Andrew Rasiej, MOUSE Founder, Highlighted in Forbes
Startup Month here at Forbes is focused in its initial stages on the make-up of successful entrepreneurs. Yet what about that rapidly expanding class of driven, Type A-plus start-up mavens who track a double bottom line – those B Corp-loving, nonprofit launching, cause-oriented talents known as social entrepreneurs? What does it take to launch the next great social enterprise or recruit tens of thousands to the next important social cause? Do you have what it takes? Are you a social entrepreneur?
Well, first a quick definition. In my book, a social entrepreneur is anyone driven to start an entity in pursuit of a social goal. The form used doesn’t necessarily matter: it can be a foundation, a company, a blended entity, a loose cooperative, or an entirely unincorporated alliance of the willing. But to me, the willingness to the start the actual entity, and pursue its growth and success, really matters. Complaining on Twitter about a particular social ill or community problem does not make you a social entrepreneur – building a campaign and working hard to mobilize support online and offline does.
As the career profile for social entrepreneur grows – and more colleges and universities offer it as a program of study – plenty of young people are considering this path. Here then are five questions to ponder in asking the question: are you a social entrepreneur?
1. Are you willing to bootstrap?
Sure, you may have an overnight success and raise investment dollars quickly. But the odds are against it. Successful social ventures usually take year to mature. Charles Best, the founder of DonorsChoose.org, which has facilitated more than $117 million in donations to projects in public schools over the last decade, has a simple litmus test to identify the world-changers from the job-seekers. “At the end of a meeting where you were given water, do you take your cup with you and throw it out, or do you leave it for the custodian to clean up?” asks Best, who first launched DonorsChoose as a high school history teacher to provide public school students in New York with similar opportunities their private school counterparts enjoyed. “Corporate folks leave the cup behind, presuming someone will clean up after them. Boostrappers presume nobody will throw out the cup unless they do.”
Social entrepreneurship 101: Be willing to do it yourself.
2. Can you look down the road?
In 2005, serial social entrepreneur Andrew Rasiej ran for office of Public Advocate in New York City on a platform of increased high-speed Internet access and more open municipal data. He lost. Yet for Rasiej, the cause he’s dedicated much of his career to – increasing the public’s access to digital technology and information – didn’t necessarily rely simply on winning that race. “I knew that even if I didn’t win the office it didn’t mean I was finished being a public advocate,” he recalled. Dealing with the adversity of an unsuccessful political campaign wasn’t something he needed to overcome, because it wasn’t really an obstacle at all. As founder of Personal Democracy Media, adviser to the Sunlight Foundation, and founder of MOUSE.org, a nonprofit helping under-served public school students to become technology leaders in their schools, Rasiej was always advancing the ball – and sees the longer journey as the real story of his work. This viewpoint is common among successful social entrepreneurs. Mari Kuraishi, co-founder of GlobalGiving, an online giving platform started in 2002 (and which I profiled back in March), puts it succinctly: “Are you the type of person who loves the anticipation as much as the result? That’s not a necessary condition, but it helps. There’s a lot of anticipating in a startup!”
Social entrepreneurship 101: Stay patient, take the long view.
3. Is failure an option?
“Being prepared to fail is as important as being prepared to succeed,” says Rasiej, and it’s a point of view you’ll hear from most social entrepreneurs – heck, most entrepreneurs. The willingness to take a chance in succeeding against the odds is a clear marker for the leader of a start-up. Ben Rattray, the founder of the successful online petition platform Change.org, offers this question to those who might follow in his footsteps: “Assume that you work intensely on a social entrepreneurship venture and, after 2 years, fail. At that point, looking back, will you regret having pursued that idea?” Rattray knows about the ups and downs of a social venture – he founded Change.org in 2006 and scrambled to keep it going, before finding a big upside over the last year and powering campaigns like the movement to pursue an investigation into the death of Trayvon Martin (see my interview from April here).
“A lot of people are excited about social entrepreneurship because it’s the hot new thing,” says Rattray. “They also succumb to unrealistic expectations because of the ‘outlier effect’: all the companies you see are successful (nobody writes about the 90% of ventures that fail), leading people to assume that success isn’t that hard. But the reality is that the odds of success for any venture – particularly social ventures – are quite low.” Adds Kuraishi: “Everyone is different in the way they deal with it, but there are ways that are self-defeating, and others that are painful but ultimately allow you to keep going, wiser in one way or another.”
Social entrepreneurship 101: Prepare to fail, and grow from the experience.
4. Do you know your limitations?
It doesn’t necessarily demand personal humility to start something; indeed, sometimes hubris is a virtue. But to make it succeed over time – and serve that long-standing social goal? That demands both humility and patience. Understanding what you’re good at is crucial.
“When I first started Games for Change, I knew games had the incredible potential for deep learning and social impact, but wasn’t sure I had the skills to run a non-profit,” recalls veteran social entrepreneur Suzanne Seggerman, who founded the social change video games nonprofit in 2004.
“Then I learned about the concept of ‘starters and finishers’ and understood finally that I was a ‘starter’ and needed to be paired with a ‘finisher,’ which at G4C, I was. In social entrepreneurship, people always focus on what they’re good at, what they’re interested in. I think it’s perhaps even more important to figure out what you’re bad at – what it’s a struggle to do.”
Games for Change facilitates the creation and distribution of social impact games that serve as critical tools in humanitarian and educational efforts, and Seggerman explained that it takes a partnership of differing talents to build a long-last social venture. “There’s a spectrum of abilities – starters are on one far end – these are the people who are full of ideas, constantly coming up with new solutions, innovative approaches. They sometimes have an ADD-type profile, with shorter attention spans, and probably lots of project ideas, they are often spread a little thin, with their hands in too many pots. On the extreme other end of the spectrum are the finishers – these are the detail-oriented task-masters. They get things done. They take the big ideas of the starters and implement them. If you want to start something, figure out where you fall on this spectrum and make sure to team up with someone on the alternate end.”
Social entrepreneurship 101: Understand your talents … and limitations.
5. Can you build a team?
Seggerman believes that teaming extreme starters and extreme finishers “can sometimes make the most extraordinary successes.” Or to put it another way: can you realize what you’re good at and supplement that talent by putting together a great team to pursue your social cause?
Here’s how Mari Kuraishi asks the question: “Do you have the people skills to bring together one or more people either as co-founders or a core team that is going to go through the first part of the roller coaster ride you can trust completely and who will have the energy and drive – when perhaps you won’t – to keep the enterprise going?”
Social entrepreneurship 101: Be prepared to build a team.
Notice that none of these questions is related to your belief in your cause or your commitment to changing the world. Yet each of the successful social entrepreneurs quoted in this article have that drive. In many ways, that’s the easy part. Many of us can identify what needs to changed. Some of us can organize a campaign or an organization to pursue that change. But few can see the social enterprise through to sustainability over the long haul.
So with a little added perspective, ask yourself anew: are you a social entrepreneur?
The list of what I have learned from the MOUSE Squad program can go on forever. The training has helped me to be confident about what I do and has taught me... read more ›
– Jessica Alberto, MOUSE Squad Member, Thomas A. Edison Career & Technology High School
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TechCrew allows me to start my day working with a group of students that have true passion and dedication…TechCrew teaches our students how to work as part of a group and leaves them... read more ›
– Marcos Alcozer, Northside College Prep High School, Chicago
MOUSE has helped me to gain job skills and it has been a great opportunity. The Squad has taught me many valuable lessons, the most important being responsibility and leadership. read more ›
– Khaleel Anderson, MOUSE Student, P256Q
MOUSE Squad has provided invaluable assistance to our school and made technology easy for our entire staff. Those on MOUSE Squad are surrounded by students who are successful inside and outside the classroom. read more ›
– Anthony Barbetta, Principal, Thomas A. Edison Career & Technology High School
I recognize MOUSE for its dedication to providing our city’s schools with the technological tools and support to keep our children competitive in the information age. read more ›
– Michael R. Bloomberg, Mayor, New York City
The experiences that MOUSE provides its participants help ensure that high school graduates are prepared for good jobs during the summer and in their future careers. MOUSE’s unique emphasis on technology training... read more ›
– Gale Brewer, New York City Council Member, Technology Committee Chair
I love finishing school and coming to MOUSE. I love the teamwork and the time to learn new things about computers. read more ›
– Aram Buenaventura, MOUSE Squad Member, High School for Arts & Technology
MOUSE and SAP apply the same core values – quality, integrity, commitment, and passion – to our organizations. We see MOUSE Corps students as our next generation of employees and customers. MOUSE empowers... read more ›
– Ron Carolan, Chief Financial Officer, SAP Global Marketing
We must leverage technology to provide engaging, powerful learning experiences for all students, giving them authentic tools to solve real-world problems and opportunities to become better prepared for our globally competitive workforce. read more ›
– Karen Cator, Director of the Office of Educational Technology, U.S. Department of Education
MOUSE Squad has been a life changing experience for many of our students. They feel good about their role with technology, which builds their confidence and makes them more successful in... read more ›
– Kristy De La Cruz, Bea Fuller Rodgers School (IS 528)
When I started the internship, my manager brought me to the trading floor. It was the best thing in the world to see all the traders and to know they were my clients,... read more ›
– Duckens Durosier, MOUSE Squad Alum, George Wingate High School
Being on MOUSE Squad adds to my experience in school by making me confident about myself. read more ›
– Daniela Fernandez, MOUSE Squad Member, Sylvandale Middle School, California
Our MOUSE Squad students stand a little taller. They recognize that they have special skills and are respected for it.
– Dr. Katherine Flori, MOUSE Squad Coordinator, W.C Byrant High School, New York
To me, programs like this don't exactly go to every school around. I enjoy the program and what they teach. My interest in technology has enhanced greatly because of MOUSE Squad. read more ›
– Ally Garcia, MOUSE Squad Member, High School for Arts & Technology
Participating in the MOUSE Squad gave me a true sense of purpose. I never could have imagined in just 8 years, I would be CEO of my own technology consulting firm and... read more ›
– Juan Garzon, MOUSE Squad Alum, Robert F. Wagner Secondary School for Arts & Technology,
The people at MOUSE are a living, breathing testament to the notion that when an organization is centered around a thoughtful and attainable goal—staffed by competent, bright and passionate individuals—there is very little... read more ›
– Mehran Ghaffarsamar , MOUSE Intern, Baruch College
MOUSE provides a unique opportunity for students to give back to their school, deepening their sense of leadership and responsibility, and improving their relationships with peers and teachers—all the while getting hands-on experience... read more ›
– Maureen Guido, Principal, The Paula Hedbavny School
Our MOUSE Squad students are demonstrating leadership skills, learning about responsibilities and how to communicate with adults. This program is inspiring our students and giving them a glimpse of future career opportunities. read more ›
– Carla Haakma, Principal, Los Arboles Elementary School, California
MOUSE Squad students learn many skills frequently cited by employers as keys to success in the workplace, including leadership, communication, teamwork problem solving and time management. read more ›
– Jan Half, Program Director, MOUSE Squad of California
We recognize that student attendance and graduation are increasingly important issues facing public schools. We are looking to target specific schools as we have seen the TechCrew program have a positive impact in... read more ›
– Victor Herrera, Director of Technology, Theodore Roosevelt High School, Chicago
For our school, MOUSE Squad plays an integral role in supporting our technology, saving us both time and money. But more importantly, students participate in positive experiences that give them a strong... read more ›
– Seth Hubbert, MOUSE Squad Coordinator, High School for Arts & Technology
The MOUSE program should be in every school in New York City. read more ›
– Robert Jackson, Member, New York City Council
What excites me most about MOUSE Squad is going to fix computers and hanging out with friends. I really think MOUSE Squad pushes you to try and learn new things. read more ›
– Danielle Jacobs, MOUSE Squad Member, Cooper High School, Abilene Texas
I feel like I'm a part of an important team that keeps the school running more efficiently...Being on TechCrew helps improve the leadership qualities that we, as students, are developing for the future. read more ›
– Edwin Le, Northside College Preparatory High School, Chicago
I joined MOUSE to explore my passion for technology and be a part of an organization that values communications and teamwork. read more ›
– Rigel Leonard, MOUSE Corps Member, School of the Future
“I am amazed at the eagerness and enthusiasm of my MOUSE Squad. They have dedication and motivation, and are the reason I want to come to school every day.” read more ›
– Victor Lopez, MOUSE Squad Coordinator, MS 328
MOUSE has had such a positive impact on my life, including my college and work experiences. MOUSE has exposed me to aspects of this world that I would not otherwise have had the... read more ›
– Ryan Mason, MOUSE Squad Alum, School of the Future
MOUSE that trains tech-savvy students in inner-city schools to become tech support leads and ambassadors within their schools and then provides mentorship opportunities to help them take their digital expertise to the next... read more ›
– Caroline McCarthy, Social Media Marketing Manager, Google
MOUSE Squad has taught me the skills I need for the future. read more ›
– Ismelda Monegro, Bea Fuller Rodgers School, New York
MOUSE has been one of the best things in which I have participated in my 21 year career. It continues to be good for both students and teachers at every school where I... read more ›
– Nathan Monroe, Coordinator, Academy of Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Science, Texas
MOUSE brought me where I stand today and gave me real life work experience. MOUSE taught me about leadership and teamwork, and that there is no such thing as a bad idea. read more ›
– Dhondup Namgyal, MOUSE Corps Member, International High School
Being on the MOUSE Squad motivates and inspires me, and has helped me to learn to aim higher. read more ›
– Zainab Oni, MOUSE Squad Member, Hudson High School of Learning Technologies
MOUSE students are innovators that use technology to change the world. read more ›
– Neimat Orengo, MOUSE Alum, MOUSE Student, James Madison High School
The MOUSE Squad students are very curious and want to learn. Everyone knows about the MOUSE Squad in this school. read more ›
– Emmanuel Ourum, CUNY Intern, PS 43 MOUSE Squad
My internship with Sullivan & Cromwell would not have been possible without the help of MOUSE, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to help students integrate technology into their everyday lives and ultimately... read more ›
– Ivan Pereda, MOUSE Squad Member, Baccalaureate School for Global Education
Leadership, pride, self confidence and a sense of responsibility -- this is the impact of the MOUSE Squad program on our students. read more ›
– Norma Perez, Principal, Bea Fuller Rodgers School, New York
Our MOUSE students realize that this is just the beginning. They can go on to college to study computer technology, and become help desk technicians and repair specialists…and many do. read more ›
– Irwin Queen, School of Cooperative Technical Education
MOUSE Squad has proven time and again that students who graduate after participating are more equipped for the next stage in their lives, especially in today’s vast information technology world. This program... read more ›
– Christine C. Quinn, Speaker, New York City Council
Thanks to Abilene Independent School District (AISD) for incorporating such a program and major kudos to Nathan Monroe, MOUSE Squad Coordinator, ATEMS. He actively leads a group that daily makes the teacher’s lives... read more ›
– Rebecca Rampy, Instruction Technology Specialist, Academy of Technology, Engineering, Math and Science (ATEMS) in Abilene, Texas
Juniper's community engagement vision is to use the power of the new network to take on the toughest challenges facing our communities and to connect and empower people everywhere. MOUSE exemplifies this vision... read more ›
– Darryl Ramsey, Public Sector - Americas, Business Development and Technical Strategy, Juniper Networks
MOUSE empowers students to lead and support the use of technology in their schools, while also helping them to discover their creative, technological, and learning potential. read more ›
– Linda G. Roberts, National Consultant on Technology and Education
At Best Buy, we believe in the power and potential of youth. We are proud to be long-time investors in MOUSE, an impressive and growing organization that is having a dramatic impact on... read more ›
– Susan Bass Roberts, Senior Director, Community Relations, Best Buy
I thank MOUSE for starting my career. Without MOUSE, I would not be as successful as I am today. read more ›
– Mendy Rodriguez, MOUSE Squad Alum; Junior Analyst, IT Service Desk, Time Inc.
MOUSE has taught me many valuable lessons that will help me in life. read more ›
– Madeline Sariol, MOUSE Student, In-Tech Academy
Thanks to efforts of MOUSE, young people throughout New York City will have the opportunity to better their lives and become productive members of our society.
– Charles E. Schumer, United States Senator for New York
I commend MOUSE for improving the educational opportunities for young people, motivating them to attend college and preparing them for high quality jobs in the future. read more ›
– José E. Serrano, Congressman, 16th District of New York
Watching MOUSE Squad grow from a pilot to an established entity has been a thrilling experience. I’ve seen my students grow from tentative kids, virtually afraid of touching machines, to savvy technicians,... read more ›
– Kiri Soares, Principal, Urban Assembly Institute of Math and Science for Young Women
MOUSE has provided life changing experiences for me that have added tremendously to my passion for technology… regardless of the company or industry, you will always need technology and the skills we learn... read more ›
– Leroy Tindi, MOUSE Squad Alum, Riverdale Kingsbridge Academy
We try to focus on career readiness, laying the foundation and opening their eyes to careers they might consider in the future. I tell my students that if they want to be... read more ›
– Matthew Valia, MOUSE Squad Coordinator, Berta A. Drefus School
MOUSE is an excellent example of rethinking how to put students at the center of their own learning and reorganizing schools around their motivations and strengths. read more ›
– Arthur VanderVeen, Chief of Innovation Strategy and Policy, NYC Department of Education
Through the CPS TechCrew program, I have learned how to explore computers, how to fix problems that are usually deferred to someone else, and what it's like to work on a team that... read more ›
– Simon Vecchioni, CPS TechCrew Member, Northside College Prep High School, Chicago
I believe strongly in public education and the opportunity it can and should provide to all. MOUSE provides a valuable service, closing the gap between heavily resourced schools and those in underserved areas. read more ›
– Peter Vincent, VP Human Resources, National Audubon Society
What excites me most about being part of this program is that I get to interact with other students who share the same goals and who hope to learn more on how to... read more ›
– Monique Williams, Chicago TechCrew Member, Tarkington School of Excellence
MOUSE taught me perspective, a way of working with people and how to think, speak and write in a professional way. read more ›
– Syed Zaidi, MOUSE Squad Alum, Baccalaureate School for Global Education
