News on The Edge
Welcome to the Social Edge update! “The mobile phone has changed everything in Africa,” writes Mike Quinn, CEO of Mobile Transactions in Lusaka, Zambia. “What has not changed is that the entire economy still revolves around cash, and 80% of the population is unbanked.” Mike Quinn and fellow entrepreneurs are on a mission to turn Africa cashless by using mobile technology and agent networks to handle money transfers, microfinance loan disbursements, and salary payments. But challenges abound, and Mike Quinn, an Oxford Skoll Scholar MBA, has evolved from idealist development worker to social entrepreneur, only to realize that he was quite simply “an entrepreneur with a good conscience.” Help him build a cashless Africa by contributing to the conversation, then join Dhaval Chadha in Rio for his thoughts on Why Business Won't Save the World (Answer: business needs to behave more like civil society, not the other way around). In California, Curtis Chang reflects on the future of nonprofits in an increasingly Hispanic society, while Untangled reports from the What's Your Issue? 2010 awards ceremony. From New Delhi, Parag Gupta shares how social entrepreneurs should successfully pitch (“Simplify, simplify, simplify!”). Samasource's Caitlin Blodget shares tips for tackling fundraising for early stage ventures in a difficult economic environment, and Dr. O looks into raising money “with apps, smart phones and your feet.” Beth Kanter and Allison Fine help you tackle skepticism by busting social media myths: “No, social media aren’t just for kids. And yes, they are core to your work.” Jonathan Lewis reflects on “knowledge inheritance” and loudly declares “nonprofits have a moral claim on some share of the profits created from their pioneering work.” Whether we like it or not, social entrepreneurship is also about business.
Join this Week's Live Discussions  Mobile Transactions in Africa
Can the mobile phone help Africa become cashless? Will change happen by targeting individual consumers or by providing mobile payment solutions to corporate, donor, and government clients? Join Lusaka-based entrepreneur Mike Quinn in the conversation.
Maps, Mapping and What's Possible
As we move into an age of networks, visual thinking and mapping are becoming powerful ways to handle the complexities of social change. Charles “Hipbone” Cameron finds out how this can facilitate your work. How to Build a Board
Each organization has its own unique Board configuration, but you should strive for diversity of perspectives and networks, says Andrée Sosler, Executive Director of the Darfur Stoves Project. Check her advice and get on the conversation! Can Social Enterprises be Too Commercial?
Are there any corporate traits that should be avoided in social entrepreneurship? Or do you agree with Rod Schwartz that there is nothing harmful in operating to the best standards of commercial behaviour? The Silence of the Churches
Why do social entrepreneurs rarely mention their spiritual values and moral underpinnings? Is there an unspoken taboo preventing the sharing of personal beliefs? Join Paul Lamb, a Man in a Mission, in the conversation. It doesn't take an MBA - or does it?
Liberal arts students are passionate about their contribution to the world while business-school students leverage their skills to create financial success. Where do social entrepreneurs fit? Charles (Hipbone) Cameron tries to configure the best of both worlds.
Do you have suggestions for Social Edge or for this newsletter? Send us feedback. You can remove yourself from this list at any time. Hope to see you on The Edge and on Twitter @socialedge! Victor d’Allant
Executive Director, Social Edge
250 University Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301 | 
"When you do the common things in life in an uncommon way, you will command the attention of the world." George Washington CarverWhat is Social Entrepreneurship?Statement of Faith
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