How to be a changemaker

Munveer Singh

Progress brings new challenges to be solved. How can young people help make the world a better place? I recently spoke with Bill Drayton,the founder and chief executive officer of Ashoka. The nonprofit organization works to support kids with lifesaving ideas. Drayton and his team at Ashoka provide young people around the world with the tools to build their confidence and get the support they need to advance society. Below are some of my conversation with Drayton.

What were your goals and hopes when you started the organization?

One of our biggest goals was to introduce the idea of social entrepreneurship.We invented the terms“social entrepreneur”and“changemaker”at the same time.We focus heavily on the youth across the world. In a world where everything is changing, every kid needs to be able to adapt.

Why are you promoting this cul⁃ture of doing?

Currently, there is a terrible divide in the world. That divide is between those who can adapt to the fast changing world and those who can't. More than 40% of the world's population can't adapt to the new world. This can be directly correlated to worsening conditions.That's why it's so important for us to promote changemaking.

How does Ashoka support young changemakers?

Our small group of young changemakers is selected through a very competitive process. The people we select are doing all sorts of good work and helping their communities in many different ways.We formally support these people over two years. Many continue to be a part of the greater Ashoka network for a much longer time. Ten years later, these people are doing really well.

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Why was Ashoka set up?

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