My First Conference Presentation - Systems Thinking, Philanthropy, and Social Change

Blog post w/link to post of my presentation and more detail to the research (which may include the draft article I wrote)

Presentation Abstract: Philanthropy can be a valuable, effective force in creating equity in communities through strategic, purposeful change in social systems/policy. Philanthropy, although historically wasn’t completely for the purpose of ‘doing good’ has become a well-recognized means of ‘creating social change’. CEOs, executives, and investors have begun to create organizations around philanthropy, taking seats on the boards of non-profits, and have even developed NPOs on the merits of bringing their skills and dollars to building other NPOs into organizations with measurable social impact. Philanthropist are typically seasoned professionals, with an excess amount of wealth and/or influence within their corporations and networks. Philanthropy is different from typical forms of charity in that its focus is in root causes. Philanthropy over the past 10 years has transformed to more strategic giving. Using their networks, and influence in the corporate space, philanthropist advocate, champion, and lobby government for legislative change. This influence in government, if directed to true root cause social solutions, could began a major change in how we address government and social policy.