Dan Siegel is a writer, social entrepreneur and speaker on politics, film, philanthropy and civil society issues.

Dan's articles have appeared in the Los Angeles Times, the Boston Globe, Newsday, the Des Moines Register, the San Jose Mercury News, and the Oakland Tribune, among others. He worked as a writer and consultant for eight years in Eastern Europe, covering the rise of civil society movements. He was co-founder of New Visions, an organization focused on promoting effective philanthropy and innovation in the nonprofit sector.

He can be contacted at dansiegelblog@gmail.com.

Blog Entries by Dan Siegel

Beyond Fallen Sports Idols: Let's Celebrate the Giving Life

Posted December 1, 2009 | 01:28 PM (EST)


On Monday, as the media machine swirled around Tiger Woods, New York Yankee baseball star Derek Jeter was quietly tapped by Sports Illustrated as their sportsman of the year.

Some years ago, I attended a conference in New Orleans for families involved in philanthropy, and met a cherubic-faced woman whose...

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Mr. President, Can the Ghosts of Vietnam Talk You Down?

31 Comments | Posted November 6, 2009 | 03:41 PM (EST)


Dear Mr. President:

In these days before a fateful decision, I hope you are hearing the wise counsel of those who directly experienced the Vietnam Quagmire, who now watch you prepare to sink your presidency, like Lyndon Johnson, into the unforgiving history and terrain of Afghanistan.

It is stunning...

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Obama Year One: The Public Is A Trust, Not An Option

4 Comments | Posted November 2, 2009 | 03:34 AM (EST)


The one-year anniversary of Barack Obama's exhilarating victory offers endless political assessments and reminders of that historic election night. For many Americans, 11/4 of last year was the hopeful antidote to 9/11, a riveting game changer for our country's political future.

But now in this fall season, many wonder...

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Michael Moore's Grapes of Wrath

26 Comments | Posted October 6, 2009 | 12:47 PM (EST)


Michael Moore has made the most important and urgent political film of our time. In fact, he might have made the most American of films since the populist cinema of Frank Capra.

I hope that Capitalism: A Love Story gets the proper national hearing and deep respect it so...

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Calling Mr. Smith, Not Mr. Rogers

3 Comments | Posted September 6, 2009 | 10:07 PM (EST)


Alright Barack, you warned us that it would not be easy. You told us last year that entrenched interests would battle reform every step of the way when you got to Washington. Your campaign stirred the young and awoke those tired of more of the same. You invited us all...

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American Thriller

1 Comments | Posted July 6, 2009 | 04:25 PM (EST)


Sitting here at George's Cafe on the Aegean island of Patmos, a chill spot for Athenian Greeks, mellow Europeans and a few adventurous Americans, the Great American Ghoul Show for Michael Jackson plays out a bit more oddly, if that is possible.

CNN International is on around-the-clock MJ watch, with...

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The Power of Y.O.U.!

Posted November 10, 2008 | 05:57 PM (EST)


"I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to -- it belongs to you." Barack Obama, November 4, 2008

Welcome to the Obama Revolution, brought to you by Y.O.U.!

The Obama victory was powered by something new: The Y.O.U. Movement. This movement is composed of three integral forces which...

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Paul Newman: Celebrating A Citizen Philanthropist

Posted September 29, 2008 | 11:15 AM (EST)


Paul Newman's sad passing leaves me short of one true bucket list item: to meet the man, rather than the actor, to thank him for all that he has given to us as a pathbreaking citizen philanthropist.

I spend my days teaching young people and families about the power of...

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