About us
Ashoka?
We build networks of pattern-changing social innovators and select extraordinary entrepreneurs, who creatively solve some of the worlds biggest social challenges. These leading social entrepreneurs become Ashoka Fellows - they are the olympians of changemaking and a source of daily inspiration.
Ashoka believes that there is nothing more powerful than a new idea in the hands of a social entrepreneur. Social entrepreneurs are relentless team-builders and problem-solvers who set new norms in their fields of work. They are practical visionaries – practical in that they are highly attentive to the nuts and bolts of making things work, and visionary in that they often reframe the problem, build roles for others to participate, and cast a long term view for change at least at the national level. See for yourself: meet the US Fellows. If you know of anyone that fits the description, do let us know by nominating that person.
Oh, and the name?
The organization was named to honor Ashoka, the Indian leader who unified the Indian subcontinent in the 3rd century BC, renouncing violence and dedicating his life to social welfare and economic development. For his creativity, global mindedness and tolerance, Ashoka is renowned as the earliest example of a social innovator.
Bet you didn’t know that Ashoka also means “the active absence of sorrow” in Sanskrit.
This blog?
“On Our Radar” is Ashoka US’ team blog . It’s the quirkier version of the soon-to-come blog on our official site. Many of us use the Tumblr-platform anyway, and reblogging and liking content directly on the site, seemed like the best way to share links we would otherwise share via email, while giving due credit directly to the people posting.
Since it’s new for us to curate our knowledge and our work with social innovators publicly + in a blog format, we appreciate feedback on how we are doing.
