Editor's Note: This article is fairly broad and yet covers difficult development issues, such as corruption, head on. My experience is not only that Africa is 52 distinctly different countries but also that each country in Africa is distinctly different among its states and tribes. Most developing economies are, as stated, resource rich, bi-polar demographically and are completely misunderstood by we who might help the most. I especially like the idea here that to some degree, we are looking at our own economy in the 1950's, one that needs focus on the "critical middle." [more]

By Masha Goncharova
Published: The Orange County Register on September 06, 2009
http://www.ocregister.com/news/ramsey-132802-kids-krochet.html

By David Leonhardt, Published: March 9, 2008, The New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/09/magazine/09Psychology-t.html

By Steven Lawry, Stanford Social Innovation Review, Spring 2009 Issue

By Ben Stein
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1331469/posts

By Christine Henry, Executive Director of WECO, Sep 2009

By Andrew Olendzki
Published: Insight Journal in Summer 2007
http://www.dharma.org/ij/documents/MakingtheBestofIt.pdf

Editor's Note: I shared this article with our foundation's board last week because Thomas Siebel's success is the kind I strive for. Siebel decided that money doesn't solve social problems, thinking outside the box does. His story and the author's broadening of the concept to "catalytic philanthropy" makes me very hopeful that our little experiment will work. That is, that applying creative business strategies and disciplines to social problems may work. A deep bow to Messrs. Siebel and Kramer. [more]

By Jan Masaoka Published: Blueavocado.org on April 14th, 2009
http://www.blueavocado.org/content/best-way-raise-money

Editor's Note: I don't know much about Endeavor but this description really strikes me. The second paragraph under the "Why" is particularly poignant. I've worked with young (would be) entrepreneurs in places like Kenya and El Salvador and it's true. That is, in countries where democracy is nominal and wealth is concentrated among few, the sense of hopelessness is real. I will look more closely into Endeavor and hope you will too. [more]