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In How to Change the World: Social Entrepreneurs and the Power of New Ideas, author David Bornstein describes how members of the Ashoka community—a global association of leading social entrepreneurs—have used their passion to foster systemic change around the world. Dubbed Ashoka Fellows, these individuals are committed to changing societal patterns through innovative ideas. As a journalist who focuses on social innovation, Bornstein’s accumulated expertise in this growing topic enables the content of the book to befit its ambitious title.
People have been quietly following their passions for centuries, but social entrepreneurship is a fairly new, outside-the-box way to frame the lifelong commitment of individuals who are working for the good of society in a world that is often myopicly focused on commerce and profit. The book’s chapters alternate between stories of individual Fellows’ missions and the conceptual framework of social enterprise. Bornstein brings up his own personal experience in several of the chapters.
Because the concept of social enterprise is not widely known outside specialist circles, the information in these true stories of what is being done around the world may spark greater interest and lead to more positive change. Bornstein tells the whole story, citing the successes of the projects as well as many of the struggles along the way. As I did, other readers may find themselves dreaming up solutions to societal problems that they have heard about or witnessed firsthand. While the writing style is not overwhelmingly exhilarating, the content may move you to action!
—Eliza Searles, November 2009