On April 28th, 600 people involved in the worldwide social enterprise movement will convene in San Francisco for the 11th Annual Social Enterprise Summit. This three-day event brings together new and experienced social entrepreneurs to explore models and strategies from around the world, and is being conducted jointly with the third Social Enterprise World Forum.
I'm looking for two aspiring bloggers-- one from North America and another from abroad -- who are currently affiliated with social enterprises as either a Board or staff member to blog and cover this event for me. In exchange, you will get a free pass to the Summit (valued at $695) plus two nights lodging at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco.
Think this is a gig for you? Send an email to sarah@se-alliance.org with the subject line "SOCIAL ENTERPRISE SUMMIT BLOGGING COMPETITION." Include your full name, title, organization, link to your organization's website, country, and short answer to the following question:
"Why do you want to attend the 11th Social Enterprise Summit/3rd Social Enterprise World Forum?"
Deadline to submit is March 8st. 200 word maximum. We will pick and announce the two winners in March 15th.
More about the Conference:
The theme of the Summit/World Forum is "New Approach, New Economy: Realizing the Potential of Social Enterprise." More than 40 workshops will explore the keys to entrepreneurial success, and five tours will visit 18 social enterprises in the Bay Area. The workshops will be clustered into five tracks, each offering cross-cutting themes that emphasize local, national and global opportunities:
* Finance and investment
* Models and strategies
* Public policy
* Leadership development
* Communications and storytelling
Attendees will include social enterprises from both the nonprofit and private sectors, plus social investors, academics and others. A large contingent of young people will participate as observers to capitalize on the surging interest in social enterprise among high school, college and graduate students.
"The industry is coming of age," said the Alliance's interim President and CEO Jerr Boschee, one of the six co-founders of the organization in 1998.
As evidence, he pointed out that "the White House and statehouses across the country are promoting social enterprise. People are beginning to recognize that the private sector is a major player in the field. Social enterprise investment funds are springing up in numerous countries. Academic institutions are offering degree programs. Business and public policy students with advanced degrees are starting social enterprises instead of joining consulting firms. Secondary school students are launching businesses that have a social purpose."
As the only member organization in North America to encompass both nonprofit and for-profit social enterprises, SEA brings together the best ideas and brightest minds across various sectors and industries around the globe who are working to build a more just, sustainable world through the power of business.
"Social enterprise is a common language that bridges cultural, language and geographic boundaries," said Jim Fruchterman, SEA Board Chair. "The Summit and World Forum will provide a unique opportunity to share ideas, learn practical ideas and strategies, and accelerate the global velocity of the movement."
For complete details about the Summit/World Forum, please visit www.se-alliance.org/summit.cfm.