Stanford Social Innovation Review

Step aside, Stephen Covey. Kent Buse and Andrew M. Harmer have discovered seven new highly effective habits. And theirs may help rid the world of its more deadly diseases, rather than just upping people’s productivity.

The Montana Meth Project’s graphic ads saturate TV, radio, billboards, and newspapers to portray the reality of methamphetamine use, in all its grit. Scabs and body sores are just the beginning. So far, the shock factor is working. 

Social entrepreneurs not only must understand the broad environment in which they work, but also must shape those environments to support their goals, when feasible. Borrowing insights from the field of ecology, the authors offer an ecosystems framework to help social entrepreneurs create long-lasting and significant social change.

Few microfinance institutions articulate what, exactly, their ultimate goals are and how to achieve them. If the goal of microfinance is to alleviate poverty, the authors say, then MFIs should focus on helping their clients build successful enterprises, rather than on making more and bigger loans.

Weird management ideas that work.

New York Cares uses volunteers to recruit
and retain other volunteers.

CEO of the American Cancer Society.

Nonprofit providers are more cost-effective.

For nonprofits, communication is often a one-way street.

A maverick reorganization by an American Heart Association affiliate paves the way for fundraising success.

Ballet Memphis leverages its understanding of local
culture – Elivs, gospel, rockability, and African-American
stories – to compete against touring Broadway blockbusters.

Why nonprofits should stop pushing self-esteem and start endorsing self-control.

Aiding Africans first requires understanding their cultures.

Treating aid recipients like valued customers gives insights into disaster relief.

Tough love programs hurt addicts and adolescents.

Why more nonprofits should merge.

Why nonprofits should be wary of merging.

How four Chicago-area cancer support centers created a fifth nonprofit to pool their strengths.

Workers paid by the hour are less likely to volunteer than are salaried employees.