Yearly Archives: 2015

Innovation is Birthed from Disorder

Here’s some advice for the explorer in you who desires to make the world better, particularly the young bright sparks who are just setting out. Trust all your senses. When your experience compels you to seek something different and your … Read More

Stardust

“Look up,” said the Friendly Giant who was a staple of children’s television for decades. “Look way, way up.” When we hear the words “ashes to ashes, dust to dust” most of us are likely thinking they refer to the ground beneath … Read More

Moral Oxygen

Social change can be harsh and unyielding. It can take a toll on you, your family, your friends, your colleagues and your adversaries. The sustenance for this journey comes from what Quebec philosopher and social commentator Jacques Dufresne describes as “moral oxygen.” … Read More

Montréal’s Top Social Innovations

Ah Montréal. Thank you for your joy, vibrancy and sensual delight. Thank you for introducing pleasure to Canada’s diet. You have been very patient with the rest of us. Thank you for blending the inclusiveness of Canada’s first people with … Read More

Generation Without Boundaries

One of the many reasons I’m optimistic about the future is because we will soon be led by the first generation without boundaries. This generation is transcending traditional boundaries and shattering artificial borders. They are shaking things up and making … Read More

The Role of the Canoe in Creating Canada

The canoe is Canada’s original and preeminent social innovation. There is no other invention that has impacted us so profoundly and for so long. The canoe defines us as Canadians. It is relevant to every nook and cranny of the … Read More

Toronto’s Top Dozen Social Innovations

The rest of Canada can get petulant about Toronto. Once it was even fashionable to describe Toronto as dull. I doubt it was ever true. Or that Toronto was any duller than any other place in the country – except … Read More

Social Change is Enlightened by Love

People care more deeply about our social and environmental challenges than we realize. One of the reasons our initiatives don’t have the impact we’d like is because there aren’t enough people falling in love with them. There are three possible … Read More

Singable Songs for the Young at Heart

The recent death of Lois Lillenstein of Sharon Lois and Bram reminds me of the revolution in children’s music that beloved trio was part of in the late 1970’s. It started with Raffi who was both musical innovator and social … Read More

Impact 6 is Ready to Make a Dent in the Conversation

My new book Impact: Six Patterns to Spread Your Social Innovation is now available in print and electronic formats. Impact explores the difference between short term success and lasting impact. It will be of interest to anyone who has ever … Read More