Citizen-Led Initiative Battles Dangerous ‘Infodemic'

In a world divided into factions, social entrepreneurs are connecting people in new configurations and helping them work together more effectively because social entrepreneurs tend to pursue an end in a communal way.

In reporting about problems, reporters continually run the risks of inadvertently legitimizing negative behaviors by making them appear more pervasive — and therefore more normal — than they actually are. Some journalists are trying to focus on solutions amongst all the problems which are so much more apparent.

Social innovation rarely comes from “eureka” moments; it’s much more deliberate - it’s something that can be studied and learned. A short summer reading list for anyone interested in shaking up the status quo.

We’re getting smarter about the way we’re addressing social problems. Patterns in the most effective solutions are emerging, such as making evidence-based decisions, accepting that humans act irrationally, and bringing people back together to build comprehensive solutions.

In Oakland, a company created an online crowdfunding platform that allows users to earn interest by financing clean energy projects and gives people with good social intentions a direct line of action. Across the world, there is a growing movement toward people-powered clean energy.

Americans often want to connect to a cause beyond writing a check. Crowdsourcing is creating new forms of philanthropy globally, giving donors more choice and a stronger connection to the projects they fund.

Very few people go to city council meetings. MindMixer, a tech startup company, increased civic participation in states across the U.S. with online platforms for city officials and the community to discuss ideas.

North America’s protected areas are too small and scattered to sustain wildlife, so conservationists are fighting for Yellowstone to Yukon, a continent-wide network of protected areas which would preserve lifesaving migration routes.

Crises and problems are well-covered in the media. When the media focuses instead on organizations that are doing social good, it has a better effect because then these organizations are more likely to receive support and expand their access.

Areas of High Point, North Carolina have suffered from crime, poverty, and neglect, until the city began implementing Operation Ceasefire, a policing program that uses data collecting, community support against crime. High Point is now leading the country in its success of Operation Ceasefire, boasting dramatic reductions in violent crimes, domestic abuse, robberies, and drug-related offenses.