The Power of One: Why we should pay attention to the disruptive ideas of everyday heroes changing America
Synopsis "The Power of One: Why we should pay attention to the disruptive ideas of everyday heroes changing America"
One person. One earth-shaking idea. Can ordinary people invent the solutions to major social problems like housing shortages or at-risk youth? New, compelling evidence says yes they can. Like the oil scout who created a thriving national housing repair program for the elderly and disadvantaged. And the mother troubled by a child abduction in the news who crafted the nationwide Amber Alert child rescue plan. Since the early 1980's, a quiet revolution has slowly evolved right under our noses created by no one other than the average American citizen. Amazingly, this news has evaded the mainstream media. Yet, every day people, comprised of entrepreneurs, parents, athletes, the clergy, and even teens are saying, "enough is enough" to a fifty-year stretch of less-than-effective government social programs. They've decided to take on the Goliath-sized issues that were once deemed the responsibility of large institutions.Based on 110 interviews across America, researcher and author, Debra Berg, reveals the stories behind 26 highly successful social cures invented by 35 citizen-heroes. Many of the inventors have sacrificed high -paying jobs, personal lives, and even physical safety to advance their initiatives. With the backing of volunteers, business, and donors they've combined sweat equity with a heavy dose of compassion. The end result? Transformed lives, more cohesive communities, and a significant savings to taxpayers.These everyday heroes have gleaned minimal press, but that hasn't discouraged them. They're still able to successfully grow and finance their ideas without the aid of big bureaucracies or expensive PR campaigns. And by applying entrepreneurial savvy to age-old social problems like poverty, they're leaving even the most cynical skeptic speechless.In short, the nation should be recognizing these innovative citizens and their successes. These secular and faith-based initiatives are engaging thousands of volunteers and providing the social templates for America' s 21st century cities. And as for any naysayers who've predicted the demise of American civic culture? Well, they may be surprised to learn that social innovation is now engaging millions of citizens in democracies throughout the globe! Learn more at: www.NICENetwork.org
