Rise of Goodwill

Collegepreneur Staff Writer

Social entrepreneurs are individuals who have creative, sometimes non-traditional answers to society’s most pressing social problems. Their reach is vast, tackling a wide array of issues.

Rather than relying on "systems" to make the world better, social entrepreneurs take matters into their own hands, underscoring the often-used axiom, "If it is to be, it's up to me."

So, how do you make your mark as a social entrepreneur? Here are some tips.

#1: Identify your "passion" buttons.

Are you activated by certain topics or issues? Does it bother you to see the way we sometimes treat the planet? Or do you get upset with how teachers are treated in this country? Figure out what makes you tick.

#2: Join an existing cause

There are literally hundreds of thousands of causes that need volunteers. A quick search on the Net will result in many possibilities. Remember, it's not about how large your contribution, social entrepreneurship is more about "getting in the game".

#3: Map out a plan

Maybe you'll volunteer this year; but start your own 501 c-3 next year. The sky's truly the beginning. As a college student, there's no better way to get a sense for how people feel about an issue than to set up a table a high traffic area on campus (with permission, of course).

Each hard copy edition of Collegepreneur features a Social Entrepreneur. The premier issue highlighted a woman who's encouraging women to Feel Your Boobies.

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