tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5609648234729028362024-03-05T22:38:40.948-08:00fast forward fundyouth investing in youth for global changeDiana Ayton-Shenkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15940096211054950095noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-560964823472902836.post-8972145682820207952012-04-11T10:51:00.003-07:002012-04-11T11:42:14.135-07:00Come together! Navigating Conference SeasonLike many of my colleagues in <span style="font-weight:bold;">philanthropy & impact investing<span style="font-weight:bold;"></span></span>, I find myself in the thick of conference/event season, feeling a bit overwhelmed and overextended. To help wrap my head around it, I've put together a quick, subjective round-up of spring conferences in the social innovation & impact investing world ranging from super cool to old school, pretty much all on the "if you could go to 'em all you would" list. <br /><a href="http://skollworldforum.org/">Skoll World Forum</a>, <a href="http://www.weforum.org/events">World Economic Forum on Latin America Global Youth Leadership</a>, <a href="http://www.cgiu.org/meetings/2012/">Clinton Global Initiative University</a>, <a href="http://theges.org/">The Global Engagement Summit</a>, <a href="http://www.philanthropyforum.org/">Global Philanthropy Forum</a>, <a href="http://www.uniteforsight.org/conference/">Global Health & Innovation Conference</a>, <a href="http://svn.org/attend-an-event/2012-annual-member-gathering">Social Venture Network</a>, <a href="http://www.investorscircle.net/as_spring-2012-overview-and-fees">Investor's Circle</a>, <a href="http://www.wsgts.com/">Wall Street Green Summit</a>, Slingshot Day, <a href="http://sustainatopia.com/">Sustainatopia</a>. And that's just March-April. <br /><br />What are your top conference/gathering picks? What's missing? What's not happening that you'd like to see? How do you manage conference fatigue/burnout?Diana Ayton-Shenkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15940096211054950095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-560964823472902836.post-27406861253632821192012-03-29T11:40:00.003-07:002012-03-29T11:44:26.236-07:00FAST FORWARD @CGIULooking forward to connecting with commitment makers at <span style="font-weight:bold;">Clinton Global Initiative University! </span>Here are some tips of essential things to carry you through an intense gathering like this. Be sure and bring:<br /> * business cards<br /> * cell phone & charger<br /> * I.D. <br /> * pre-CGIU information (agenda, logistics, etc.)<br /> * material/info about your commitment (if appropriate)<br /> * sense of humor, humility, and wonder<br /> * intellectual curiosity and open-mindedness<br /> * unbridled passion for your commitment<br /> * willingness to be bold & take risks<br /> * more questions than answers<br /> * endless energy & indefatigable stamina<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Be yourself, enjoy the experience, and know that it's a pretty awesome thing to commit yourself to changing our world for the better<span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span>!Diana Ayton-Shenkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15940096211054950095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-560964823472902836.post-88220008215210910832012-02-01T16:26:00.000-08:002012-02-01T18:13:42.923-08:00Fast Forward Core BeliefsJust re-read my <a href="http://fastforwardfund.blogspot.com/2011/01/core-beliefs-on-snowy-day.html">previous post</a> from a year ago reaffirming <a href="www.fastforwardfund.org">Fast Forward Fund</a>'s core beliefs as we move to complete our 1st phase of start-up and our 3-yr-commitment to <a href="www.clintonglobalinitiative.org">Clinton Global Initiative University</a>. Except for the notable absence of snow, virtually everything rings true today.<br />I stand by <span style="font-weight:bold;">Fast Forward's core beliefs</span>:<br />* <span style="font-weight:bold;">Investment activism</span>. We all make a difference with our daily financial choices. Investing is action.<br />* <span style="font-weight:bold;">Leveraged impact</span>. Investing in a collective social fund allows young people to leverage relatively small individual resources into large-scale impact.<br />* <span style="font-weight:bold;">Accelerated change</span>. More inclusive, expansive philanthropic models enable youth to accelerate, or fast forward, their participation as social investors advancing innovative solutions to global challenges.<br />* <span style="font-weight:bold;">Lifelong Giving</span>. Cultivating philanthropic social investment among young adults creates lifelong givers and engaged global citizens.Diana Ayton-Shenkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15940096211054950095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-560964823472902836.post-77086748846370476712012-02-01T16:05:00.000-08:002012-02-01T16:19:59.002-08:00Generous PromptsWhat prompts you to live and give generously? To explore what I call "<span style="font-weight:bold;">abundant living, mindful giving</span>," check out this <a href="http://havefundogood.blogspot.com/2012/02/12-prompts-for-generous-living-blogging.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+HaveFunDoGood+%28Have+Fun+*+Do+Good%29">blog post</a> by <span style="font-weight:bold;">Britt Bravo</span>, one of my fave fun-loving do-gooders, Big Vision guru and Juicy Blogger: "<a href="http://havefundogood.blogspot.com/2012/02/12-prompts-for-generous-living-blogging.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+HaveFunDoGood+%28Have+Fun+*+Do+Good%29">12 Prompts for Generous Living & Blogging</a>". Pick and choose from these prompts, come up with your own, or try 'em out over the next 2 weeks leading up to Valentine's Day!Diana Ayton-Shenkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15940096211054950095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-560964823472902836.post-61760554333387180262011-10-17T14:35:00.000-07:002011-10-17T16:06:43.663-07:00Quiet enough to hear the genuine...Trying to be still and "learn to be quiet enough to hear the genuine within yourself so that you can hear it in others.” ~ Marian Wright EdelmanDiana Ayton-Shenkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15940096211054950095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-560964823472902836.post-66177434621800092112011-09-20T10:16:00.000-07:002011-09-20T10:23:29.523-07:00CGI & Social Good<span style="font-weight:bold;">Inspiration </span>of the morning: beaming face of 17 yr old Juliette from Rwanda asking "how can girls help each other?" to advance <a href="http://girlsnotbrides.org">Girls Not Brides </a>Campaign announced by Elders <span style="font-weight:bold;">Bishop Desmond Tutu</span>, former President <span style="font-weight:bold;">Mary Robinson</span>,and philanthropists Luis Ubinas, Pres. Ford Foundation & Jennifer Buffet, Pres. & Co-Chair Novo Foundation. Ending child marriage will help us <a href="http://fastforwardfund.org">fast forward</a> progress to meet 6 our of 8 Millennium Development Goals!. Check it out now: <a href="http://girlsnotbrides.org">www.girlsnotbrides.org</a> !Diana Ayton-Shenkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15940096211054950095noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-560964823472902836.post-29540033003589866682011-09-18T17:55:00.000-07:002011-09-20T10:15:25.805-07:00Global Impact Week NYC!!!It's a big, <span style="font-weight:bold;"><a href="http://fastforwardfund.org">fast & forward</a> </span>(hopefully) week for Global Impact in NYC: between the <span style="font-weight:bold;"><a href="http://clintonglobalinitiative.org">Clinton Global Initiative</a></span>, <span style="font-weight:bold;"><a href="socialgoodsummit.com">Social Good Summit</a></span>, UN General Assembly, my 9-yr-old son's 5th grade back-to-school night, I'm swamped! And my head is swirling with questions, concerns, ideas about all the potential for social change as the world's great thinkers & doers converge on NYC this week. Intending to blog from both <span style="font-weight:bold;"><a href="http://clintonglobalinitiative.org">CGI</a> </span>& <span style="font-weight:bold;">SGS</span>, my first question is really what are the right questions to ask. I'm hopeful that I'll be present, alert, inquisitive, and open enough to engage in <span style="font-style:italic;">fierce conversations</span> and seize (or create) opportunity. If you are not attending these gatherings, nor even in NYC for that matter, send me your questions! If you'll be there, ask me in person! Good luck and much gratitude for all those struggling and working so hard for social impact, always and especially this week! And good luck in 5th grade, James! Along with all the sons and daughters of your generation, you are the reason we are committed to global impact in nyc and around the world.Diana Ayton-Shenkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15940096211054950095noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-560964823472902836.post-33062555941705834792011-08-15T16:37:00.000-07:002011-08-15T20:09:10.150-07:00Why Fast Forward Happy (Birthday) Hour?How will you celebrate end of summer? <a href="http://socialimpactbirthday.eventbrite.com/">http://socialimpactbirthday.eventbrite.com/</a>
<br />I'm heading to my end of summer, end of August birthday, grateful for opportunity to do great work, make a difference, continually learn & grow from inspiring teachers: my children, the seasons, my backyard garden, courageous & bold colleagues, wise & kind strangers, my own mistakes, my most audacious dreams. Who/what are your best teachers?Diana Ayton-Shenkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15940096211054950095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-560964823472902836.post-85660739293518252812011-07-15T19:14:00.000-07:002011-07-15T19:49:13.622-07:00FFF Midsummer Night's Mixer Musings<span style="font-weight:bold;">NYC Changemakers</span>: Join us @<a href="http://www.fastforwardfund.org/">FFF</a>'s <a href="http://fb.me/13DTevout">NYC Social Impact Cocktail Crawl</a>, co-sponsored by <a href="http://www.fairtradespirits.com/">FAIR</a>, the 1st fair trade spirits company:... <br />Under the full moon in the middle of summer, can't help but notice how much we want to get outside, get together, and get going with social innovator friends in NYC. Seems like "mixers" are sprouting up all over the place. Go figure. What a great way to spend a summer evening! Mixers let us connect with our tribe, deepen relationships, advance projects, flex our social change muscles, get inspired to invest in each other and commit to our vision for progressive social change. <br /><br />If you're in NYC 7/19, come to a DON"T MISS gathering of NYC's spectacular social changemakers! Connect with peers, mentors, investors, and co-conspirators to enhance your impact and have a joyous evening. Half price <a href="http://www.fairtradespirits.com/">cocktails</a>, full value spirits.<br />7:00 pm <a href="http://greensquaretavern.com/">Green Square Tavern</a><br />8:00 pm <a href="http://ryehousenyc.com/ ">Rye Bar</a> <br /><br />If you're in Boston, check out our friends from <a href="http://www.criterionventures.com/"><span style="font-weight:bold;">Criterion Ventures</span></a> & <a href="http://www.citylightcap.com/"><span style="font-weight:bold;">City Light Capital</span></a> as they co-host <a href="http://nmdjuly2011.eventbrite.com/">New Mix Drinks</a> at Rattlesnake Bar & Grill!<br /><br />If you're in Brooklyn, check out <a href="https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/183673">Shoe Town to Brew Town event </a>at Brooklyn Brewery <br /><br />Mix it up to <span style="font-weight:bold;"><a href="http://www.fastforwardfund.org/">fast forward</a> social impact</span> this summer!Diana Ayton-Shenkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15940096211054950095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-560964823472902836.post-87294881036134680882011-07-15T19:08:00.000-07:002011-07-15T19:12:41.803-07:00A Blessed LivingI am honored to share with you a MUST READ for all mortals: "<a href="http://tinyurl.com/632cgcm"><span style="font-weight:bold;">A Blessed Dying<span style="font-weight:bold;"></span></span></a>", by my amazing Mom who exemplifies "A Blessed Living". What makes life a blessing for you? how do you feel blessed? what would it mean for you to live "a blessed life"? How can we consider life's passages, including and especially the painful ones, in a blessed way?Diana Ayton-Shenkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15940096211054950095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-560964823472902836.post-53134753625376429462011-06-07T06:10:00.000-07:002011-06-07T06:16:35.260-07:00FFF Honored by The Generation Project<a href="http://www.fastforwardfund.org"><span style="font-weight:bold;">Fast Forward Fund<span style="font-weight:bold;"></span></span></a> is thrilled to be honored by <a href="http://www.thegenerationproject.org/about/events.aspx">The Generation Project</a> as it celebrates it's 1st pilot year making a difference in public schools across the US! Through multiple city events, TGP will honor supporters in each of the 6 regions where they work. COME JOIN US FOR <a href="http://www.thegenerationproject.org/about/events.aspx">EXCLUSIVE NYC EVENT</a> JUNE 9th! <br /><br />How will you fast forward social change this summer?Diana Ayton-Shenkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15940096211054950095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-560964823472902836.post-21244178783941155242011-01-31T17:13:00.000-08:002011-01-31T17:40:57.195-08:00Core Beliefs on a Snowy DayGetting ready to let the love flow on Valentine's Day? Me too! For me, Feb 14 is not just a day to exchange chocolate (though why not? all chocolate gifts welcome!)...it's the 2 yr anniversary of Fast Forward Fund's launch. As I anticipate our re-launch and learn lessons from 1st phase of our start-up, I've been wrestling with hard questions and reinvigorated by the enduring vision and growth of this venture. Going back to basics, I still stand by <span style="font-weight:bold;">FFF's core beliefs</span> driving social change:<br /><br /> * <span style="font-weight:bold;">Investment activism</span>. We all make a difference with our daily financial choices. Investing is action.<br /> * <span style="font-weight:bold;">Leveraged impact</span>. Investing in a collective social fund allows young people to leverage relatively small individual resources into large-scale impact.<br /> * <span style="font-weight:bold;">Accelerated change</span>. More inclusive, expansive philanthropic models enable youth to accelerate, or fast forward, their participation as social investors advancing innovative solutions to global challenges.<br /> * <span style="font-weight:bold;">Lifelong Giving</span>. Cultivating philanthropic social investment among young adults creates lifelong givers and engaged global citizens.<br /><br />Given these core beliefs, how do we (re)design our structure to optimize impact? How do we recharge, and reframe, strategy to achieve results? What occasions inspire you to (re)examine your core beliefs? How can you reconnect with your core beliefs to drive social change? In the spirit of Valentine's Day, let's dedicate the next two weeks to showing some love for social innovators! <br /><br />The stark beauty of NY's incessant snowfalls this January reminds us to find value in reflective hibernation, to slow down (like it or not), bundle up, and remember all growing things under earth lay dormant awaiting their perfect moment for birth, rebirth, and renewal. Green sprouts will appear and reappear in their time, and until then, each mesmerizing snowflake offers its own prism of reflection, refraction<span style="font-weight:bold;"></span> and light.Diana Ayton-Shenkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15940096211054950095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-560964823472902836.post-46991335008629068212010-12-31T14:08:00.000-08:002010-12-31T14:13:09.684-08:00Give long and prosper in 2011!As 2010 comes to a close, I want to thank everyone for the friendship, support and partnerships that have sustained FFF over the past year. On behalf of Fast Forward, I am most grateful for the blessings and lessons gained from our amazing network. I value the integral role each one plays in shaping the future of Fast Forward, enhancing the social impact of our work, and advancing efforts to make this world a better place through innovative philanthropy and strategic giving.<br /><br />FFF friends have truly touched my life and taught me more than I would've imagined. A heartfelt thank you to all for sharing such generosity, insights, fellowship, and vision. <br /><br />Wishing all a peaceful, fruitful, & joyful New Year.<br /><br />DianaDiana Ayton-Shenkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15940096211054950095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-560964823472902836.post-66592586722182432702010-12-16T16:42:00.000-08:002010-12-16T18:16:07.857-08:00Solstice Reflections: 2010 Gratitude invites 2011 Abundance<span style="font-weight:bold;">Winter Solstice</span>. The long, dark night grants an annual opportunity to turn inward, become reflective, introspective. Although this blog's focus and my vision is to <span style="font-weight:bold;">Fast Forward<span style="font-style:italic;"><a href="http://fastforwardfund.org"></a></span></span> social change, I am taking a moment to look back and count my blessings from this past year. Despite whatever challenges we face, whatever hardships we endure, we all, every one of us, have so much to be grateful for. If <span style="font-style:italic;">gratitude is the gateway to abundance</span>, let me unlock the latch and usher in a New Year of abundance by sharing some of what inspired me in 2010.<br /><br />First and foremost: <span style="font-weight:bold;">LOVE</span>. I am most grateful for the many facets of love that graced my life this year. My children, waking up and going to sleep warm and safe in our home, crossing awesome & awkward thresholds of childhood, growing one day older every day. My parents' 50th wedding anniversary celebration. Three angel strangers who stopped alongside a highway at rush hour on a cold March night, staying with me until all the emergency vehicles left, my overturned car was towed away, and the ambulance transported me to the nearest ER where many white-coated professionals confirmed I was miraculously alive and well, without so much as a scratch. My sweet & steadfast mate with whom I've shared nearly two decades of the surprisingly tender, tenuous and fundamental moments that comprise our marriage. Life-long, brand new, and deeply cherished friendships infusing life with joy, trust, intimacy, companionship. Feeling my heart beat. How has love graced your life?<br /><br />I am grateful for <span style="font-weight:bold;">lessons offered by obstacles</span>, stumbling blocks, unflattering mirrors, harsh light, professional setbacks, financial struggle, unexpected turns, turbulent storms, mundane disappointments. These teachers reminded me to embrace values of humility, flexibility, resiliency, detachment, compassion, faith, patience, and renewal of hope. For what life lessons are you most grateful?<br /><br />I am grateful for <span style="font-weight:bold;">giving generously</span>. I've been privileged this year to give, receive, facilitate, and witness tremendous generosity. Now more than ever is truly the giving season. There is so much need and opportunity for our giving to make a difference. Every giving act matters. Give generously! Give sweetly! Give boldly! How can you give generously today?<br /><br />Reflecting back on 2010, I am preparing myself for 2011 with renewed commitment to gratitude, renewed commitment to receive & share the blessings of love, life lessons, and generous giving.Diana Ayton-Shenkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15940096211054950095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-560964823472902836.post-71916816649626418142009-11-15T18:57:00.000-08:002009-11-15T19:52:15.523-08:00How to make a difference? Fast Forward Giving!<span style="font-weight:bold;">How can youth make a difference through Social Investing</span>? <a href="http://envisiongood.tv/diana-ayton-shenker-founder-ceo-of-fast-forward-fund-on-how-youth-can-make-a-difference-through-social-investing/2009/11">EnvisionGood TV</a> poses this question as title for recent <a href="http://envisiongood.tv/diana-ayton-shenker-founder-ceo-of-fast-forward-fund-on-how-youth-can-make-a-difference-through-social-investing/2009/11">interview profile</a> they did on <a href="http://fastforwardfund.org">Fast Forward Fund </a>(FFF), as part of their series on social entrepreneurs. Share your comments here or directly on the video!<br /><br />One great way young adults are making a difference is by joining our <a href="http://fastforwardfund.blogspot.com/2009_10_01_archive.html">Don't fall back...FAST FORWARD!</a> campaign. The response was so enthusiastic, we're extending the campaign throughout this giving season. We need your help to blow this campaign through the roof! Check out <a href="http://fastforwardfund.blogspot.com/2009_10_01_archive.html">three ways you can help </a>: donate, promote, or suggest ideas for the campaign.<br /><br />Students learning about <a href="http://fastforwardfund.org">Fast Forward</a> through the fall '09 <a href="http://bard.edu/bgia">BGIA </a>class recently heard first-hand about making a difference with two outstanding, back-to-back guest speakers: first Lara Galinsky wowed us during our site visit to <a href="http://www.echoinggreen.org">Echoing Green</a>, then we were inspired by Michele Kahane (until recently of <a href="http://clintonglobalinitiative.org">Clinton Global Initiative</a>, now Professor of Social Entrepreneurship at the Milano New School of Management), during her visit to BGIA. Both founding members of FFF's Board, these leaders are making their mark.Diana Ayton-Shenkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15940096211054950095noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-560964823472902836.post-77567830137484111222009-10-31T09:39:00.000-07:002009-10-31T11:31:23.357-07:00Don't fall back...FAST FORWARD!How will you spend your extra hour gained from Daylight Savings Time? Help kick-off FFF's campaign: "<a href="http://fastforwardfund.org">Don't fall back...FAST FORWARD</a>!"<br /><br />Our <span style="font-weight:bold;">bold idea</span> is to get as many people as possible to contribute to FFF the value of one hour's earnings saved from Daylight Savings Time. Whether that's $7.25 minimum wage or much more, let's see how many donor-investors we can mobilize! <span style="font-style:italic;">Here's what you can do</span> to make a big difference:<br /><br />1. <span style="font-weight:bold;">donate </span>the approximate amount you would earn in one hour to Fast Forward Fund. You can do this easily and securely online right now and anytime <a href="http://www.nycharities.org/donate/c_donate.asp?CharityCode=2343">here</a><br /><br />2. help FFF <span style="font-weight:bold;">spread the word </span>any way you can:<br /> * post "Don't fall back...FAST FORWARD!" on your website, facebook page, linked-in profile<br /> * mobilize your network sending messages via email, twitter, facebook, linked-in<br /> * mention the FFF Campaign with link to <a href="http://fastforwardfund.org">www.fastforwardfund.org</a> in blogs, articles, newletters, email<br /> * include a link to www.fastforwardfund.org in your signature<br /> * announce the "Don't fall back...FAST FORWARD!" to your employees, colleagues, co-workers or community<br /> * if you have employees and capacity, offer to match their one-hour contribution<br /><br />3. <span style="font-weight:bold;">suggest other ideas</span> to mobilize donor-investors in our give back an hour campaign.<br /><br />And to learn more about FFF, check out recent interview on <a href="http://www.socialcapitalmarkets.net/index.php?/component/option,com_wordpress/Itemid,64/p,828">SoCap</a> & <a href="http://unreasonableinstitute.org/blog/fast-forward-fund/">Unreasonable Institute</a><span style="font-weight:bold;"></span> blogs! What do you think? Can a twenty-something-year-old change the world through philanthropic social investment?Diana Ayton-Shenkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15940096211054950095noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-560964823472902836.post-68069809814344444252009-10-06T13:02:00.001-07:002009-10-06T14:59:40.003-07:00Let's Salute our Favorite Teachers!Here's to the "<a href="http://myteachermyhero.com/story/143/us/pa/philadelphia/diana-ayton-shenker/">My Teacher My Hero</a>" project, allowing us to honor those teachers who imprint us indelibly. Thank you Miss O! Thank you Prof. Trachtenberg!<br /><br /><object name="kaltura_player" id="kaltura_player" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowScriptAccess="always" allowNetworking="all" allowFullScreen="true" height="324" width="460" data="http://www.kaltura.com/index.php/kwidget/cache_st/1252451789/wid/_31160/uiconf_id/1001067/entry_id/r0j649faqw"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="allowNetworking" value="all" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#000000" /><param name="movie" value="http://www.kaltura.com/index.php/kwidget/cache_st/1252451789/wid/_31160/uiconf_id/1001067/entry_id/r0j649faqw"/><param name="flashVars" value=""/><a href="http://corp.kaltura.com">video platform</a><a href="http://corp.kaltura.com/technology/video_management">video management</a><a href="http://corp.kaltura.com/solutions/overview">video solutions</a><a href="http://corp.kaltura.com/technology/video_player">free video player</a></object><script type="text/javascript">function customFunc1() { window.location = 'http://myteachermyhero.com/story/browse/' };</script><br /><br />Who are your favorite teachers? And who has taught you, directly or indirectly, about giving, philanthropy, social investment, generosity? What are the key lessons you've already learned? Teach us and each other! We want to learn from you.Diana Ayton-Shenkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15940096211054950095noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-560964823472902836.post-2130403739806148532009-09-25T10:52:00.000-07:002009-09-25T11:05:04.661-07:00Fast Forward favorite CGI thoughtsHere are some of my favorite CGI snippets of the past few days (I shared these on twitter, and reviewed to retrieve some of my passing thoughts during the swirl of <a href="www.clintonglobalinitiative.org">Clinton Global Initiative</a>):<br /><span class="status-body"><span class="entry-content"><br /></span></span><ul><li><span class="status-body"><span class="entry-content">Fola Adeola, <a href="http://www.fatefoundation.com/">The Fate Foundation</a>: "What we hold in our hands is a compass, so we can write our maps as we go along"</span></span></li><li><span class="status-body"><span class="entry-content"> Marilyn Carlsen: "holding up a mirror to ourselves may be best thing we can do"</span></span></li><li><span class="status-body"><span class="entry-content">Nick Kristoff: "need metrics of quality, not just quantity"</span></span></li><li><span class="status-body"><span class="entry-content">(not sure who said this, but it's good!) @CGI: "what is done to children they will do to the world"</span></span></li><li><span class="status-body"><span class="entry-content">(me!) : Why are 4 billion poor people "bottom of the pyramid," not "global majority"?</span></span></li></ul>Fast Forward Fund was honored to get a glimpse into CGI this year, and happy to post guest blogs at <a href="http://socialentrepreneurship.change.org/blog/view/live_from_cgi_building_a_culture_of_commitment">change.org</a>!Diana Ayton-Shenkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15940096211054950095noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-560964823472902836.post-91375834923752528592009-09-23T09:57:00.000-07:002009-09-23T10:01:55.794-07:00Attend CGI virtually!participate in CGI right now from wherever you are! follow cgi with real-time, live <a href="http://www.clintonglobalinitiative.org/">webcasts </a>and send in your questions/comments. go to www.clintonglobalinitiative.org and connect with nearly 1000 world leaders attending global gathering in nyc!Diana Ayton-Shenkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15940096211054950095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-560964823472902836.post-88868079426786388392009-09-20T18:47:00.000-07:002009-09-20T20:10:28.766-07:00Building a Pipeline of Next Gen Social InvestorsBuilding a Pipeline of Next Gen Social Investors is the heart of <a href="http://www.fastforwardfund.org">Fast Forward Fund</a>. So what infrastructure do we need to build this? What tools do we have? what's missing? One cool new tool getting attention in the social change ecosystem is the recently launched <a href="http://www.socialactions.com/social-entrepreneur-api">Social Entrepreneur API. </a>Check it out and join the discussion on <a href="http://www.socialedge.org/blogs/the-edge/archive/2009/09/12/socap-recap-gains-gaps-post-1-of-4-social-entrepreneur-api/">Social Edge</a>!<br /><p>Developed by <a href="http://www.socialactions.com/">Social Actions </a>(full disclosure: led by one of my favorite colleagues, Peter Deitz), the Social Entrepreneur API is "the first open database of information about social entrepreneurs who have won fellowships and awards from social enterprise funders. The tool allows philanthropists, investors, press, and fellow entrepreneurs to find social entrepreneurs based on keyword, location, cause area, population served, and a variety of other factors." "<a href="http://www.civicventures.org/">Civic Ventures</a> (sponsor of The Purpose Prize), <a href="http://www.draperrichards.org/">The Draper Richards Foundation</a>, <a href="http://www.ideablob.org/">ideablob</a>, <a href="http://www.poptech.org/">PopTech</a>, <a href="http://www.schwabfound.org/">The Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship</a>, and <a href="http://www.skollfoundation.org/">The Skoll Foundation</a> have pooled their data to create an open database of information about vetted social entrepreneurs. "<br /></p> <p>Sounds good in theory; how does it hold up in practice? To answer that question, let me call on next gen social investors to play around w/<a href="http://www.socialactions.com/social-entrepreneur-api">Social Entrepreneur API </a>! From your perspective, how is it helpful? how could it be more helpful? how could it inform and advance the efforts of social investors? <span style="font-style: italic;">Tell us how to shape this pipeline! </span><br /></p>Diana Ayton-Shenkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15940096211054950095noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-560964823472902836.post-42699711834373242072009-09-13T20:00:00.000-07:002009-09-14T08:04:47.795-07:00Social Innovation while wrestling w/new BlackberryLast week, <a href="http://www.fastforwardfund.org/">Fast Forward Fund</a> had its final interview with <a href="http://svn.org/">Social Venture Network</a> judges and professional staff for <a href="http://svn.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=Page.viewPage&pageId=706&parentID=511">SVN's Social Innovation Award</a>. Except for my mortification at not being able to figure out how to mute my new fancy schmancy Blackberry during the interview, I enjoyed and valued the experience immensely. Totally impressed with SVN's process, caliber of judges questions & engagement, stellar roster of fellow finalists. Thrilled, honored, humbled to be selected as finalist, and in such good company, for this award. One of the best parts of the interview was a fun & provocative question posed at the beginning: what's the most surprising thing that's come up for FFF in past 2-3 weeks? My answer: seeing how many cool <a href="http://www.socialcapitalmarkets.net/">SoCap09 </a>people already knew about Fast Forward, that we've come so much further than I'd realized while simultaneously have so much further to go, and that there is even greater demand and opportunity than I'd imagined to <span style="font-weight: bold;">build the pipeline for Next Gen social investors</span>!<br /><a href="http://www.socialcapitalmarkets.net/"><br /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.socialcapitalmarkets.net/">SoCap</a> RECAP</span>:<br />Leading a <a href="http://www.socialcapitalmarkets.net/">SoCap09</a> "unconference" session on <span style="font-style: italic;">Building the Pipeline for Next Gen Social Investors</span>, together with founding FFF Board Member <a href="http://www.newschool.edu/milano/news.aspx?id=34565">Michele Kahane</a> (The New School), and FFF Advisory Council Members <a href="http://www.rbf.org/trustees/trustees_show.htm?doc_id=964345">Justin Rockefeller</a> (Uhuru Management) & <a href="http://www.change.org/profile/view/996">Nathaniel Whittemore</a> (<a href="http://www.assetmap.com/">Asset Map</a>), we explored what's working, what's needed, and what we've learned so far. Interesting issue arose around use of term "social investor" v. philanthropist. The FFF "social investor" model aggregates philanthropic capital through what we call a "diversified social investment portfolio" to leverage impact of social investments to youth-led social enterprises (for profit, not for profit, and hybrid social ventures). FFF does not offer financial ROI, rather we offer a <span style="font-style: italic;">social </span>return on investment (SROI) and a charitable tax exemption to investors. So <span style="font-weight: bold;">why not just call FFF supporters "philanthropists," "donors," "givers"? Isn't it confusing to say "investor"?</span> Well, that confusion is a risk we're bumping up against, and frankly, we may need to reconsider our language, maybe sooner rather than later. Meanwhile, the reason we say social investor is that we mean it! We very intentionally want to instill the value that philanthropy through FFF is not just a charitable donation rather it's a real investment with real returns in <span style="font-style: italic;">social </span>terms. Directing capital to and through FFF is part of shifting philanthropic "business as usual" to a new era of strategic giving as a social investment, one that will build the society, the social context, of the world we want to create & embrace. That said, language matters. Semantics can be important. So what's in a name? What do you think? Is a philanthropist a social investor?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">And Back in NYC...<a href="http://www.bard.edu/bgia/">BGIA </a>& <a href="http://clintonglobalinitiative.org/">CGI</a></span><br />After two summer FFF trips to California, I've settled back into New York where I happily began fall semester teaching "Global Social Entrepreneurship & Strategic Philanthropy" at Bard Globalization & Int'l Affairs ( <a href="http://www.bard.edu/bgia/">BGIA ) </a>last week. Splitting my time between NYC & mid-Hudson Valley, I feel autumn in the air from upstate apple orchards, back-to-school buses & kids w/bulging backpacks, to city slickers wearing long sleeves for first time in months. I'm looking forward to the upcoming <a href="http://clintonglobalinitiative.org/">Clinton Global Initiative (CGI), </a>where I'll be blogging both for FFF and on <a href="http://www.change.org/">change.org</a>. What are the <span style="font-weight: bold;">top questions or issues you'd like to see raised at CGI re:next-gen social investors, innovators, and change-makers?</span> who are the top people you'd want to meet?Diana Ayton-Shenkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15940096211054950095noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-560964823472902836.post-33556820078776475002009-07-17T12:40:00.000-07:002009-07-17T18:41:15.196-07:00spread the FFF love from NY to CA!Very cool to spread the <a href="http://www.fastforwardfund.org">Fast Forward</a> love with inspiring friends new & old at FFF's 1st NYC meet-up! And it was amazing to hear Lily Lui from <a href="http://publicstuff.org/PublicStuff.org/PublicStuff/PublicStuff.html">Public Stuff </a>& Jessica Rauch from The <a href="http://thegenerationproject.org/">Generation Project</a> talk about the impact of participating in FFF's youth-to-youth Investor Pitch session (spring '09). They both emphasized the depth and quality of questions posed by their peers. The FFF student portfolio directors were able to probe issues and pose questions that prompted entrepreneurs to reach further in their thinking.... <span style="font-weight: bold;">QUESTION </span>For all those social adventurers out there: when you've embarked on a new endeavor, what questions have you found most provocative? trenchant? annoying?<br /><br />So far, July has featured FFF's 1st Leadership Summit, FFF as keynote speaker at <a href="http://ventureneer.com/vblog/celebrating-hard-work-entrepreneurship">NYWSE's Incubator Project celebration</a>, and our <a href="http://69.89.27.213/%7Eviepalco/?p=89">1st young professional meet-up</a>. What a great month...with two more weeks to go! This weekend, I'm off to California to introduce FFF to new partners & colleagues, find & deepen collaborative opportunities, and celebrate social investment with friends & family. Looking forward to the FFF <a href="http://event.pingg.com/PicnicInSonoma">picnic at the Ravenswood Winery</a>, and to the first event for <a href="http://moneymobsmedia.eventbrite.com/">HubSF</a> about mobilizing change!Diana Ayton-Shenkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15940096211054950095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-560964823472902836.post-27865739852231480412009-07-14T04:27:00.000-07:002009-07-14T04:34:30.629-07:00How would you Fast Forward Change?<span style="font-weight: bold;">Calling all world changers</span>: if you could accelerate social change, what would you <span style="font-style: italic;">fast forward</span> first? Think about it and send me your top 3 fast forward priorities! The best response will get featured and interviewed on next FFF e-newsletter.<br /><br />And if you're in NYC, come to <span class="status-body"><span class="entry-content"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.fastforwardfund.org">Fast Forward</a><span style="font-weight: bold;"> meet-up</span> tonight: <a href="http://bit.ly/IJCLL" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/IJCLL</a> , SideBAR, 6-9pm, 118 E.15th St., NYC. See you there!</span></span> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" id="latest_status"><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); display: none;" id="latest_text"><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" class="status-text">gathering tonight: http://bit.ly/IJCLL , SideBAR, 6-9pm, 118 E.15th S..</span></span></span> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" id="latest_status"><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); display: none;" id="latest_text"><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" class="status-text">gathering tonight: http://bit.ly/IJCLL , SideBAR, 6-9pm, 118 E.15th S..</span></span></span>Diana Ayton-Shenkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15940096211054950095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-560964823472902836.post-58826040562848857422009-07-01T13:58:00.001-07:002009-07-01T14:11:58.453-07:00FFF Leaders Enabling GrowthWell, tomorrow we gather <a href="http://www.fastforwardfund.org">Fast Forward Fund (FFF) </a>leaders-- founding Board members, our pilot portfolio student directors, summer team professional staff, advisors & friends, for our <span style="font-weight: bold;">1st Annual FFF Leadership Summit</span>. I already feel simultaneously exhausted & energized, in anticipation of the day-long retreat. One thing I know, the participants coming tomorrow, and all our amazing partners, are truly leading the path of youth-to-youth social investment.<br /><br />Our theme is "<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Envisioning & Enabling FFF Growth</span>." The day is structured around building our action plan in three respects: <span style="font-weight: bold;">Intention, Integrity, Impact</span>. I believe effective action requires all three qualities, as distinguished from mere activity. <span style="font-style: italic;">Intention </span>is about envisioning, dreaming, seeing where we want to go. <span style="font-style: italic;">Integrity </span>is about how we get there, making it happen, making it real. <span style="font-style: italic;">Impact </span>is the significance, the outcomes, the results of our efforts.<br /><br />Here's to a fruitful day!Diana Ayton-Shenkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15940096211054950095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-560964823472902836.post-54544477628564923822009-06-01T20:16:00.000-07:002009-06-01T20:23:24.551-07:00Ultimate Mentors for FFFCheck out Nathaniel Whittemore's <a href="http://socialentrepreneurship.change.org/blog/view/winners_announced_at_stanford_e-challenge_and_fast_forward_fund">Social Entrepreneurship blog </a>today at change.org showcasing Stanford's E-Challenge & <strong><a href="http://fastforwardfund.org/">Fast Forward Fund</a></strong>. His <a href="http://socialentrepreneurship.change.org/blog/view/the_daily_entrepreneur_mentors_gsvc_and_rich_nations">Daily Entrepreneur Post </a>also features snazzy photo of Yoda as "Ultimate Mentor"!<br /><br />So who's your ultimate mentor? <strong>what makes for great mentorship</strong>? The mentors who've most impacted me range from lifelong angels with whom it feels like I've been engaged in an always timely, yet timeless, conversation with no beginning and no end, to visionary visitors who mysteriously pass through my life at just the right moment in just the right way to guide me along...<br /><br />Here's a top-ten, dream-team, <strong>wish list of mentors</strong> I'd love to call on to help shape FFF:<br /><ol><li>Oprah Winfrey</li><li>Melinda Gates</li><li>The Dalai Lama</li><li>Jon Stewart</li><li>Michelle Obama</li><li>former President Bill Clinton</li><li>George Soros</li><li>J.K. Rowling</li><li>my three children</li><li>You</li></ol>OK, <em>uber</em>-mentors. You know who you are. <a href="http://fastforwardfund.org/">Fast Forward Fund </a>needs you!Diana Ayton-Shenkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15940096211054950095noreply@blogger.com0