STARTINGBLOC INSTITUTES FOR SOCIAL INNOVATION ARE FOUR-DAY FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMS IN SOCIAL INNOVATION
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calendar_month 26 Nov 2007, 00:00
In 2007-2008, Institutes for Social Innovation will be held in New York City (USA) and London (UK). While the New York Institute will be spread over 3 weekends between January and April 2008, the London Institute will be held over four consecutive days, in July 2008.
Beyond Corporate Social Responsibility
This first module considers the current debate around corporate social responsibility and its evolution over the past thirty years. Fellows work with presenters to identify strengths and flaws in current theories around "corporate social responsibility".
Corporate Social Innovation

The second module focuses on the spectrum of corporate social innovation. Fellows learn about organizations that are creating bestpractices in the field of corporate social innovation and debate whether companies can really "do well by doing good." Fellows are provided a framework for understanding how corporate social innovation will become a more integral part of a company''s core business operations and strategy in the 21st century.
Social Entrepreneurship / New Value Creation
The third module begins exploring the limits of corporate social innovation and the role of social entrepreneurs when markets fail.
Fellows examine organizations and individuals that are catalyzing disruptive social innovations to expand the circles of social and
economic opportunity. Organizations operating in both the developing world and developed world are examined. Presenters at previous Institutes include executives from Ashoka, Acumen Fund, the Institute for One World Health, Endeavor, Scojo Foundation, New Leaders for NewSchools, Teach for America, and the Grameen Foundation.
Cross Sector Collaboration: A Sustainable Global Economy
The fourth module further considers the limits of corporate social innovation. Fellows examine the role of government and cross-sector partnerships in achieving a more sustainable global economy. Skills for Social Innovators
The Institute for Social Innovation also includes sessions that will help you develop the skills needed on your path as a social innovator. Workshops include: "Networking Skills," "Writing a Business Plan," and "How to Market Your Social Enterprise."
The Social Innovation Competition
During each session, the Institute for Social Innovation gives Fellows the chance to work on a team consulting project through the Social Innovation Competition. Fellows work in groups of 6-8 to create theirown social enterprise by selecting from a list, designed by StartingBloc, of social and environmental challenges currently faced by society. Teams design a business proposal that outlines a self-sustaining, income-generating, social enterprise.
Each team submits a proposal for their social enterprise to StartingBloc. Finalists present to a panel of judges composed of
StartingBloc advisors and consultants at the final Institute event. The overall winning team is provided with access to StartingBloc'' s resources and network for up to one year in order to execute their proposal.

More info on www.startingbloc.org