Announcing: The 2009 SVN Innovation Awards
After 22 years of inspiring a community of 500 leaders who are building a more just and sustainable world, SVN is looking to honor and support the "next generation" of social entrepreneurs through the 2009 SVN Innovation Awards. Winners of the 2009 SVN Innovation Awards will be honored during a special ceremony at the 2009 SVN Fall Conference at the Estancia La Jolla, and will receive a free year of membership in SVN, waived registration and travel and hotel expenses to attend the Fall Conference, waived registration for the 2010 SVN Member Gathering, and recognition on SVN's website for a full year, plus advice and mentoring from members of the SVN community.

To be eligible, applicants must currently hold positions as C-level executives (CEO, President, Executive Director, etc.) at a business or nonprofit that has a positive social or environmental impact, and their organization must be less than five years old. The Awards are open to both current SVN members and non-members. Read the full rules →

To learn more about the Awards or to download an application, please visit www.svn.org/awards. If you have questions, feel free to get in touch with Lars Olson at [email protected] or Tina Sciabica at [email protected].

SVI Hollyhock Call for Case Studies
Social Venture Institutes (SVIs) offer the mission-based entrepreneur an opportunity to share challenges, successes, and experiences with peers in an atmosphere of trust and goodwill. Case Studies are the core of the SVI model and where some of the greatest learning happens. They are a powerful way for SVI attendees to gain a wealth of practical ideas to help manage the challenges of running a socially responsible enterprise. Case Studies are selected based on an enterprise's stage of growth, having a well-framed and defined problem statement, and providing opportunities to draw larger lessons for the whole group. Click here to submit your Case Study Application and for more information. Applications are due by Friday, June 19th. Learn more about SVI Hollyhock, coming up this September 9th - 13th, at www.renewalpartners.com/svi-hollyhock.

SVN Everywhere Launches: Helping Members Connect... Everywhere!
SVN Everywhere is our initiative to use technology to move the network from "twice connected" (at bi-annual conferences) to "always on", to share more stories of innovation within the network and with the world, and to help members self-organize and collaborate more. Launched with great excitement at the spring gathering in Chicago, SVN Everywhere is helping members connect in smart and easy ways to increase collaboration and impact. Here's how to make SVN Everywhere part of your world and help make our community stronger. Bookmark these links and get engaged! Feel free to contact Aileen at [email protected] if you'd like support in making these tools work for you.

SVN Impact blog: We're blogging about members' work and the growth of the socially responsible business sector! Check out stories from the spring gathering, add your comments, and send us your own stories throughout the year: socialventurenetwork.wordpress.com

SVN Facebook page: Stay connected with SVN and each other. Look for people you've met at SVN over the years, and "friend them" so you can stay more connected, easily, throughout the year. Go to www.facebook.com. Search for "Social Venture Network". Click "Become a Fan" under the SVN logo.

Flickr.com group: Have great photos from SVN events? Upload them and tag them with "svnetwork", and they will automatically go into the SVN Flickr group and be published on the SVN Impact blog.

SVN on Twitter: Follow SVNetwork on Twitter to keep tabs on us and other members' stories and connections! Send your Twitter name to [email protected] and we'll follow you so we can share your stories with others.

SVN LinkedIn group (members-only): Uncover contacts in members' extended networks, post a question, and answer someone else's. Go to www.linkedin.com and search for Social Venture Network under Groups.

SVNet: SVN's private community where you look up members' contact information, bios, sustainable business practices, and geo-location. Log in at www.svn.org/login.

Ben Jealous on Conscious Living TV
One hundred years ago, a small multiracial group of progressive thinkers dared to come together in a tiny New York apartment to share a bold dream: an America free of the racial oppression that sullied the soul of our nation a little over 40 years after slavery. The NAACP was born out of this gathering, but its original mission is still far from realized. In a video excerpt from the 2009 SVN Member Gathering (with introduction from MaryAnne Howland of Ibis Communications), hear from Ben Jealous, President of the NAACP, on how the organization is continuing the work begun over 100 years ago to extend beyond just the black community and touch all communities impacted by social injustice. The video was produced by Bianca and Michael Alexander of Conscious Planet Media. Click here to watch.

Better Your World
Mark Bachman's organization, Better the World, is hosting a contest for the month of May to encourage people to become involved in their digital fundraising program. The contest is designed to reward the most active members of bettertheworld.com. Participants can take free online actions to support a of their choice charity and earn the chance to win great prizes from Apple. To participate and learn more about Better the World, visit www.bettertheworld.com/contest.

Ask Not What Your Country Can Do for You...
Would you volunteer to pay more taxes if you knew it would prevent budget cuts and taxes on lower-income citizens? Responsible Wealth's Mike Lapham and proud New York resident Allen Bromberger are interviewed in a National Radio Project program airing across the country that focuses on people who are willing to pay higher taxes. Allen was one of 90 upper-income New Yorkers who signed a letter to Governor Paterson urging him to raise taxes on top-tier taxpayers to help close the state's $19 billion budget gap. To listen online, click here, or to find out when the 1/2 hour segment airs on a station near you, click here. And now that the 2009 tax season is over, you can find out how much you saved this year from the Bush and Clinton tax cuts using Responsible Wealth's handy Tax Break Calculator faireconomy.org/issues/fair_taxation/tax_break_calculator.

Rob Thomas takes a step on Wall Street
President and Founder of Social(K), Rob Thomas, was quoted in the Wall Street Journal discussing the growing popularity of socially responsible investing in retirement saving plans. The article also cites SVN member Ahmed Rahim, CEO and co-founder of Numi Organic Tea in Oakland, California, whose organic tea company started offering SRI choices in their 401(k) plan so that workers are able to save for retirement through investments aligned with the company's values. Click here to read the article. Learn more about Social(k) and their offering of over 150 socially responsible mutual funds at www.socialk.com.

Mission Inc., featured in Conference Notebook
Mission, Inc. authors Kevin Lynch and Julius Walls, Jr. recently offered their insight on running socially responsible businesses—even in a recession—in an article featured in the The Chronicle of Philanthropy. They offer advice to business leaders on how to keep their socially responsible businesses afloat, despite the struggling economy, and how to take advantage of the unpleasant conditions to grow and improve their own situations without losing sight of their values. Julius is quoted in the article saying, "give sweat and tears, not blood," meaning that leaders need to make sure that they take care of themselves and their personal relationships, and not let their business become all-consuming. To read the article click here. Learn more about Mission: Inc.—the most recent title from the SVN Book Series—and order online from Berrett-Koehler Publishers here.

News from READ
Rural Education and Development (READ) Global, founded by SVN member Antonia Neubauer, will become one of the few international nonprofit organizations officially permitted to work in the remote Himalayan nation of Bhutan. READ is an 18-year-old pioneer in international development, dedicated to turning rural communities from poverty to prosperity by making them viable places to work, learn and live. READ helped establish 49 village-supported Community Library and Resource Centers throughout Nepal and India. These READ Centers serve each community's particular educational, occupational, and social needs. In November 2008, READ Global signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Bhutan Royal Education Council, an autonomous organization and a special initiative of the King of Bhutan, to establish up to three centers by the end of 2009. READ Global's Board of Directors includes SVN members Mal Warwick, Senator Omer Rains, Adnan Durrani, Jan Morgan, and Raphael Bemporad. For more information about READ Global, please visit www.readglobal.org.

SILC's New Website: Great Resources for Building Diversity
MaryAnne Howland of Ibis Communications and Russ Gaskin of Green America worked with SILC (Social Impact Leadership Coalition) to create an updated site which has new resources designed to bridge the gap between businesses led by people of color and businesses that consider themselves to be "socially responsible". The site makes a compelling case to business owners about the need for greater diversity and inclusion in their companies, and includes practical tools (case studies, best practices, and online resources) to help them pursue a more effective diversity agenda. The site also has information about Social Venture Institutes (geared toward small business leaders in the field of socially responsible enterprise) and profiles of SVN and SILC members on BlackEnterprise.com.

The following enterprises have members who have joined Social Venture Network since April 2009:

• Investors' Circle
• Worldways Social Marketing

Membership in SVN
Social Venture Network transforms the way the world does business by leveraging its members' collective strengths of leadership, knowledge and enterprise for a more just and sustainable economy. If you are interested in becoming a member of SVN, we invite you to learn more from the resources below:

• Member Benefits
• Guidelines
• Featured member profiles
• Testimonials

If you are doing work that is aligned with SVN's mission, but do not currently meet guidelines for membership, we invite you to become an SVN Affiliate. For more information, visit www.svn.org/membership or contact Aileen Sweeney at [email protected].

California Product Stewardship Act
Currently there is a bill in the California Legislature, AB 283 The California Product Stewardship Act, whose goal is to encourage businesses to see that there exists a convenient and efficient disposal system for their product. This bill is designed to draw attention to end-of-life management of products during the design phase so that businesses can reduce product waste at the source. For more information visit www.calpsc.org/policies/state/

BALLE 2009 Conference
May 21 - 23
Denver, CO

BALLE's 7th Annual Conference will be in Denver, Colorado, one of America's leading cities committed to economic sustainability. The conference will highlight a broad range of practical tools and inspirational voices, while showcasing the remarkable impact that BALLE's 65 networks are having in their communities every day. Click here to learn more and register today.

An Evening with Seventh Generation and WAGES
May 26
Mill Valley, CA

Join Jeffery Hollender and friends to learn about the new co-op WAGES and Seventh Generation recently launched in San Francisco, as well as how you can support this exciting work. Organic hors d'oeuvres and libations will be served from 6:00 to 8:00pm, with a short program will occur at 7:00pm. Please reply to [email protected] on or before May 20, 2009. If you can't attend, consider making a contribution to WAGES at www.wagescooperatives.org/SustainerCircle.html

Building Self-Reliant Local Economies in a time of Environmental and Economic Crisis
with Judy Wicks
May 27
Trenton, NJ

Judy Wicks is scheduled to share her insight on "Building Self-Reliant Local Economies in a time of Environmental and Economic Crisis". Judy Wicks has been a tireless crusader for small business, family farms, fair trade, and social equity and has inspired millions through various appearances and features in the media. To purchase tickets, $25 in advance and $35 at the door, for this event call (206) 202-2883 or email [email protected].

LOHAS Forum
June 17 - 19
Boulder, CO
2 for 1 pass Offer Extended to May 16th

LOHAS is extending their 2 for 1 offer! Act now to save 50% off the regular LOHAS Forum fee (this offer will expire on May 16th). At LOHAS Forum, learn how to: successfully approach the LOHAS consumers with your products and services, network with like-minded executives from all LOHAS market sectors, speak directly with mainstream media who are interested in covering companies and products designed for the conscious consumer, and hear the experts' latest trend data from the leading LOHAS market sectors. Learn more, and register online at www.lohas.com/forum.

The Spring 2009 Saybrook Dialogues:
Creativity, Leadership and Wisdom
June 4, 7:00pm
Saybrook Graduate School and Research Center
747 Front Street, 3rd Floor
San Francisco, CA

In difficult times we are faced with choices of how to respond. We can tighten, work from fear, rely on what we think we know or, we can open, act from a place of wisdom, and let go of what we were once certain. During this Dialogue, participants will explore the role and practices of allowing the creative process to inform their leadership, their work, and their lives. Dialogue Leaders include Steven Kowalski, Ph.D. Executive Development, Genentech, and President, Creative License, and Marc Lesser, MBA, Founder and President, ZBA Associates. $25 Requested donation. Seating is limited. RSVP to Terry Hopper at 415-394-5220 or [email protected].

Opportunity Fund
Program Director
San Francisco, CA

Opportunity Fund is currently seeking a highly qualified Program Director to lead its successful Small Business Loan Program. Reporting to the VP of Programs, the Program Director works with Opportunity Fund's senior management team to develop program strategy, and has primary responsibility for managing the Small Business Loan Program's marketing, sales, underwriting and portfolio management. The Program Director will lead a team of 6 full-time staff, 1-2 part-time contractors, and several volunteers. The Program Director also serves as a liaison to the Development and Finance teams to achieve organizational goals. Opportunity Fund's goal is to scale up what is already a sustainable microfinance program and become one of the largest microlenders in the country. The Program Director will be prepared to develop and execute a marketing strategy and lead the team through a period of growth that achieves financial sustainability (through earned income and fundraising) and high community impact. This position is an excellent opportunity for a proven leader looking to join an entrepreneurial and high-performing microfinance team in a fun and flexible work environment. Learn more at www.opportunityfund.org.

Ashoka
Chief Financial Officer
Arlington, VA

Ashoka (www.ashoka.org) is the world's largest association of social entrepreneurs—men and women who are pioneering new institutions and system-changing solutions for the world's most urgent social problems. Since 1980, Ashoka has pioneered the field of social entrepreneurship, electing and connecting more than 2,000 individuals with system-changing ideas in over 60 countries. They seek a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) who will be tasked with leading a core team to develop their global finance capabilities and ultimately cultivate a decentralized, yet integrated institutional structure. Ashoka has entered a new phase of growth and development and seeks a practical and innovative individual to create the new role of CFO. The successful senior level candidate will be excited to forge his or her own path, executing thoughtful strategies for financial restructuring and innovation and ultimately enabling a new organizational behavior for intrapreneurship. The CFO will report to the President and will work closely with other Leadership Group Members. For more information on Ashoka visit www.ashoka.org

IceStone
Customer Service/Inside Sales
Brooklyn, NY

IceStone LLC manufactures high-design durable surfaces from recycled glass and cement. The company is a leader in sustainable business, focusing on the triple bottom line of environmental and social as well as financial returns. The position available serves as an ambassador to IceStone and a member of their Customer Service Team. This role includes speaking with customers, resolving problems, and processing orders. This opportunity is ideal for someone who is motivated, energetic, self-directed, and good-natured. Applicants should be unafraid of challenges and thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment. Applicants should also have 1-3 years of customer service or similar experience, proficiency in MS Office, strong verbal and written communication skills, and a high level of organizational skills. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis starting April 15, 2009 until the position is filled. Send your resume, salary history and cover letter via email (subject: Inside Sales), fax, or mail. In your cover letter please tell us why you would be a great addition to IceStone's Customer Service & Sales Department. Email [email protected]. To learn more about IceStone visit www.icestone.biz.

Distant Village Packaging
Social Responsibility Compliance Intern
Chicago, IL

Distant Village Packaging is a rapidly growing international company specializing in custom handmade packaging for specialty products. Distant Village Packaging focuses on eco-friendly and sustainable development and is a passionate contributor toward the betterment of the local communities and artisans we work with. They are seeking a part-time Social Responsibility Compliance Intern to assist in developing a sustainability audit for the existing and new artisan groups we purchase from, and assist in furthering our goal to achieve Fair Trade certification. They offer a friendly and supportive working environment in which you will be challenged, valued, and encouraged to grow within a very hands-on environment. Learn more at www.DistantVillage.com or contact [email protected].

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phone: (415) 561-6501

web: http://www.svn.org