Thursday, December 8, 2011

I received an interesting email this week from a university faculty member looking for current publications on volunteering and civic action to be considered for an undergraduate class on volunteering. Her enthusiasm for the topic and experience in teaching this class was evident. As she described the texts she has used and has researched for the class - almost all new to me -  I realized how broad, deep, interconnected and complex the workings of volunteerism and civic action are.

It is what has kept me stimulated and intrigued about the non-government, non-business "third" sector, and the evolution of social enterprises. But after many years engaged in the work and as an observer of it, I have to wonder....

Is there is really anything new under the sun when it comes to approaches for building society? Or do we just keep doing new combinations of the same ideas about improving life on earth? What do you think?

~Melissa