Tag Archives: philanthropy

By Julie Blaustein

SOCAP09 has grown up since it first came on the radar last year. There were  about 600 attendees at the 1st event and now this past week over 1000 attendees came from around the world to attend the three day conference at Fort Mason. This is a conference about making changes to our existing profit-driven financial systems along with promoting social innovation, creating sustainability and making new beginnings for our society.  Pretty lofty goals for most people, but these folks are the best-of-the-best thought leaders and doers; driven to make change and make a difference.  These movers and shakers include those from the world’s top social innovators, investors, donors, entrepreneurs, social entrepreneurs, philanthropists, new media, NGO’s and non-profits, wealth managers, development agencies, venture capitalists, MBA students, and numerous other groups interested in the growing opportunities of social capital.

Sonal Shah, Director of the White House Office of Social Innovation was the keynote and set the stage by sharing with the audience the role that the Obama Administration is taking on with social innovation and how companies can gain access to partnerships. Additional, diverse speakers participated on Keynotes and panels from the Rockfeller Foundation, IDEO, Social Capital Partners, REDF, Change.org, Grey Ghost Ventures, McKinsey and Co. and the list goes on. This wasn’t just a conference, this was about getting together, having a conversation that  matters, and making a roadmap for change immediately.  It should be interesting to learn what those changes will be in the near future.

Technology played a huge role at the conference. BusinessBoomer provided live streaming of interviews with some of visionaries and business leaders. Twittering #socap09 was rampant throughout and after the conference along with ongoing coverage with numerous videographers, bloggers and flippers – those using the flip phone for short interviews uploaded immediately to sites. Coverage can be found throughout the Internet and from the source, SOCAP09’s Blog. There was also a photographer, me. More photos below and on Julie’s Flickr Page:

Sonal Shah, Director of the White House Office of Social Innovation

Kevin Jones SOCAP09 Convener, Sangeeta Chowdhry of Acumen Fund, Sally Madsen of IDEO, Lucky Gunsaskara of FrontlineSMS Medic & Mark Bedford of NComputing

The Audience Listening Intently to the Speakers Words of Wisdom

Solving Hunger One Grilled Cheese Sandwich at a Time - Feel Good Sponsored Break

The BusinessBoomer Team: Julie Blaustein, Ryan Billings, Janice Bailon, Arabella Santiago and Rainer Cvillink

Even During Breaks Attendees Stay Connected

Post and video by Miiko Mentz

On Friday, we posted our highlight reel of the Bubby Award winners and every day this week we’ll be posting one interview from each of the five winners. Bubblicious Reporter Alison McNeill recently presented the Bubby awards to each winner at Twiistup 5, which was held at Hangar:8 at the Santa Monica airport. First up is Causecast, winner of the “Favorite Do-Gooder” Bubby award.

In our interview with Mateo Gutierrez and Kate Stahnke, director of product development at Causecast, Stahnke explains how Causecast is a platform where non-profit organizations and individuals join together to further their philanthropic goals. In addition to connecting non-profits with people who want to make a difference, it also provides them with the tools and information needed to support and further the cause they care about.

Causecast also has leaders that are dedicated and passionate about facilitating and finding ways “to help, donate, organize, promote and inspire others to make a powerful and positive impact on this world – together,” according to the Causecast site.

For example, Aaron Cohen is a human rights activist and Causecast leader who has dedicated himself to stopping human trafficking. At Causecast, people can learn more about human trafficking on Cohen’s Causecast profile page where he has a blog, videos, photos, and a place for supporters to leave comments and support the fight to end human trafficking.

Causecast also has many celebrities participating such as Matthew Modine and Jenny McCarthy, but it’s not about being a celebrity. It’s about coming together as a community to make the world better. As Stahnke says, “celebrity or non-celebrity, if you’re doing amazing things in the world, you’re a leader in our eyes and we want to give you a platform.”

If you care about a particular cause and want to lend your support by giving a donation, volunteering, attending an event or becoming a Causecast leader, join Causecast and do your part to make a difference in the lives of others.

Come back tomorrow and watch our interview with Laurent Gill, president and COO of Viewdle, winner of “Favorite Showoff” Bubby award.