The Power of One

One person. One earth-shaking idea. Can ordinary people invent the

solutions to major social problems like housing shortages or at-risk

youth? New, compelling evidence says yes they can. Like the oil scout

who created a thriving national housing repair program for the elderly

and disadvantaged. And the mother troubled by a child abduction in

the news who crafted the nationwide Amber Alert child rescue plan.

Since the early 1980's, a quiet revolution has slowly evolved right under

our noses created by no one other than the average American citizen.

Amazingly, this news has evaded the mainstream media. Yet, every

day people, comprised of entrepreneurs, parents, athletes, the clergy,

and even teens are saying, "enough is enough" to a fifty-year stretch of

less-than-effective government social programs. They've decided to

take on the Goliath-sized issues that were once deemed the

responsibility of large institutions.

Based on 110 interviews across America, researcher and author, Debra

Berg, reveals the stories behind 26 highly successful social cures

invented by 35 citizen-heroes. Many of the inventors have sacrificed

high -paying jobs, personal lives, and even physical safety to advance

their initiatives. With the backing of volunteers, business, and donors

they've combined sweat equity with a heavy dose of compassion. The

end result? Transformed lives, more cohesive communities, and a

significant savings to taxpayers.

These everyday heroes have gleaned minimal press, but that hasn't

discouraged them. They're still able to successfully grow and finance

their ideas without the aid of big bureaucracies or expensive PR

campaigns. And by applying entrepreneurial savvy to age-old social

problems like poverty, they're leaving even the most cynical skeptic

speechless.

In short, the nation should be recognizing these innovative citizens and

their successes. These secular and faith-based initiatives are engaging

thousands of volunteers and providing the social templates for

America' s 21st century cities. And as for any naysayers who've

predicted the demise of American civic culture? Well, they may be

surprised to learn that social innovation is now engaging millions of

citizens in democracies throughout the globe



Learn more at: www.NICENetwork.org