In the past couple of months (!) I have been incredibly happy to have so many intelligent and passionate Gen Y changemakers stop over at my blog to partake in the Be the Change series.

What we learned

Through this series, we read about the grand dreams and visions that Gen Yers have to change and better the world; some may call them idealistic, but they know that social change is a priority, and a possibility.

We learned about the value of listening to the communities we hope to assist. We listened to personal stories of young social entrepreneurs who are striving to “be the change” themselves. On the flip side, we heard from those who felt that not everyone has to be a youth leader in order to engage in the social change movement; the movement needs followers to support it, too.

When hoping to enter the non-profit world full-time, we learned that the non-profit atmosphere isn’t for everyone - and that it might take time to find where you fit in professionally. At the same time, activism is for everyone - and whether or not you work in a non-profit full time, there are ways you can incorporate social change into your everyday work and life. Often, social change happens through a series of small steps - and though it may seem small at first, each step is necessary.

We questioned whether online activism - “slactivism” - is replacing it’s real world counterpart, and real change is getting left behind in the process. We discussed the impact that raising awareness of important international issues can have if done the right way: through personal stories that make hard statistics more tangible. We realized that not everyone shares a passion for a same cause - and so can be more effective to inspire by being the change, not persuading others to support your cause.

We tackled and debated important issues, such as animal rights, the Israel-Palestine conflict, finding a cure for Alzheimer’s disease, education for women, microfinance, and feminism.

And finally, we were compelled to take a deeper look at our own commitment to question whether we are genuinely committed to making a change in the world - or if we are putting our ambitions and desire for success first.

What’s next?

Thank you all for joining this series, reading along, commenting, or tweeting about it. It means a lot to me, and to the broader social change movement. It is truly a testament to the fact that Gen Y DOES care about making a difference, and that we are poised to utilize our skills and passion to contribute in some way - big or small - to bettering the world. This series, I think, completely blasts apart all the negative stereotypes: that we’re entitled and selfish, that we arrogant and self-centered. Here is proof that we, as a generation, can come together to make an impact beyond ourselves.

But ultimately, REAL change doesn’t happen through blogging or Tweeting. Real change and impact happens offline. Real change happens through action, not discussion.

I encourage you all to continue your activism, both online and offline. Volunteer your time (and skills!) to a local NGO that is desperately in need. Take time out this holiday season to fundraise for a specific cause you care about. Figure out ways to push the corporation you work in to engage in greater corporate social responsibility (CSR). Donate your birthday or wedding gifts to a non-profit. If you’re feeling bold, work for an NGO/social enterprise full time or even start one of your own.

Take action. Don’t limit your “change” to words.

(Picture credit: here)

Today I want to feature United Prosperity, a truly innovative organization that takes the concept of microfinance to the next level. Most microfinance institutions (MFIs) simply provide small loans to poor entrepreneurs who want to pull themselves out of poverty through their small businesses. However, this approach does not strengthen the local banking system or create domestic linkages that allow the entrepreneur to eventually borrow from local banks. Instead, the entrepreneur is often constantly borrowing from MFIs and can never move on to the next stage.

United Prosperity tackles this problem in a very unique way. Instead of directly providing loans to people, United Prosperity invites you to donate part of a “loan guarantee” which a small business owner will receive. The entrepreneur can then take the loan guarantee to a local bank, use it as collateral, and then obtain a larger loan from the bank. This empowers entrepreneurs to be able to borrow from local banks, and thus strengthens local institutional linkages. I think it’s a very powerful and innovative idea, and I can’t wait to see how far it goes.

United Prosperity is also great at social media. I first stumbled upon the organization after following it’s founder - Bhalchander Vishwanath - on Twitter. Bhalchander consistently posts the latest news and resources related to microfinance, social business, and development. He interacts with his followers, getting to know people on a one-on-one basis. As a result, he’s created a powerful community around his passion for microfinance, and has been able to successfully leverage this community to bring attention to his organization - United Prosperity. After I ran across the organization, I was taken by the innovative idea and I suggested that we work together. Now, students from a group I am part of - the Student Microfinance Development Initiative - are working with United Prosperity on research, marketing, and publicity. This is a prime example of how social media can be utilized to empower nonprofits and how connections can be leveraged to bring attention to your cause. Ultimately, a personal brand can do much to raise awareness of an associated nonprofit - building and maintaining a community isn’t easy, but it’s vital. The bottom line is that social media works - and United Prosperity has been doing a great job of carving out a clear online space for itself!

As you can see, United Prosperity has a unique idea and a fresh approach. The organization is in need of more loan guarantors. So head over to their website today and provide a loan!

Today I want to feature an amazing organization in Sierra Leone, called Timap for Justice. Timap for Justice is an innovative organization aiming to provide basic access to justice to the people of Sierra Leone. Timap for Justice formed to address the shortage of lawyers in the country, and employs and trains community-based paralegals instead of lawyers. They employ 25 paralegals who work in 13 paralegal offices in various parts of Sierra Leone.

Their model is unique and effective, not only because of the reliance on trained paralegals, but also because of the combined approach of education, mediation, negotiation, organizing, and advocacy they utilize. Paralegals mediate conflicts between individuals (e.g. family arguments, property disputes), and also engage in community-level advocacy (e.g. discussing various schooling and health issues with local non profit groups). Sierra Leone has a dualistic legal structure, meaning there is a formal legal structure as well as a customary/traditional legal system. Paralegals are trained to solve problems through both channels. The program also has centrally located lawyers/directors who employ litigation and high-level advocacy in certain severe cases, or where litigation can have a broader impact.

Very few organizations combine all these approaches, thus allowing Timap for Justice to have a truly effective, innovative model - which champions a holistic approach to fighting human rights violations, rather than a myopic focus on legal issues. Paralegals are advocates and mentors, and become truly a valuable part of the communities they work with - again, very rare for nonprofits.

I’d encourage you all to check out Timap for Justice and acknowledge the great work they are doing. It’s important to recognize and raise awareness of grassroots organizations which are often doing amazing work, especially since they originate within the communities they work in - but so sadly, often lack attention due to the dominance of larger Western NGOs which gain prominence in the the media’s eyes.

Photo Credit: here