Today I was inspired

I’ve been keeping busy with my volunteer work and will add a post for that, but today I can truly say I was inspired and my commitment to meaningful volunteerism was reignited.

I was asked to sit in on a special presentation supporting University of Toronto’s Boundless campaign. It’s a campaign that puts the stories of UofT’s great faculty, students and alumni forward to showcase their contributions and make the case that they are worthy of your support.

With the launch of Boundless: The Campaign for the University of Toronto, we are celebrating this tradition of leadership, community and generosity. boundless.utoronto.ca

Instead of an executive recounting facts and figures, we were treated to 4 of the many scholars and educators at UofT that are making a difference in the field of public health. Representing a cross section of study areas and expertise, their perspective ran from innovative business models, to frugal medical equipment in Africa, to working in our far north, and integrating student health right into UofT itself.

Many of the stories were inspiring, the photo’s either breathtaking or tragic. To see their minds in action as they passionately shared their work was a privilege.

It inspired me to think about the great partnerships of philanthropy and innovation that happen when a person passionate about their vision meets a person who is equally passionate and commits to make it happen.

So can we take the concepts of eco-tourism or volun-tourism, and create experiential journeys for potential partners (donors) where they can be a part of innovation when and where it happens? Exclusive opportunities to see the needs, travel with the experts, be a part of the conversation and invited to make their own contribution.

Talk about Boundless Opportunity!

Reaching the UN’s Millennium Goals by 2015

10 years in, 5 to go. Chances are, you aren’t familiar with these goals and yet in 2000 189 of the world leaders identified the top 8 areas of need that they collectively and individually would support.

And like most politically charged initiatives the agreement was applauded and then to some degree forgotten.

But in the non-profit arena these goals are front and centre especially for those with a global focus.

It was the refocus on these goals, celebrating their 10th year anniversary, that was the subject of the latest TedxChange.

50 people were assembled by the TedxChange Toronto group and gathered in the Centre for Social Innovation to hear inspiring local speakers share their points of view.

Then we all participated in a global webcast co-sponsored by TED and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation where Melinda Gates, Graça Machel, Hans Rosling, and Mechai Viravaidya reinforced the importance of the goals and gave their perspective on results to date and their hopes for the future.

Strong themes

• Dig deep in the data to see the issues and successes, the aggregate numbers may not tell the whole story
• Africa is not one but countries with a great range of issues and successes
• Empower women and girls through health and education and your economy will prosper
• You need to have clarity and commitment, you need a plan in order to succeed
• Coke has it figured out: know your data, leverage local talent, and do great marketing that inspires

Any of this interest you?

Read about the Millennium Goals. See the The Future We Make webcast online.

And stay tuned for the 2nd annual TEDxToronto convention which will include a webcast of 12 TEDxTalks on the theme of “A Call to Action.” Live on Sept 30 at the CBC’s Glenn Gould theatre and available online or webcast at various locations around the city. Check the site for details.