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
