Dear Bev,
The World Conference on Social Enterprises is happening in SA this year. If you send me your direct e-mail I will forward the invite on to you.
I think the world is ripe and we are riding on the front edge of the wave.
Visit
www.unreasonableinstitute.org
Cyberspace is opening up possibilities that did not exist before.
Now it is time for those who know more about it to share what they know with those who do not. The movement is definitely growing.
I do not believe that the solution to every problem is funding. I know that it is more of a challenge, but building sustainable businesses based on solid business principles can do the same work. Everybody is looking for a quick fix and they are not prepared to do the work to get there. The sense of entitlement and "hand-out" mentality needs to shift. When people are prepared to do the work, we will all get there.
For me there is magic in making something out of nothing, which can turn life into a magical experience for those whose lives it improves. They have a far stronger sense of self-worth and confidence when they are done than somebody who has relied on outside funding to get them there. This solves the challenge at the root instead of treating the symptoms.
It is a tougher road, and the effects are more lasting.
Many people who receive funding may lose it through bad management or plain bad luck. Then they have to live with the guilt afterwards which further erodes their sense of being in control of their own future.
I do not believe that better funding structures will save us. I believe that hard work and learning will do a better job.
Where are you based Bev? I would love to meet with you face to face and hear more about your experiences.
Kind regards
Melanie