Vision: Being more honest about failure in the nonprofit sector. Action: One of the largest organizations for young people and social change, their 3.4 million members create campaigns that tackle poverty, violence and the environment. Any cause, anytime, anywhere. www.DoSomething.org
Vision: To lead the high-impact entrepreneurship movement around the world. Action: Created the first global organization focusing on the “scale- up” phase of entrepreneurship. Endeavor identifies, mentors and co- invests in high-impact entrepreneurs — business innovators demonstrating the greatest potential for growth. But don’t bet the farm, bet a few chickens instead. www.Endeavor.org
Vision: To level the playing field globally for marginalized communities, starting with the disabled. Action: A virtual employment ecosystem with people working from the comfort, safety and convenience of their homes in more than 20 locations across eight countries. The disabled make up 80 percent of staff. www.Genashtim.org
Vision: A world of abundance, where the basic needs are met for every child, woman and man. Action: Awards prizes to solve humanity’s grand challenges: energy, water, learning and health. The creation of Singularity University, which attracts, educates and incubates exponential entrepreneurs who build companies to positively impact the lives of one billion people. Author of Abundance. www.Xprize.com
Vision: To encourage entrepreneurship and innovation that contributes to improved lives through design and technology. Action: Created an online game for kids that taught them about recycling. It won recognition from the United Nations, which called it one of the top eight digital developments of the last 10 years. www.MilknCookies.tv
Vision: A society that prevents gun violence. Action: A string of public shootings over the last few years has spurred Giffords to find solutions that prevent more violence, including background checks. Herself a victim, she fights entrenched interests such as the gun lobby and finds supportive lawmakers willing to take a stand for responsible policies. www.AmericansForResponsibleSolutions.com
Vision: Sustainability will lead to a whole new funnel of innovation. Action: A key belief is that Unilever will do better business in a healthy society, rather than in an unhealthy one. Healthy business needs healthy society. They have innovated on quality, performance and packaging and brought sustainability deep into their organization. www.Unilever.com
Vision: Youth, service and community coalitions have the power to change the world. Action: When young people have the chance to serve their communities, everyone benefits. YSA has created large-scale mobilization campaigns for young people, made US$1 million available for grants and has an annual award ceremony. www.YSA.org
Vision: To have drug addicts seen as productive members of society when placed within productive environments. Action: The creation of a global village of recovering addicts who are called “guests” and taught commercial skills. Ninety-six percent of residents at San Patrignano in Italy have found full-time employment upon leaving. www.sanpatrignano.org
Vision: Scaling-up business solutions to social problems. Action: Pioneered a social distribution company that distributes, services and finances a range of innovative products. Developed a “hybrid value chain” that bridges the gap that separates people and communities from the tools they need to achieve lasting progress. www.Hystra.com
