As a nonprofit, Effie Worldwide helps businesses grow and connect with their audience to improve how their messages are received.  Global CEO and President, Traci Alford, share how they work with some of the top research and media organizations worldwide to bring each of their respective audiences relevant and first-class insights into effective marketing strategies. Traci also shares examples of how her organization empowers college students to enhance learning in the marketing industry with the Effie Effectiveness Index and Effie awards.  What might that look like? With Effie, it means identifying and ranking the marketing communications industry’s most effective agencies, advertisers, and brands by analyzing finalist and winner data from Effie Worldwide competitions. Stay tuned to learn more about some of the strategy, ideas, and results of Effie Worldwide’s work. - - - - - For more information about Effie Worldwide, visit: www.effie.org 

Imagine that you had 200 chances to make a greener choice, every single day.  How? With each product that you use, you get a chance to decide what you put on your body, your family’s body, and how the environment is impacted.  In the Social Nature community, this is the kind of conversation that Annalea Krebs - Founder and CEO of Social Nature - leads to inspire people try greener choices like organic deodorants, vegan mascara, healthy snacks and eco-friendly cleaners for FREE. Listen in to learn how Social Nature leverages the power of word-of-mouth and social media to influence millions of people to make greener choices and achieve their mission of making green mainstream! - - - - - For more information on Social Nature, visit: https://www.socialnature.com

In this episode, we had a chance to learn about how Mission Edge makes business processes easier for nonprofits and corporations with the vision to maximize social impact. It was inspiring to catch up with CEO and Founder, Ken Davenport, about how Mission Edge has supported over 175 businesses by providing operational services and fiscal sponsorships, social enterprise planning and acceleration labs, and skills-based volunteers that create more opportunities for each organization to do more good in the world. Tune into The School For Humanity via iTunes, as Ken shares how these collaborations harness new perspectives and magnify the social sector's ability to reach more people and create a positive impact. - - - - - For more information on Mission Edge, visit: www.missionedge.org

Similar to the vision for The School For Humanity, the “triple bottom line” of sustainability as a foundation for Triple Pundit strive to be an example of how business can be used to make the world a better place.  Founder and CEO, Nick Aster shares more about the 3P philosophy of creating one of the web’s leading sources of news and ideas to further the conversation about People, Planet and Profit. With over 6 million unique annual page views, they cover topics ranging from global water and energy challenges to social justice and economic equality, sustainable food to corporate social responsibility, and much more! Get a taste of these kind of conversations with Nick Aster, here on episode #42 of The School For Humanity. - - - - - For more information on Triple Pundit, visit: www.triplepundit.com    

What started out as finding a way to brew their own beer in college, turned into a delicious adventure of creating their own nutritious and healthy granola bars.  Yes, that’s right! Bars packed with protein, prebiotic fiber, and micronutrients from leftover grain. Founders of Regrained, Dan and Jordan, refer to this shift as “Edible Upcycling.”   In this episode Dan shares more about this mindset to food and how Edible Upcyclers look at what is left behind when making their favorite foods and see opportunity. - - - - - For more information on Regrained, visit: https://www.regrained.com/

When it comes to doing business for good, BEST knew that this included creating preventative measures to end human trafficking.  Businesses Ending Slavery and Trafficking has created both local and global partnerships with the vision that every person has the right to be free from sexual exploitation and forced labor. In this episode, we dive into the BEST Principles that businesses around the world are adopting in addition to how they are training people to identify and prevent trafficking in lodging establishments with Dr. Mar Brettman, Executive Director of Businesses.   This is an important conversation that you will want to share with your fellow business owners.  Tune in to learn more and thank you for being a part of the change for freedom! - - - - - For more information on BEST, visit: https://www.bestalliance.org/

Have you ever wondered how you could help the Refugee families that come to the United States?  In this conversation with Miry Whitehill, the Founder and CEO of Miry’s List, we discuss the three chronological pillars that they practice to support each families’ first steps off the plane as they seeking a safe haven from violence and persecution in their home countries. Miry's List is a movement of neighbors and friends dedicated to welcoming new arrival refugee families into our community through inspired crowdsourcing solutions. To learn more about some of their programs like: Welcome Home, Emergency Supplies, Wishlists, and New Arrival Supper Club and Fly Me Home -- continue listening with Miry Whitehill right here on The School For Humanity! - - - - - For more information on Miry's List, visit: https://miryslist.org/

In this conversation with the Founder of 4P Foods, Tom McDougall, we discuss the importance of businesses being responsible for their impacts on the planet and the people that live here. For 4P Foods, this means that they are committed to ensuring that all people have access to farm-fresh, healthy food, grown using sustainable and humane practices and that the people who produce that food are able to earn a fair and dignified living doing so. This conscious community sources from environmentally responsible family farmers in the Washington DC foodshed in addition to donating 1 bag of food to one of their partners for every 10 bags that they deliver. Some of their partners include Fauquier Food Bank, Local Food Bank Partners, YMCA Capital View. Stay tuned to learn more about the 4 P’s of food and business with Tom to get inspired in making a positive impact for Humanity! - - - - - For more information on 4P Foods, visit: http://4pfoods.com/

Based in Atlanta, USA Shelley Saxena founded the company, Sevamob with the mission is to fundamentally transform the delivery of healthcare in the world.  Today, Sevamob is transforming on the ground primary healthcare service in the far-flung areas of North India through its mobile clinics, doctors at the doorstep and unmatched service. Their tele-infrastructure includes video consultations with patient data management and analytics.  At their pop-up clinics, Sevamob hosts consultations, point-of-care screenings, treatment, and impact/outcome tracking using the artificial intelligence technology. Join in on the conversation to learn more about the company bringing doctors to your doorstep! - - - - - For more information on Sevamob, visit: https://www.sevamob.com/

After a life-changing experience in Nairobi, Because International Founder Kenton Lee was inspired to design and create a shoe that grows with the children that wear them. The Shoe That Grows is a shoe that can adjust and expand 5 sizes and last up to 5 years. It comes in a SMALL (fitting kids ages 5-10) and LARGE (fitting kids ages 10-15). So far The Shoe has been in 20 countries impacting thousands of children helping them have long-lasting shoes to protect their feet. Stay tuned, as we get to dive into how this company is making things better by making better things. - - - - - For more information on Because International, visit: http://becauseinternational.org/

Twenty-three jobs later, CEO of edovo Brian Hill shares why he was inspired to make a positive impact on the 2.2 million people who are incarcerated behind prison bars and jail cells. What is edovo doing to provide meaningful rehabilitation and programming to this population?  Edovo rents tablets and software to corrections institutions that want to see inmates spend time engaged with educational and vocational programming. In this episode of The School For Humanity, we discuss how the high rates of violence and returning to prison is harmful to not only to inmates and facility staff, but also for Americans in general and how the edovo platform provides facilities with a safer environment and unlimited access to self-improvement tools while behind bars. We have a feeling that you’ll appreciate this uncommon, yet needed conversation with Brian so with that - let’s get started! -- -- -- -- -- For more information on edovo, visit: https://www.edovo.com

In this episode, we chat with the Co-Founder of Plant Power Fast Food about how a vegan lifestyle impacts our environment in addition to reducing animal suffering.  As a self-proclaimed “hippie” and animal-lover, Jeff Harris shares more about what it means to eat “cruelty-free” as a vegan. Each of the comfort food dishes at Plant Power Fast Food are free from any animal ingredients, cholesterol, GMO, artificial colorings, flavorings and preservatives — providing a healthier fast-food option.  Whether or not you are inspired to eat more plant-based, Jeff shares how becoming more mindful in infusing all of our choices with kindness is the most important thing that we can do. Hungry for more? This one is definitely delicious! - - - - - - - - - - For more information on Plant Power Fast Food, visit: https://www.plantpowerfastfood.com

As a child, Executive Director of Impact Business Leaders David Kyle wanted to be a baseball player.  Fast-forwarding to today, David is inspired to help social enterprises find and develop the right experienced talent needed to grow – especially local talent knowledgeable and dedicated to building a career in the region. While more people are seeking mission-driven careers, David defines what a social enterprise is and how Impact Business Leaders bridges the talent gap by delivering leadership development programs and career coaching to talented professionals.  Their instructors are practitioners in the fields of social enterprise and impact investing, providing crucial insights into the daily challenges of working in this sector. This is a great conversation about the ever-changing way we define social impact in the workplace, let’s dive in! -- -- -- -- -- For more information on Impact Business Leaders, visit: https://www.impactbusinessleaders.com/

Have you ever thought about what people would say at your funeral?  In this episode, Bryan Pape dives into how a catastrophic ski trip completely shifted his perspective on what kind of legacy he wanted to leave for this world. As the CEO of Miir, Bryan “woke up” after breaking his femur and committed to proposing to his girlfriend and providing clean water to those in need, one product at a time.  Frustrated with the lack of a simple and functional water bottle, Miir designs all of their products from the ground up and have made a commitment to never sell off-the-shelf product that is poorly designed and copied quickly. Inspired to learn more about this legend?  Let’s get started. -- -- -- -- -- For more information on Miir, visit: https://www.miir.com/

In between rock climbing, traveling, and salsa dancing with her husband and their baby, Sophia Mendelsohn was an inspiration to chat with in this School For Humanity episode.  We got to dive into her passion for balancing immediate financial imperatives with social and environmental considerations for long-term financial viability, as the head of sustainability at JetBlue. With JetBlue, Sophia is shaping policies and practices that enhance the company’s competitive advantage and reduce environmental impact. Stay tuned to get inspired about eco-friendly fuel and recycling all sorts of waste, from crew uniforms to plane parts to food, and how JetBlue is reducing its impact on the planet. - - - - - For more information on JetBlue, visit: https://www.jetblue.com/

With the vision to increase availability certified sustainable seafood across the region, the Marine Stewardship Council appointed former commercial fisherman and international seafood trade show executive, Brian Perkins, as the Regional Director of Americas. In this conversation, Brian brings a wealth of knowledge to inspire what the gold standard for third party certification of wild fisheries with MSC and why he believes this continued growth of MSC will bring both environmental and socio-economic benefits to the Americas. Ready to dive in? Let’s get started! - - - - - For more information about The Marine Stewardship Council, visit: https://www.msc.org/

If you have ever been lucky enough to participate in an eco-friendly foam party, you have probably heard of Dr. Bronner’s - the top-selling brand of natural soaps in North America and producer of other organic body care and food products. In this episode, we get to chat about said foam parties, and the cosmic principles of soap-making to peace-making with the President of this heart-led company, Michael Bronner. (The first ingredient for each of their products is: LOVE!) As a philanthropist and activist, Michael is an advocate for many social and environmental justice causes including Fair Trade, organic standards, farm animal protection and ocean conservation as well as GMO labeling. Tune in today, as we dive into the “All-One” vision! - - - - - - For more information on Dr. Bronner's, visit: https://www.drbronner.com

As an expert in Gen Z marketing, Marissa Ranalli manages and grows integrated partnerships with young people platforms, such as traditional media outlets, social media apps, lifestyle/teen sites, edtech companies, and on-the-ground events, to promote the DoSomething.org brand and over 12 volunteer campaigns a year. Through integrated partnerships, social media, product marketing and analytics with 5.5 million global members - Marissa shares the DoSomething vision to tackle issues from homelessness to discrimination to the environment.  It is her hope to inspire a generation of doers, a generation of civically-engaged, socially-conscious people! And now, we are excited to introduce you to Marissa Ranalli!  Let’s get started. - - - - - - - - - - For more information on Do Something, visit: https://www.dosomething.org/us

As a platform created to discuss the greatest challenges humanity faces and help promote leaders who are helping to find solutions to these challenges, we at The School For Humanity are really excited to introduce you to Todd Paglia, Executive Director of Stand.Earth. He has publicly challenged some of the largest companies in the world to become environmental leaders and mindful of our resources on the Today Show, NPR’s Marketplace as well in stories in the Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Time Magazine, Business Week, and many other publications. In this episode, we dive into how Todd has empowered Stand.earth to save over 65 million acres of endangered forests, shut down or stop 21 dirty pipelines & train projects and shifted over $1 billion in corporate purchasing to more sustainable sources. From biodiversity to air, to water quality and climate change, Stand.earth designs and implements strategies that make protecting our planet everyone’s business. Their current campaigns focus on shifting corporate behavior, breaking the human addiction to fossil fuels, and developing the leadership required to catalyze long-term change.   Ready to rethink how a non-profit can change the face of humanity? Let’s get started! - - - - - For more information on Stand.Earth visit: https://www.stand.earth/

As a selected Global Leader of Tomorrow by the World Economic Forum, Founder of SheEO Vicki Saunders has spoken regularly at events around the world and shares more of her story with us on The School for Humanity.   Having Co-founded and run 4 ventures in Europe, Toronto and Silicon Valley focused on sustainability in addition to a global consulting firm focused on engaging youth to tackle the grand challenges we are facing, Vicki invites us to reconsider the “Winner’s Mindset.” In this episode we get to learn more about wealth in our US economy and the different definitions actually look like in business.  Some of these definitions include “success”, “control to trust” and “transactions to relationships.” Ready to dive into this conversation about creating a culture of radical generosity?  Let’s get started! -- -- -- For more information on SheEO: https://sheeo.world/

Have you ever had a random phone call that changed your life?  After multiple reschedules, Annie and Anna were finally introduced to each other as new moms at the time.  With the mutual sudden realization that their jobs were no longer compatible with their lives, they quit their jobs and dedicated their lives to breaking down the structural barriers that continue holding millions of talented women back. Join in on the conversation where Annie and Anna share why 30% of talented women are dropping out of the workforce but 70% of that group say they would still be working if they had flexibility. This is a great conversation of redefining “work” as “werk, w-e-r-k” - Let’s dive in!

Saving pandas, creating free health clinics and increasing renewable energy in addition to positively affecting 10 million people around the globe - Thomas is creating a sustainable society and economy that positively impacts our climate, ecosystems and communities by overseeing all of South Pole Group's activities in these domains.  Not to mention, he holds a PhD in Business Administration. Motivated by how well their own 5-disparate approaches melded as one, the South Pole Group decided to move forward and bring together people from innovative NGOs, multinational organizations and top notch business consultancies.   We were inspired to dive into few examples of the impact the South Pole Group efforts, along with those of their partnering clients, have had on the commerce and communities of the world (so far).   Stay tuned to join in on the conversation, with Thomas Schroder!

As a self-proclaimed “nature nerd”, Janine Benyus, is the Co-Founder of the Biomimicry Institute (a non-profit dedicated to making biology a natural part of the design process ), Founder of Biomimicry 3.8 ( the global leader in biomimicry innovation consulting, professional training, and educational program and curricula development) and author of Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired By Nature. On stage, she has shared two TED talks, hundreds of conference keynotes, and a dozen documentaries such as 11th Hour, Harmony, Second Nature: The Biomimicry Evolution, and The Nature of Things with David Suzuki, which aired in 71 countries. In this episode, we get to learn more about why she believes that the more people learn from nature’s mentors, the more they’ll want to protect them. Let’s AskNature and dive in, with Janine Benyus! — — — For more information on Biomimicry: https://biomimicry.org

Welcome to another episode of The School For Humanity where we connect with Andrew Yang about how he is changing the path to entrepreneurship with his company, Venture for America. Andrew shares his vision for Venture for America in creating economic opportunity in American cities by mobilizing the next generation of entrepreneurs and equipping them with the skills and resources they need to create jobs. It’s the ripple effect, in full effect. Stay tuned as we dive into how Andrew recruits recent graduates, trains them to become entrepreneurs, connects them to opportunities in cities with emerging entrepreneurial eco-systems, and supports the Venture for America Fellows to start their own companies. We’re excited to share this conversation with you! Let’s get started, with Andrew Yang.

As a PhD candidate and committed impact entrepreneur, Dr. Gavin Armstrong shares his vision to alleviate iron deficiency around the world using a simple health innovation while serving as the Founder and President of Lucky Iron Fish. We were humbled to learn more about what it means to be an advocate and activist against hunger and malnutrition. Gavin is also the first Canadian to receive the William J. Clinton Award for international work against hunger, is the inaugural recipient of the international Michaelle Jean Emergency Hunger Relief Award, and one of the seventeen 'Rising Social Entrepreneurs' of the year. Join in on the conversation with this Forbes 30 Under 30 influencer, to learn more about how Dr. Gavin Armstrong is transforming Humanity.

Imagine what a difference it would make if more people felt safe, connected, and empowered to live into their full potential… at work? We are really excited to share this conversation about re-humanizing culture in the corporate setting with Assistant Director of Sustainability and “Purveyor of the Good Life” at New Belgium Brewing, Katie Wallace. It was inspiring to catch up with her about environmental efficiency and what she is committing to creating in helping the planet reach carbon neutral by 2050, with an incredible team. Katie shares her vision for being a positive impact to the world, through a business for good model with a sharp understanding of business needs and a naturally pragmatic approach to building a workplace culture that facilitates individual thriving and “do-gooding.” This episode gives a new meaning to happy hour with The School For Humanity. Let’s dive in, with Katie Wallace.

As senior Vice President of Americas at Cathay Pacific Airways, Philippe Lacamp is creating a vision to build the world’s best airline. Being the best means that they always strive to excel in everything that they stand for, especially when it comes to sustainability and delivering Service Straight From The Heart. We were especially inspired by Cathay’s Pacific’s commitment to excellence driven by the motto of the Swire Group, (their principal shareholder): “Esse Quam Videri”, meaning “to be, rather than to seem to be”. Tune in, as Philippe shares how he is making travel more sustainable by investing in the best available technology and utilising optimum flight management procedures, managing his company infrastructure, by enhancing the environmental performance of their ground infrastructure and support services in Hong Kong and at destinations across the network, and investing in people and communities, by supporting them at the workplace, empowering them to make a difference in local communities across the CX network. Let’s take off, with Phillippe Lacamp.

Today on The School for Humanity we’re speaking with Erik Lambert who is the Founder and CEO of The Bonfire Collective, a member of 1% for the Planet. While some marketing agencies will take on any client that comes their way, Erik has created an organization that works specifically with the outdoor industry, non-profits, and transformative companies. They serve these types of for-benefit businesses on branding, marketing, and communication. As a service based business, this podcast will be extremely beneficial to those of you launching a similar type of business model that’s focused on referrals, your brands reputation and case studies you’ve developed for similar organizations.

Bluestone Life, a member of 1% for the Planet, is the only consumer direct, full stack life insurance company built to dominate a large and growing consumer segment that makes purchasing decisions based on a company’s values and purpose. In the current model, insurance companies are considered legacy businesses that have an inward focus that haven’t adapted to consumer demands to use business as a force for change. And Bluestone Life is here to disrupt that market. Their model is based on three pillars to differentiate itself from the typical life insurance company that we’re all used to. First, they're customer centric. This means that there are no commissions, efficient UI/UX for a better experience and self service, and no loads. Second, they're a values aligned company. The company is involved in impact investing of their portfolio and donates 1% of revenue to environmental non-profits through 1% for the Planet Third, their product features include limited rider options to reduce confusion and higher cash value on permanent products much earlier than competitors. Let’s learn more with Nathan.

Vanessa Vincent is the Development Director for Harlem Grown, a non profit that targets elementary aged students and mentors them to lead healthy and ambitious lives. Founded in 2011, Harlem Grown operates in local urban farms and in turn increases the understanding of healthy food and provides garden based developmental programs to the Harlem youth. One of the innovative ways that Harlem Grown is helping the environment and society is by the renovation of abandoned lots in Harlem and converting them into urban farms.  In addition to this, they offer school tours which includes a hands on farm tours where students are taught about hydroponics soil based farming and composting. Another way Harlem Grown helps out the community is by a Harlem Grown program where parents can enroll their kids. In addition to this, there also are summer camps to involve children with their outdoors by participating in farming activities and learning to grow food from seed to harvest along with preparing the same food. So let’s learn a little more from Vanessa about Harlem Grown and their impact in New York.

Mountain Sports, a 1% for the Planet member, was founded on a love of adventuring in the outdoors in 1973 by brothers Mark and Bruce. They are the leading four-season supplier for all Patagonia outdoor clothing and Life is good apparel in northern Arizona. Their products range from sportswear to outerwear to fishing to clothing to fitness to name a few. They pride themselves on not only being an outdoor shop, but a gathering spot in the heart of downtown Flagstaff. They open their doors as a community space for locals and travelers alike. If you’re passing through town or live in the area, you’ll find events such as Geology Tours or Locals Night for discounts at select brands. As a member of 1% For The Planet, they grant one percent of sales to local environmental and conservation organizations. Thus far, they’ve granted more than $120,000 in the Flagstaff community.

Today we have Scott Steele from EVE Encinitas on The School for Humanity. Eve Encinitas, located in North County San Diego, is an all organic and vegan restaurant that is committed to not only healthy eating, but reducing food waste in San Diego. In our conversation, Scott helps us better understand the problems regarding food waste, solutions that are being created and some specific examples of what EVE Encinitas is doing to help our society. In our conversation, Scott also shares some great insights on his history in the food business, the mindset that’s imperative for aspiring entrepreneurs and why Eve Encinitas is dedicated to serving their local community.

Did you know that over 600,000 tons of vinyl from banners and billboards end up in landfills each year? Today on The School For Humanity, we have Kari who is the President of Relan to talk about how their organization is putting a dent into this metric. Relan helps progressive companies meet their sustainability goals by recycling banners or billboards that would otherwise be thrown away and turns them into useful marketing items. These ‘new’ marketing items are beneficial for brands because they can not only raise awareness about their organization, but they can position their company as environmentally conscious. To date, they have helped their partners keep over 450,000 square feet of material out of landfills, close the loop on a current waste stream, and benefit their triple bottom line. As well, they’ve been named to the GameChangers500 list as part of the world’s top For-Benefit companies.

Today on The School for Humanity, we’re speaking with author, mentor and entrepreneur Melissa Ambrosini. Melissa talks about her story from a glamorous life of dancing, modeling and partying to being hospitalized. On her hospital bed, she decided to take control of her life and change her path. This led her to the world of self help to coach women from around the world to achieve what they are truly were made for.

Today on The School for Humanity we’re speaking with Lindsey Bolton who is the Community Rockstar at All Good. All Good, a 1% for the Planet member and B Corporation that’s nestled on the central coast of California, is a lifestyle brand with a clear vision: to live and inspire others to live in balance with nature. They make organic body care products because they want you to feel amazing from the soothing natural benefits of botanical ingredients. Their healing products are made from organic and botanical ingredients: healing balm, lip balms and tints, pain relief spray, sunscreens, and moisturizers. They aim high to walk the talk of a triple bottom line business philosophy, measuring success through environmental, social and economic health.

Today on The School for Humanity we’re talking to Kate Williams, the CEO of 1% for the Planet. 1% for the Planet serves as a ‘middle man’ perse of for profit organizations and individuals that donate 1% of their revenue to environmental non-profits that are the recipients of these funds. The environmental causes that you can support as a business or as an individual range from protecting our land, forests, oceans, water and wildlife along with encouraging sustainable methods of energy production. Today, only 3%of all philanthropic donations worldwide go towards environmental causes; and 1% for the Planet is charging head first to change this.

This week on The School for Humanity we're speaking with Ali McMutrie who is the Co-Founder and Co-President of Haitian Families First. Haitian Families First (HFF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing medical, nutritional and educational support to help Haitian families remain together and create a self-sufficient future. Their mission is to nurture and empower families in despair through emotional, social, and financial support, ensuring children remain with their biological families and out of unnecessary institutions. 30,000 children live in institutions, but more than 80% of them have parents.

This week on The School for Humanity we have Rachel Sumekh who is the CEO of Swipe out Hunger. Swipe Out Hunger works to end hunger by activating college students to donate unused meal points to feed their peers and community members in need. By taking a resource that already exists (meal points) and using those funds to solve a global problem (hunger), Swipe Out Hunger promotes innovative solutions to a wasteful system. Born under the name "Swipes for the Homeless" in 2009, a few friends at UCLA went into the dining hall, used their meal cards to take away some sandwiches and then delivered them around town. In a single week, 300 meals were collected. A few months later, the team partnered with UCLA's Dining Services to allow students to donate their extra meal funds to provide 1,087 meals to community members. By the Fall of 2014, the team collected over 15,000 donated meals in a single week. In 2015, their movement was renamed to Swipe Out Hunger but their objectives to end hunger, raise awareness about this issue, and foster student leadership have remained central to their mission.  The organization has served 1.2 million meals and was called a Champion of Change by The White House. Rachel was recognized on the 2017 Forbes' 30 Under 30 for Social Entrepreneurship. Under her leadership, the organization has scaled nationally and tripled its budget. Swipe Out Hunger has been recognized by The White House, Forbes, The Case Foundation, and other influencers as a benchmark for positive change on America's college campuses and an emerging leader in the non-profit field of hunger awareness and alleviation.

Today on The School for Humanity we have Alon Banks who is the Executive Director of Give Clean Water. The mission of Give Clean Water is to provide a sustainable clean drinking water solution to every person in Fiji. Give Clean Water partners with local community organizations to identify families in need of clean water filters. They then gather biographical and demographic information from each family recipient, take photos and mark each house with a GPS address. On instillation day, team members made up of local volunteers and Give Clean Water teams visit the home, install the system and spend time educating the family on how to maintain the filter. The team also educates the family on hygiene and the importance of cooking and drinking exclusively with clean water. After the system is installed, Give Clean Water will send a follow up team to the home to answer questions and make sure the filter is being used correctly. Each home is also given contact information for the local community organization in case there are any problems that arise.       

Today we're going to be speaking with Samir Lakhani who is the Founder and Execute Director of The Eco-Soap Bank.  The Eco-Soap Bank is a humanitarian and environmental non-profit organization working to save, sanitize and supply recycled soap to the developing world. Their work has three objectives: Contribute a highly cost-effective hygiene product to improve health in Cambodia. Significantly reduce the waste generated by the tourism industry. Provide livelihoods to Cambodian women with no other reliable source of income. They have a 4 step process to carry out their mission: The Eco-Soap Bank collects gently used soap bars from hotels and guesthouses in Cambodia. Collected soap bars are sanitized and reprocessed into new bars.  Soap bars are donated to hospitals, health clinics, schools, orphanages, and village communities in need of hygiene.  All soap donations are paired with hand washing training to ensure that communities remain safe from preventable illnesses. So far they’ve made 186,698 soap donations 25,910 pounds of waste have been recycled, and 666,562 people have been served.

After studying business and knowing she didn’t want to work in a traditional corporate setting, Kelsey started her career in the non-profit sector. She loved working with passionate people and for a mission-driven organization, but was bothered by some of the inefficiency in the non-profit sector. When she learned about the idea behind social enterprise, solving social and environmental problems with for-profit business models, she decided to pursue opportunities in the space. After hearing about the idea for Thread, it just made sense. Today, Kelsey measures, manages, and improves the impact Thread has on people, planet, and profit at every step of Thread’s supply chains, ensuring that the claims of making the most responsible fabric in the world are true.

Chuck Samuleson has worked in the food industry all his life. During that time, he saw food trends come and go but one thing always remained the same – food waste. In fact, up to 40% of the food produced in America ends up wasted. So Chuck started Kitchens for Good to do something about it. How did he get started? How has his vision and point of view changed throughout the process? Listen to this visionary to find out.

Tom Cronin was working as a stock broker when he discovered the stress-reducing benefits of meditation. He found so much inspiration in it that he made sharing it with others his whole career. The Stillness Project began with their own mantra, to bring meditation to one million people. Now, Tom’s company is all about improving lives by making meditation accessible and easy to understand. So why is mediation so important? And is it something anyone can do? Tom will answer all this and more in this fascinating episode.