I still remember picking up that issue of National Geographic when I was younger – the one with the Afghan girl with the piercing green eyes. She literally opened my eyes to the world outside my knowledge. From that point onwards, I would try to find pictures that would correspond with both the happy and the tragic events of the day; I knew that the picture itself said much more about the event than the attached commentary ever could.
What a great year it has been in social finance and impact investing. There has been a massive surge in interest as more and more people realize that making the world a better place and living well are not, in fact, mutually exclusive.
Economic justice involves the moral principles and values that govern the creation of economic institutional frameworks. Such frameworks affect social order and individuals by determining the rules and norms for how one exchanges goods and services, enters into contracts and earns a living. Consequently, with a solid economic and institutional framework to operate within, an individual is at liberty to seek economic sustenance. Non-profit venture funds, like Acumen Fund, promote and implement concepts and practices that ensure greater economic justice.
I was first introduced to the Acumen Fund in 2009 when I was looking to work internationally. It was recommended to me as a well-run non-profit that addressed the issues of poverty using a market-driven approach. While it has been on my radar since then, the Toronto Chapter’s “Dignity In Focus” event was the first time I formally interacted with the organization. On December 1, Toronto + Acumen partnered with Nuru Project to host a photo auction fundraiser. Judging from the packed room, engaged crowd, and beautiful pictures, I’d say that the event was a success.
In celebration of its 10-year anniversary, Acumen Fund has published ten of the most important lessons it has learned from the field. The first lesson is, “Dignity is more important to the human spirit than wealth”. It lies at the heart of Acumen Fund’s core message that people seek dignity, not dependence. After reflecting on this, I asked myself if I truly understood what is meant by ‘dignity’. How do we place dignity at the center of development initiatives?
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Your Guide helps social entrepreneurs learn how to attract financing for their social ventures.
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Your Guide to Social Finance
SocialFinance.ca hosts an online guide that helps social entrepreneurs learn how to attract financing for their social ventures.
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