatorial candidate, BUT I'm even less crazy about the Republican incumbent (and perhaps I'll blog about why one of these days). He really does have my vote just because he's not the other guy. Not that I think he'll get elected. The region I live in hasn't had any electoral votes in ANY election for ANY Democrat in....a really long time!!
I'm excited about taking actions for what I believe in. I'm excited about meeting people who think we can change things for the better the same way I do. I'm excited about taking some baby steps toward some long term goals.
They liked me, too, I think. The area headquarters has asked me to take over as the Secretary. I told them I'm interested but I need to attend a meeting or two and see if I can spare the time first! I'm crazy though because I really want to do it...along with work, school, mommyhood, etc.
So I'm out now....and very glad about it! Now, let's get this "party" started!!