What Does It Mean to "Do Good. Better."?

Have you ever felt the urge to make a positive impact on the world? To lend a helping hand, ease suffering, and spread joy? Most of us have this innate desire to "Do Good." But what does it mean to "Do Good. Better."? How can we ensure that our well-intentioned efforts lead to meaningful and sustainable change?

Let’s start by defining social impact! In the words of philanthropist and social innovator Sir Ronald Cohen, it refers to the "improvement in the well-being of individuals and communities and the enhancement in their ability to lead productive lives." In essence, it's about improving people’s lives.

In a world filled with challenges, from global crises like poverty, climate change, and homelessness to local issues in our communities, we're often faced with the dilemma of wanting to help but not always knowing how to do it effectively. We need changemakers and organizations that can tackle complex social problems with grace and expertise. Luckily, like any other skill, we can learn how to "Do Good. Better." 

It is so important to remember that we are constantly learning and growing in our approach to helping others. We're not born knowing the best way to create positive change, but we can acquire this knowledge over time. 

Let's consider a common scenario: when we hear about refugees in distress around the world,  our instinct is to help, and this empathy is commendable. However, our immediate response, like sending old clothes, isn't always the most effective way to address their needs. Good intentions and even financial resources are important but usually are not sufficient. 

Money, time, and skills invested in solving social problems often fall short of their intended impact. It is critical for us to reflect on why our interventions are not having the impact we desire and to find gaps in our current approach to helping others. To truly make a positive impact, we should explore more effective, culturally sensitive, and sustainable ways to support individuals in their journey to rebuild their lives.

The journey toward becoming a more effective changemaker begins here, where good intentions meet a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.

So, stay tuned for upcoming blog posts as we explore how to transform your intentions into impactful actions and embark on the path of doing good better. Your role as a changemaker in the making starts now!