We live in uncertain times, and as we push deeper into the 21st century we face some huge global issues: violence and global unrest, wealth inequality, public health crises, human rights issues, the education gap, climate change, rampant food insecurity… the list goes on. To compound the issue, traditional means of resolving such conflict (government, international agreements) are too far bogged down in their own bureaucratic processes and partisan ideologies to effectively address them. When it comes right down to it, we’re going to need a new method of solving these pressing social and environmental issues.
Over the last 20 years, an entire new paradigm has begun to emerge around how to create social impact. It used to be that the world operated on the assumption that “doing good” meant government or nonprofit work, but today there are efforts to break down the walls separating the public, private and social sectors in the name of ensuring long-term societal wellbeing. On the business side, there is a movement towards mission driven business that meld traditional business practices with social value creation. The B-Corps movement that started in 2007 is a great example of this shifting paradigm. On the nonprofit side, there are organizations such as Ashoka,the Skoll Foundation, Echoing Green and the Schwab Foundation that have cemented themselves as social impact talent scouts, seeking out revolutionary “social entrepreneurs” challenging the status quo and redefining how we approach improving social conditions around the world. In short, there are more ways than ever to go about changing the world. The problem is, these ideas are still not widely promoted to high school and college students due to their recent emergence…
We need to raise awareness about these new opportunities and stop telling students they need to choose between making a difference and earning a livable income. We need to engrain social value creation into students’ dreams in order to foster a generation of changemakers who aren’t afraid to challenge the status quo and change the world. Ashoka runs a college campus program called AshokaU that certifies colleges which are actively promoting social entrepreneurship in higher education, and Net Impact is a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting undergraduates, grads and professionals passionate about making a difference through their careers. We have an opportunity to equip a new generation to solve the biggest social problems of our time, and all we need to do is connect them with the knowledge and resources necessary for them to leave their mark.
I’m dedicated to ensuring this cultural shift happens on college campuses around the US, starting right here at Gonzaga University, where I am currently a student. I’ve already given talks here on campus and at the National Jesuit Student Leadership Conference this summer, but I’m eager to spread this message further.
This website is my latest effort to carry forward my vision: That all colleges empower their students to make a living AND change the world. As this site takes shape, its format will aim to encompass the scope of that vision:
- Home Page: You’ll be greeted to the site by a slideshow of new blog posts about relevant social issues, the people trying to solve them, and my own experiences navigating the waters of social impact.
- About Aaron: A brief bio detailing my background, my interests
- 2014 Opus Prize: My involvement with this annual faith based humanitarian award started me down the path to all these ideas. You can learn more about their work here.
- Blog: The hub where you can browse through my history of posts on social impact, changemakers and my travels.
- Speaking: An overview of the various talks I have in my repertoire. I target college students and young professionals and I speak at conferences and colleges in the US.
- Contact Me: Some contact info for you to get in touch with me if you are interested in learning more or would like to have me come speak at an event you are involved with!
Together we can change the world, and I look forward to working with you to call a new generation into action and make grassroots, positive, sustainable social change a reality!
– Aaron
Aaron Danowski 
Aaron, it’s been quite a while since I last saw you…it was a visit to your home several years ago.
Your passion and blog are impressive and I am delighted in the direction you have chosen to follow…I know how very proud your parents are and I look forward to following your posts.
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