On Our Radar

My family just returned from a wonderful trip to Brazil (thanks to Delta miles!). Celia Cruz (who used to lead Ashoka Canada and Ashoka Brazil) showed me the work of Gilberto Dimenstein on transforming graffiti from this

to this

In other words, don’t fight it, shape it.

 When I was preparing for my interviews with Ashoka (3 ½ years ago now), I remember trying to understand what “jujutsu” meant and what a “Jujutsu point” was since Bill Drayton often referred to it.  Wikipedia says it “represents manipulating the opponent’s force against himself rather than confronting it with one’s own force” 

I get it now…turn the energy of graffiti artists into a positive force.

(In my private world, turn my 7 year old’s intense interest in the iPad to a way to practice piano.) 

What negative forces can you turn into something positive?

Then read on: Ashoka and the University of Florida are offering a new online course to give you the tools & strategies needed to start your own organization or social business.  

Earn two credit hours from UF just for launching your venture, while getting all the guidance and support you need to turn your social change idea into reality.  

We believe that the skills you gain in designing, launching and leading a venture that solves a social need are critical for succeeding in today’s fast-paced, constantly changing world.  We are here to help you develop those changemaker skills and to have fun while creating impact around you.  What better way to learn valuable skills and earn college credit while doing something meaningful?  

You must act quickly, though, because the course starts on August 22!  Find out more about the course: Venture Planning for Social Entrepreneurs.  

And yes, scholarships are available - Enquire with Gretchen Zucker at gzuckerATashokaDOTorg.