5 Things I Learnt on TribesforGOOD’s Social Impact Journey!
Wow, the November Social Impact Journey is done – and what a journey it was. It started with inspiring keynote speech from TribesforGOOD founder Mandeep Kaur on how ALL of us can make a difference in the world. We then went on to several educational, immersive experiences with social enterprises who are developing solutions to some of the world’s most complex social issues. We were learning from the people who ARE making a difference.
1. ATTENDING CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE
Zubin J. Mirchandani is a leadership coach to CXOs. We allowed ourselves to be immersed in his mantra “Making Great People Greater!” . In a nutshell, if you are seeking to challenge your status quo, ask yourself the big questions, and explore your potential, you can change your life. It’s about exploring your sense of purpose and learning to focus on what it is that makes you feel alive.
2. WE HAVE A GLOBAL CRISIS – BUT WE CAN BE THE SOLUTION
Women and girls make up more than half of the global population yet represent a staggering 70% of the world’s poor. There is increasing recognition that traditional approaches and business models for addressing intractable societal problems are proving ineffective.
The remarkable TribesforGOOD are delving into solutions that work, understanding what makes — impact by effectively addressing societal problems in India.
TribesforGOOD is on a mission; to inspire a generation of changemakers who want to support and work with social impact businesses. Be inspired by them and be part of the solution.
Learning Walk at Dharavi, Mumbai
3. THE NEW BREED OF SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURS ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE – YOU CAN TOO
TribesforGOOD believes when leaders meet the ‘real people’ behind the statistics, they will not only be inspired but become motivated to lead, bring in change and become a part of a revolutionary #TribesforGOOD era.
You can too travel off the beaten path to speak directly with community leaders, see local innovations in action, and understand how progress is being led from the ground up
These social entrepreneurs’ early adopters are laying the building block for profound social change. And when you join them on the Social Impact Journey, they shine the light on profound personal change for those of us who join them.
Meeting amazing women from a Social Enterprise in Mumbai
4. SOCIAL ENTERPRISES ARE GIVING BACK
A large percent of Indian women drop out of school after primary education, forcing them to be dependent on their husbands for finances. They become part of the large unskilled labour force in India, taking up roles of being maids or cooks.
Most women aspire to do better in life, however, because of lack of education, they are unable to find quality jobs and ultimately let go of their dreams and aspirations.
We visited social enterprises like I Was a Sari and Aftertaste who both provide a pathway to employment where no other pathway for these women exist. Empowered with their knowledge and skills through employment opportunities, women are breaking the mould and gradually steering their families out of the vicious cycle of poverty.
The child studies while mum works – Day care at a woman’s place of work.centres
5. WHO SAID CHANGING THE WORLD, CAN’T BE FUN
From yoga, to scavenger hunts and exploring one of the hip and creative sides of Bombay; Kala Ghoda! – with its designer cafes, indie galleries and sidewalk art stalls, the impact journey was full of exciting activities Who said changing the world can’t be fun!
Which brings me to the last thing I have learned during this Social Impact Journey, TribesforGOOD know how to have fun! Every day we experienced enjoyment of Mumbai’s most beautiful sights with our international TribesforGOOD team. I am so happy and honoured to have been part of the TribesforGOOD first Social Impact Journey, a cause that is changing so many lives, including mine.
Jazzmine having her breakfast
Courtesy of Pam Grout #1 New York Times Best Selling Author
So now, that this incredible Journey is completed I will take the extraordinary experience which has developed a new attitude to Social Impact with sense and purpose. Namaste!
About the Author: Jeanetta Munro, hails from Australia has been working in the corporate sector for more than 20 years. She writes “Taking a career break I was seeking an alternative path to returning to the tried and trodden of the corporate career. I wanted to explore my passion project and the possibility of a transition into a social impact career. With the encouragement of TribesforGood I saw an opportunity to not only explore how I could do this but stretch and challenge myself personally. So, the first step was taken on this 10,000 mile journey to find a new meaning , a possible new direction and definitely a new adventure. With that first step taken I am now so excited to be joining such an inspiring and iconic group of women this November and so grateful to start my Social Impact Journey with TribesforGood.”