“ There are a lot of reasons to worry whether some things are coming unraveled. We're the first generation in history that could end extreme poverty in the world, but which way are we going to go?”
David Gergen
Kennedy School of Government
2005 Gathering
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2010 Gathering of Leaders
The biggest economic crisis since the Great Depression has forced families, nonprofits, businesses, philanthropists, and government alike to find ways to respond with fewer resources to mounting social needs. At the same time, our country is experiencing what could be the beginning of a new era of social innovation and problem solving. We have before us an unprecedented opportunity to catalyze change. The sixth annual Gathering of Leaders sought to address the next horizon for this work.
More than 180 participants explored the themes of impact and measurement. Several questions guided their work together: How can we get better at creating change? How do we measure it to improve our programs and inform our stakeholders? How can we expand our work to create a policy environment that better nurtures impact by investing in innovation—not just at the federal level, but in states and cities, as well? How can we brand our distinctive commitment to results, hone our message, and elevate our voice with potential champions, partners, and citizens who can unleash widespread demand for better, faster solutions for themselves and their communities?
An extraordinary assembly of speakers provoked participants’ thinking, offered their ideas, and shared their experiences.
Best-selling author Dan Heath—talking about his new book, Switch—explored the question, "Why is it so difficult to create lasting change in ourselves, in our companies, and in our communities?"
Sonal Shah, Director of the White House Office of Social Innovation and Civic Participation, shared her hopes for government's role in encouraging social innovation.
Lauded actress, playwright, and professor Anna Deavere Smith presented portions of her one-woman show, Reclaiming Grace in the Face of Adversity, pushing participants to think about communication in ways that go beyond argument and data.
Jonathan Tisch, Chairman and CEO of Loews Hotels, spoke about corporate citizenship and the part we all play in making an impact in our world.
Additional speakers included Fay Twersky, Director of Impact Planning and Improvement from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; top political and corporate communications professionals David Binder, Jim Margolis, Rob Shepardson, and Mark McKinnon; and political strategist David Plouffe.
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