JOIN! Apply Now to Be OpenIDEO's Next Challenge Community Champion

A message from the OpenIDEO team:

The OpenIDEO Team are busy cooking up a new challenge which we're hoping to launch during the next month. We're keen to continue our experiment to empower collaborators from our community in helping shape our challenges. So we've got one spot for a switched-on community member, in a voluntary role to work together with us to deepen the OpenIDEO community experience.

Are you an enthusiastic community-connector and action-agent?

Do you have eagle eyes for what drives engagement and impact?

Have you got what it takes to see and share patterns emerging from OpenIDEO collaborations?

Check out what's involved and how to apply. Applications are due Monday 3 June, 2013 and the position will kick-off the week of June 10, 2013.

Cheers,

The OpenIDEO Team

JOB OPENING! Ashoka is setting up shop in the Philippines

Image courtesy of Ashoka Philippines website.

Ashoka is setting up shop in the Philippines
and they're looking to build their team! 

They've currently got two openings waiting to be filled by two dynamic people with a strong entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to change the world for the better.

1. Ashoka Philippines Country Director

• Developing strategies and networks to select and support leading social entrepreneurs and linking them to Ashoka’s global network of Fellows
• Launching relevant Ashoka programs offering young people, citizens, and institutions opportunities to become changemakers and solve social problems
• Building bridges between businesses and citizen sector organizations allowing more efficient flow of ideas and resources between the sectors
• Increasing awareness of Ashoka, social entrepreneurship and changemaking through events, media outreach, and engagement of people from all sectors of society in the Everyone a Changemaker movement
• Raising the necessary resources to support Ashoka’s work in the Philippines.

2. Ashoka Philippines Program Associate

• Support the Country Director in the launch of relevant Ashoka programs; engaging partners from both the business and citizen sectors
• Coordinate the search and selection program for Ashoka Fellows; conducting thorough research and due diligence on Fellow candidates 
• Manage the Ashoka program's finance and administrative processes
• Assist in the marketing and communication of Ashoka's vision and efforts in the Philippines

For more information about the positions, eligibility and how to apply, visit their job posting page.
To learn more about the organization, visit their website at http://philippines.ashoka.org/

And if you still want to learn more, a more intimate look at their work can be found in  the book "How to Change the World: Social Entrepreneurs and the Power of New Ideas." Read my review of the book here.

Happy Birthday, PechaKucha!

A big shoutout to one of my favorite events of all time.. PechaKucha!

February 20th 2013 marks their 10th anniversary and 100th PechaKucha Night in Tokyo where it all began.

Photo from PechaKucha.

To celebrate, they're having an extra special PechaKucha Night in Tokyo at SuperDeluxe.

http://www.pechakucha.org/cities/tokyo

And going live on UStream for those who are too far away to join them on location.

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/pechakucha-night-tokyo

After 10 years, 4,400 events around the wold featuring 44,000 presenters in over 600 cities, they're now set to bring us another awesome next 10 years. They're starting with the launch of their new and improved website:

http://www.pechakucha.org

I look forward to more wonderful nights of creative and interesting randomness to come.

HELP OUT! KaEskwela needs 100 schoolbags by July 2

.

Snapshot from the KaEskwela website.

Who they are

Here's what you can gather after a quick read-through of KaEskwela's FAQs on their website:

KaEskwela is a non-stock, non-profit organization formed in April 2007, made up of volunteers who are dedicated to helping public schoolchildren attain quality education, which will eventually help them lead better lives.

KaE talks with school officials and finds out what their needs are. So far, KaEskwela has donated books, school supplies, bags and footwear, electric fans, and computers to public schools. They have also conducted workshops on literacy for teachers, art and writing for students.

When the need arises, they also hold relief operations. They've also funded feeding programs and conducted a medical-dental mission.

What makes KaEskwela different from other education groups?

All their activities are school-based. They want to help students and their parents view going to school as a positive experience, rather than a burden.

They want to empower schools. They conduct dialogues to find out not just what KaE can give, but how they can all work together. They try to make improvements not just in things owned, but also in the skills and mindset they possess.

Find out more about them on Facebook, Twitter, Multiply, and their website.

What they need

KaEskwela: Sampaloc Elementary School in Tanay, Rizal often has empty chairs. Teachers report that a lot of their students don't regularly attend classes because their parents can barely afford to feed them, and certainly have no money for school supplies. 70% of the parents are unemployed, and a similar future may be waiting for these children if they can't get an education.

On the first or second week of July, KaEskwela will bring a generous donation--100 sets of school supplies-- to the children of Sampaloc. It would be great if the kids can put these precious supplies in their very own schoolbags.

Snapshot from the KaEskwela website.

How you can help

Help gather 100 schoolbags by July 2. They accept secondhand bags, as long as they are clean and in good condition. Email kaeskwelavolunteers@yahoo.com for details on when and where you can drop them off.


**Special thanks to Mabel David-Pilar for all the info.

It's About the People. It's Always About the People.

Last 28 February 2012 brought us to the Asian Institute of Management Conference Center to listen to a former Starbucks Coffee International president give a talk about leadership. AIM, Starbucks, Asia Society... you'd think you were in for an afternoon of talking about innovative R&D, pushing global supply chain management, dominating the market...

BOOK REVIEW: It's Not about the Coffee: Leadership Principles from a Life at Starbucks.

How about a business book that says..

"Do it because it's right, 

not because it's right 

for your resume."

A company president whose formula for the worker-workplace-success relationship is:

"When someone brings their passion to work, and it is aligned with the work of the organization, success is the natural outcome."

and whose advice to leaders simply is: "Wear one hat."

The hat referring to a personality, a center, a self. And the key to life is first finding that hat, and then finding the job / life that allows you to wear that hat. Once you have that, then you can be a leader who can lead people from "clarity to integrity."

Now, what if I say this isn't a CSR or NGO book!? 

It is, in fact, an honest-to-goodness book on good leadership directed at people within the upper management of the company. 

And best of all, it's called "It's Not About the Coffee" written by someone from... well.... Starbucks!

Definitely a refreshing read to have a former VP talking about how to run a company that aims to keep their people, well, human. 

Music Masters Series: Aima Labra-Makk

I've always believed that there is a lot of talent in the Philippines. We may lack opportunities for training, or need to develop our capacity to promote talents or to develop the market... but when it comes to raw talent, we definitely have a lot of it.

Last week, the Ayala Foundation shone the light on one such talent - virtuoso pianist (and fellow Cebuano) Aima Labra-Makk. Her playing has been described by European critics as "peerless marked by high musical intelligence, colorful expression with physical robustness (to sound), with elegant ease of touch but never for the sake of display."* 

The Ayala Museum lobby was turned into a mini concert hall where Labra-Makk started the evening with Haydn's Sonata hob. XVI No. 52 in E-flat Major and Schumann's Sonata No. 2 in G Minor, Op. 22. The highlight of the evening was her performance of Liszt's Piano Sonata in B Minor.

Now, what does that all mean to someone who was not brought up on classical music and cannot tell a Haydn from a Schumann or a Liszt? An evening of great music, all the same.

After all, you do not need a degree in classical music to appreciate it. You may need one to know how to analyze it or write an expert critique of it, but to appreciate it? To be so absorbed by the music that everything and everyone else in the room disappears? Or even just to sit in awe as you watch her fingers glide across the piano playing a soothing tune one minute and then see them transition into a frantic dance striking keys here and keys there as the piece gets more and more dramatic? No training necessary there. Just come as you are, and don't forget to bring a healthy dose of openness to see how the music can possibly move you.

Labra-Makk's performance last 24 Aug 2011 was just the first of the Ayala Museum's Music Masters Series - a cultural program aiming to promote top caliber Filipino talent in the field of classical music. I am definitely looking forward to announcements about their lineup of performances.

Proceeds of the concerts go to the Day at the Museum - an Ayala Foundation program that gives public school students the opportunity to tour the museum, and join hands-on workshops that give them a venue for creative self-expression through the arts.

The Switch: Corporate Give-away Options

"The Switch" is a series of blogposts about switching, one item at a time, to more socially-responsible and sustainable products. In the past I've always talked about products for individual use, so I figured it's time for a post on how organizations and corporations can make the switch too.

The marketing department of a company can be responsible for a lot of waste - flyers and marchandizing materials that aren't really useful and end up in the trash, or a multitude of tarpaulin banners that are not properly disposed of at the end of the event... the list can go on.

It's difficult enough trying to hit your deadlines and marketing targets, how can you find time to revamp your department into one that does end-to-end life-cycle management of all of its marketing materials? Well, as with anything, you start with baby steps. Here are my top two suggestions: (a) look into where you are sourcing your materials, or (b) be more conscious about what happens to your materials once your campaign is done. For this post, I'll start you off with some suppliers if you want to do option A.


TRY THESE SUPPLIERS

Trese or GK Payatas 13 Printers is a silk-screen printing and sewing venture operated as a social business model through the combined efforts of Gawad Kalinga Kapitbahayan residents, SIGA, GK Ateneo and GK Ateneo Alumni. They started off doing shirts back in 2003 but now, they accept made-to-order silk-screened giveaway items. You can read more about their story here.

A social enterprise that works with Gawad Kalinga community - how could I resist? So the next time I needed to produce some merchandize at work, I asked Trese to bid for the project against other traditional suppliers.

Look at the pretty bandanas
they made for us! :)

Initially, they had the higher bid. But they took the time to explain why it was so -- complete with excel sheet that broke down all the costs, plus a thorough explanation of their fair wages and labor practices that form part of the company's ethics. No other supplier took the time out to talk to me like that, and I really appreciated it. Of course, at the end of the day I have an obligation to my employers to manage our budget - which means I need to give the project to the supplier that gave the best quality for the best price. The great thing is that the people at Trese were willing to work with my needs - exploring different raw materials, size specifications and the like until they were able to match the lowest bid and still give me something of good quality.

So will I work with them again? Definitely! Good quality, on-time delivery, good client service... plus knowing that I'm helping out a GK community in the process was a great add-on.

For orders and inuiries, contact Mike Go or Felice Caringal at:
johnmichaelgo @ gmail.com / felice.caringal @ gmail.com

If bandanas and canvas bags are not exactly your company's style, don't fret. Even those who need high-end giveaways can now source from a social enterprise!

Internationally awarded Jacinto & Lirio is a high end brand of leather bags. Water hyacinth plant leather, that is. This group has found a way to turn what used to be considered a bothersome water-pest into a sustainable source of raw materials for statement accessories. Their bags can be found at several reseller stores or purchased online on their site. These retail for about Php 9,000.00, which is rather pricey for give-aways.

The good news is that this year they've launched Kwaderno, a line of water hyacinth leather-bound journals, which now gives more people a chance to own a bit of J&L.

As of now, Kwaderno is only available for bulk orders with a minimum of 100 pieces. Prices range from Php 200++ to Php 400++, depending on the designs.

For orders and inquiries, contact sales @ jacintoandlirio.com or +639173027278.
More details can also be found on their Facebook announcement: http://on.fb.me/r1oeSK

Jacinto & Lirio is the flagship brand of EcoIngenuity, Inc., a social enterprise that aims to raise competitiveness of indigenous materials and the communities that produce them, through global design standards.

Another option is the Gifts and Graces Fair Trade Foundation. Compared to the previous suppliers, their range of products offer more variety and they can also customize if you prefer special gift sets or gift baskets. The eclectic collection of products reflects the many different communities that the foundation works with, as each community has its own personality and skill sets. Their beneficiary communities go up to about 30, covering a range of poor, marginalized, and special needs groups.

Gifts & Graces is probably the most seasoned of all three. Among their clients are big names such as Ayala Land, Inc., Shangri-la group of hotels, Philippine Daily Inquirer, HSBC, and El Nido Resorts. Among their retail partners you can also find the likes of Kultura Filipino, Rustan's and the ADB Cooperative Regalo Shop.

This year's set of corporate give-away options include: Charging station made of wood (Php 800), Woven plastic organizers (Php 800), Travel set (Php 7000), Travel pillow & pouch (Php 450), and Gadget organizer (Php 500). Want even more variety? Try and checking out their regular products on their website and view products from the 10 product categories available!

For orders and inquiries, contact their marketing manager,
Chay Pascual at: marketing @ giftsandgraces.com.

Gifts and Graces Foundation is a certified Fair Trade organization.

The Miracle Machine: Whipping Up 12 Miracles in 12 Days

As far as corporate social responsibility an charity projects go, the Miracle Machine by seems to be one of the most fun. Starting from the concept of "12 miracles in 12 days" to the Facebook app by which you sign up and all the way down to the selection of activities.

There is nothing I like better than people doing good who also know how to dream big. 12 miracles in 12 days - sound ambitious? Yes, actually it is. But I have seen it happen time and again. With Hands On Servathon, with Earth Hour, with Habitat for Humanity's Build Blitz. And now this time around, with Miracle Machine.

The magic ingredient for things like these has always been getting many individuals to pitch in. And with Miracle Machine's being Facebook-based app which is integrated into the posting and invite functions, I have very very high hopes for this one.


THE CONCEPT

As their Facebook info page says:

"Miracle Whip is all about making good things happen. But this time, we've decided to whip up miracles outside of the kitchen.

The Miracle Machine is an online hub where people from all walks of life can come together and combine their resources to make miracles. Think of it as a social networking site or even YouTube but instead of status updates and comments, you get opportunities to extend a helping hand to those in need.

For the first phase, the Miracle Machine wishes to whip up 12 miracles in 12 days through Facebook. We hope to make one miracle happen a day for eleven straight dats. And on the 12th day, a fully functional miracle conduit is made available to organizations who need it and people with something to give.

If we get everyone to pitch in, we can show that as more people become part of Miracle Machine, we get t make more and more amazing things happen!"


THE MIRACLES

Angelyn Wishes to Fly (Kythe)

Angelalyn Magalano is a 13-year old girl uffering from Nephrotic syndrome and Psoriasis. Her simple wish is to meet a pilot, talk about flying and maybe even ride a plane.

Noche Bueana in the Mountains (Jamboree Mountaineers and U Trek)

They need 100 Noche buena packs by December 2, and volunteers to visit Wawa, Montalban to deliver these to needy local residents of this community on December 11.

Part of their mission as mountaineers is to commune with the local communities they meet along the way up. For the holidays, the mountaineers would like for them to have their own Noche Buena feast in the mountains with everyone's help.

Underwear and Clothes for Street Kids (Childhope)

They need 300 pairs of new underwear as well as used clothes for street kids aged 7 to 16 years old by December 3.

It has always been their cause to end the suffering of street children in the country, providing the with underwear and clothing will help keep them warmer and more sanitary.

Groom Strays for Adoption (PAWS)

The dogs and cats under our care are just as friendly, as lovable, and as loyal like those pure breeds you find in pet shops. And with your help, they can be just as beautiful. Grooming is the first step in making them adoption-ready.

Book Drive and Drive (Kaeskwela)

Libraries of public schools in the ocutry, especially those in far-flung areas, are eprived of reading materials. the task is to collect books and deliver them to an elementary school in Antipolo to fill their empty bookshelves.

Supplies for PGH Medical Patients (Sagip Buhay)

They need 10 Blood Pressure Apparatus and 2 Digital Thermometers to replace the now banned Mercurial Thermometers for Philippine General Hospital's Medicine outpatient ward. And they're needed by December 6.

Sagip Buhay Medical Foundation seeks to provide medical care for those confined at the PGH Medical wards who don't have the means and access to proper healthcare. But they never have enough equipment and financial resource to accomodate those in need. That's where you come in.

Recycle Your Bicycle (Firefly Brigade and Tiklop Society)

Help collect 10 bikes and bike safety gear for our friends in urban communities. Many of them have jobs that entail going from one place to another. Bikes and bike safety gear can help them get to where they need to be faster and safer, allowing them to be more productive in their work.

Christmas Gifts for the Volunteers (Tahanang Walang Hagdan)

326 volunteers at Tahanang Walang Hadgan have selflessly devoted their time to the organization. So this Cristmas, Tahanang Walang Hagdan would like to express their gratitude and give back to the volunteers for working hard all year.

Tales for the Blind (Resource for the Blind)

They are looking for children's stories, storytellers, and voice talents to help with a recording on December 9.

Give Old Toys and Storybooks New Life (Museo Pambata)

They need new or old usable toys and storybooks for children aged 2 to 12 that they can share with 2,000 invited children during Museo Pambata's anniversary gift-giving activity. Be a blessing to them and pass on the joy you once received from your old toys.

Potluck Party for Underprivileged Kids (St. Martin de Porres)

St. Marti de Porres needs volunteers to spend a day to throw a potluck party for 100 underprivileged kids on December 11. They want the kids to experience the joy of Christmas by having Ates and Kuyas visit and spend a fun-filled day with them.

Whipping Up More Miracles

By making these miracles happen, we've shown what we can do when we get everyone to etend a elping hand. As more people become part of the Miracle Machine, we get to make more and more amazing things happen.

The Miracle Machine team has devised a way to make Whipping Up More Miracles easier, all year long.

Keep checking back regularly for updates.


THE APP

The Miracle Machine is a Facebook app embedded in its own page. Click here to access the page, and here to access the app. (If the links aren't working, you can just search for "Miracle Machine" on Facebook.)

The page itself is constantly updated with announcements and different tips on how you can get involved.

To access the machine itself, look for the "Miracle Machine" tab right next to the "Discussions" tab.

Be sure to grant it permissions so that it can run properly.

Once you have the machine up and running, it will give you access to all 12 miracles so you can pitch in for the ones that are most interesting to you.

HOW EXACTLY CAN YOU PITCH IN?

The beauty of Miracle Machine is that there is more than one (actually, even more than three!) ways to pitch in. At the most basic level, you can choose to volunteer, donate in kind, donate in cash, refer to friends, or share the miracle. For certain projects, there are even more ways to help out, so be sure to check out the details of the project you find interesting.

My recommendation? Volunteer for one, donate to another if you have the time and resrouces.

But even if you can't, you can always still share the news.

Recommend projects to people whom you think may be interested.

If you choose to recommend or invite friends to certain projects, the app is fully integrated into the invite function of Facebook, much like if you were inviting to an event. Except that it only gives you a cap of 6 invitees per send.

Share the Miracle.

When you click on "Share the Miracle", the machine automatically updates your status to let your friends know about the details of the project. And when they express their interest on your wall, lead them to the "Miracle Machine" page so they can check it out themselves.

Fifteen minutes on Facebook just to do this will go a really long way, so I really encourage you guys to share as many of the miracles as you can whether or not you are volunteering for it.

QUESTIONS

Got questions? You can email them directly at miracles@themiraclemachine.com.

Give twice as much this Christmas

The season of giving is here once again! What I like to do at the beginning of the last quarter each year  is to survey all the different non-profits and social enterprises that are coming out with special Christmas offerings. After all, it can't hurt to be a little efficient: buying from these sources makes sure you give twice as much - by getting gifts to your loved ones and donating to a worthy cause :-)

So far, here are some of my favorites:

1. Pathways to Higher Education

Pathways to Higher Education is a "social involvement program that identifies bright but financially-underprivileged public high school students and equips them with the necessary skills, both academic and non-academic, to ensure they get a fair chance at a college education."

This Christmas, they are offering two main products as part of their fund raising program: "Grains of Hope" brown rice christmas pack at Php 180.00 each, and "Wining Brew" coffee  and masco rocks pack at Php 250.00 each. Both come in festive-colored native bags.

According to their side, their Pathways scholars loving pack the products grown and harvested by Filipino farmers. These products are chemical free and completely home-grown.

For more information, contact info.pathways@gmail.com or call +63 (2) 4266001 local 4404 to 4049. You can view their catalog and order form here.

2. Hands On Manila

I have been volunteering with Hands On Manila for almost four years now, and they are one of my favorite volunteer organizations in the country because they have streamlined the whole volunteering process. They make it easy for busy working professionals to still fit in some time to give back to the community despite their busy schedules.

I loved their past Christmas items - notebooks that come with a built in calendar and two pads of cute little post it notes that say "Be the Change. Volunteer" at the bottom, and a collection of pretty Filipino-themed greeting cards.

For this year, they are offering premium polvoron in ornamental gift boxes covered in natural jute fabric and accented with a pineapple ornament on the cover - supposedly symbolizing hospitality. These are priced at PhP 295.00 for the smaller box, and PhP 495.00 for the bigger size.

For more information, contact Perry Belen at info@handsonmanila.org or call +63 (2) 4737458. Click here for the order form.

3. ECHOStore

The EchoStore is one of my favorite concept stores because it is all about sustainable lifestyle. They carry many of my favorite brands - Rags 2 Riches, Human Nature, Ilog Maria, and many many more. You can check out their website to learn more about them, or follow their store on Twitter at @ECHOstore.

The EchoStore has one of the most comprehensive Christmas pack offerings I have seen so far, with gift packages ranging from PhP 650 to PhP 1,750 per gift basket. They offer a mix of different themes - coffees, personal care, organic foods - including a set that's especially made for pet lovers!

To see a full list of their offerings, click here.

For more information, contact Kate Carlos at kate@echostore.ph  / klc.echolifestyle.store@gmail.com or call +63917 - 5141396 / +63 (2) 4680397.

4. Human Nature

Ever since I started my slow transition from commercial products to natural / organic products, Human Nature has become one of my favorite brands.

After researching on their website, it seems they did not really come out with any Christmas packages. However, there is an interesting new development - where they only formerly offered personal care products, they are now offering the Love Minerals line of makeup. So that is definitely something different that you can give this Christmas.

I am an avid fan of mineral makeup - do the research yourself - and you will find it has a multitude of benefits compared to regular makeup. And it looks better too, flawless finish!

Because Human Nature actually works with a lot of distributors and individual dealers, you can still chance upon some Christmas packages that these resellers have put together. EchoStore has a "Bath Essentials" pack that includes Human Nature Feminine Wash, for example.

5. Anthill Fabric Gallery

Anthill Fabric Gallery is another favorite because of the innovative concept - a creative social enterprise that makes creativity, lifestyle and social change meet. (Also because it sprouted in my hometown of Cebu City!!) 

While it imports beautiful fabrics from all over Asia, it also features our very own Filipino indigenous weaves, with a portion of sales going back to income generation for rural communities - some of them indigenous tribes -  and young entrepreneurs. For a quick introduction to Anthill, view their video here.

They not only sell fabrics, but also different kinds of fabric products that are great for gifts.

Although Anthill did not release any special Christmas gift packs, they did launch their Royalty Card - which gets you a ton of perks. So shopping here is actually a three-fold thing - get great products, support indigenous communities or young entrepreneurs, and get perks. How can you lose?

For more information, contact anthillfabricgallery@yahoo.com.ph or call +63 (32) 5054175.

UPDATES as of 24 November 2010:

A couple of days after I put up this post, I got an email from Anthill launching their holiday specials. Check these out, tumblers and planners made with indigenous weaves. Talk about unique! I am definitely stocking up on this when I visit Cebu.

Are you a social enterprise or nonprofit that is also offering gift items this Christmas? Send me an email and I'd be happy to review your stuff :-)

Happy Christmas shopping, everyone!

Ateneo launches the Philippine Social Entrepreneurship Club

 

Last Saturday, the Ateneo School of Government (ASOG) and Ateneo Center for Social Entrepreneurship (ACSEnt) launched the Philippine Social Entrepreneurship Club at their Rockwell campus.

The event started off with an introduction about the Philippine SE Club by Harvey Keh, Director of Youth Leadership and social Entrepreneurship at the ASOG, then a talk by TV News Anchor Martin Andanar on "The Role of Media in Promoting Social Entrepreneurship", and the unveiling of the Philippine SE Club website. 

After Atty. Arnel Casanova ended the formal event with some closing remarks, pizza and soda we brought out and it was time for socials.

A little bit more about the
Philippine Social Entrepreneurship Club

WHAT IS IT?

"The Philippine Social Entrepreneurship Club initiated by the Ateneo de Manila University’s School of Government and the Ateneo Center for Social Entrepreneurship will stand as a learning and support group of social entrepreneurship practitioners, advocates, and supporters in the Philippines. It will be a venue for members of the club to learn from each other about the evolving principles and concepts behind social entrepreneurship, share practical ideas from the ground, discover new insights about a wide array of topics from experts in various fields that will help them develop and improve ideas for social entrepreneurship, and render different forms of support especially for the ones initiating or are currently running their social enterprises." 

HOW DO I BECOME A MEMBER?

"The club is open to any Filipino who is interested in learning more about social entrepreneurship. It also encourages those who have started or are currently running social enterprises in the Philippines to join.

For those who will register and complete payment on or before August 31,2010, the membership will only be P 1,000.00. Those who register after August 31, will already be charged an annual membership fee of P 1,800.00. Former and current Ateneo School of Government (ASOG) SE Class for Professionals students are excused from paying the membership fee for this year."

WHAT DO I GET OUT OF MY MEMBERSHIP?

"Activities will include quarterly talks and forums on interesting topics such as the role of media in promoting social entrepreneurship, new trends in social marketing and fundraising, understanding the triple bottom line approach, best practices of successful social enterprises in the Philippines, engaging local government units to achieve sustainable development and the evolution of Philippine corporate social responsibility. Aside from this, the club will also organize field visits to successful social enterprises in the country. A website focused on social enterprises in the Philippines as well as the activities of the club will also be launched before the end of this year. Finally, the club will also provide support, linkages and assistance to fledgling member social entrepreneurs and social enterprises in the country."

SO THEY HAVE A WEBSITE?

 The Philippine Social Entrepreneurship website of the ASOG is in its early stages, so as of this moment not all links are working yet. It's already up - go to www.philippinese.net to take a peek.

Looking at the website outline on the side, it looks quite promising. As a resource, it's got a quick explanation of the "Multiple Bottom Line", a link for published literature. And if you're searching for a way to get involved or a support group of other SE's that you can reach out to, you can check out the featured Philippine social enterprises, community bulletin and the list of programs and partnerships they have running.

For the social media savvy, connect to them on Facebook and watch out for their presence on Twitter sometime in the future (hopefully soon!).

I'M CONVINCED, HOW DO I GET IN TOUCH WITH THEM?

"For more information about the Philippine Social Entrepreneurship Club, please contact
Cristyl Senajon at (02) 434-1458 or you can also send her an email at ateneoylse@gmail.com ."

 Looking forward to my first year
as a member of the club

What I like about this Philippine SE Club is that it's inclusive - you don't need to be an actual social entrepreneur to join. So long as you are interested in the topic and want to learn more about it, you are welcome! Which is totally great for me because I am not a social entrepreneur, strictly speaking I work in the private sector and volunteer with non-profits - the two sectors that the whole social entrepreneurship movement has somehow managed to merge. So you can see why I am fascinated by this whole concept.

The first talk at the launch event, "The Role of Media in Promoting Social Entrepreneurship", is an indication of what's in store for us members. As someone who has worked in both PR and advertising, I naturally found that talk somewhat basic. But I am sure it was a good overview for some of the people in the crowd. And I guess moving forward, this will always be the case. No matter what topic they cover, some members will find the talks enlightening, while others will find it too basic for their level of knowledge. That's just the way things are if your membership base is varied.

What I appreciated was how they gave sufficient time to get a dialogue going after the talk. While questions were primarily addressed to Andanar and Keh, they opened the floor for comments from anyone in the audience that wanted to pipe in. And so a conversation ensued between seasoned and beginner social entrepreneurs, professionals and nonprofit managers. Raising questions, sharing experiences of what worked and what didn't, giving advice. And I think this is what the Philippine SE Club really has to offer - a potential hothouse of ideas and breeding ground for partnerships all for the advancement of social entrepreneurship in the Philippines.

I've got high hopes for this club and I look forward to my first year as a member :D

.