Memorial Day 2016

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Social Impact Insights from Chicago State of Innovation

Recently, I found myself invited to last week’s Chicago State of Innovation, a half-day conference put on by Chicago Inno. Although primarily focused on the technology and startup sector, I was interested – after all, I couldn’t let press credentials go to waste. (You can find highlights from the conference here and here). But one particular Chicago State of Innovation panel had specific interest for me: A Fireside Chat with Elizabeth Coston of Impact Engine and Michael Slaby of Timshel.

One of the great aspects about social change in Chicago is a growing trend towards social entrepreneurship, or businesses integrating a greater social purpose into their business models. For some, social enterprises are seen as more effective in driving change than non-profits, although this blog has a slightly more inclusive perspective. As part of the Fireside Chat, Michael Slaby noted several trends that contributed to the Chicago scene: how online tools are changing how mission-driven organizations function; new corporate structures (like Benefit Corporations) that help businesses institute values in governance; and how many businesses are adopting corporate social responsibility policies as a way of doing good. (Recent research, however, suggests that corporate social responsibility programs don’t ameliorate past bad deeds).

Chicago’s technology/startup community has a particularly strong social impact vein, or as Michael Slaby put it, an emphasis on social enterprise versus the “culture of the deal.” As more companies are speaking about values and mission, they are building a much stronger social impact community. Rather than adopt an attitude of what-can-we-do, many businesses are taking a proactive stance, applying their tools to solve key social problems. Chicago provides a great environment to create spaces for social entrepreneurs to do important work, and become more oriented around solving problems.

(As both Coston and Slaby pointed out, impact is “baked into” a business model, taking the focus away from impact as a result of revenue generation and more focused on making a direct impact).

But what made the session a hidden gem was that social impact was discussed in a serious manner….and spoken as a mandate rather than an option. In a city like Chicago, growth in corporate philanthropy and social enterprise has made what’s been said on this blog very clear – no single type of organization has a monopoly on social change. Every organization, whether nonprofit or for-profit, has a stake in making an impact. 

Although I had to leave the Chicago State of Innovation conference to make another appointment, I was very encouraged by the open, honest conversation about business and social change. As someone who works with various social change agencies, I am very heartened by the fact that Chicago is becoming an epicenter for making a greater social impact.

And I’m eagerly looking forward to attending next year’s Chicago State of Innovation.

Please feel free to share your thoughts and comments below or join the conversation on our Facebook page. Please check out the blog’s About page if you want to contact me directly.

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Meet Your Neighbor: Streetwise Chicago’s COOL Party

If you live in Chicago, you have encountered a Streetwise vendor selling their magazines around town. Although it may seem incongruous, Streetwise Chicago has empowered homeless individuals to become more entrepreneurial, providing them the resources, services,  and skills to break the cycle of homelessness. On May 21st, you’ll have a great opportunity to engage with Streetwise Chicago, and have a great time in the process.

Saturday, May 21st is when the Streetwise Chicago Associates Board is putting on The COOL Party, which will include live music (including a DJ), art, raffle, great Chicago food, and great drink specials. Held at 1st Ward/Chop Shop in Wicker Park (just a short walk from the Damen Blue Line station), the COOL Party will be a great way to see a different side of an organization making strides in alleviating homelessness.

You may think that having a formal party for an organization like Streetwise Chicago might seem incongruous – however, it is part of a growing trend for many nonprofits and other social benefit organizations. Fundraising has become a near-competitive aspect for various organizations, and cultivating new donors is always a challenge. However, Streetwise Chicago has been taking a very entrepreneurial approach towards reaching key audiences….and the Cool Party looks to be a very unique experience.

For pricing and RSVP information, please visit their Eventbrite page.

Hope to see you there!

Please share any thoughts, comments, or questions below or on our Facebook page. (Comments on both the blog and Facebook page will be moderated). If you want to reach me directly, simply use this “Contact Me” form)

And as always, thanks for reading!

Want to receive updates via e-mail? Just type your email address in the box and click the “create subscription” button. My list is completely spam free, and you can opt out at any time.