Stanford Social Innovation Review

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Magazine illustration from SSIR cover story shows a figure in a black suit and top hat carrying a large pillar
Borrowing Legitimacy In its early years, Ashesi University’s institutional model of ethical leadership, social impact, and entrepreneurship challenged the established higher-education system that allowed limited room for deviation. With little established legitimacy and a nascent institutional track record, Ashesi prioritized securing the approvals and trust necessary to survive. Awuah described these early years as a period of fitting in enough to earn the “right to experiment.”
Beyond the Mega-Gift: An SSIR Author Conversation Mark Dobosz and David Johnson Wednesday, April 29, 2026 10 AM Pacific/1 PM Eastern
Beyond the Mega-Gift: An SSIR Author Conversation Mark Dobosz, Vice President of Philanthropy, Mozaic Senior Life Wednesday, April 29, 2026 10 am Pacific/1 pm Eastern
The Era of Relational Intelligence: An SSIR Author Conversation Isabelle Hau, Executive Director, Stanford Accelerator for Learning Mitchell Stevens, SSIR Academic Editor Monday, March 9, 2026 12 PM Pacific/3 PM Eastern
The Era of Relational Intelligence An SSIR Author Conversation Isabelle Hau, Executive Director, Stanford Accelerator for Learning Mitchell Stevens, SSIR Academic Editor Monday, March 9, 2026 12 PM Pacific/3 PM Eastern
Screenshot with text: What is most striking to you about the massive actions we’ve seen in Minneapolis and elsewhere in response to ICE? With the caveat that I haven’t been on the ground in Minneapolis—and there’s no replacement for that perspective—I’ve been most struck by the activists’ courage and persistence. Despite these appalling killings and increasing intimidation, this movement is growing, not retreating. This shows real conviction because they’re up against something truly scary; these are armed forces that have been told by White House officials that they’re above the law. Standing up to that peacefully inspires others to do the same, and we need as much of that as possible across the country right now. Courage builds courage.
This really put words to what so many nonprofits are feeling right now. The uncertainty is just as challenging as the funding itself. I appreciate the reminder that survival can’t come from cutting alone—it has to come from innovation, collaboration, and building real financial resilience. The SDA examples show that when strategy and mission stay aligned, it’s possible to adapt without losing purpose. SDA is helping more biz, the reason I’m following this on all socials as it inspires me!
The same three pentagonal charts as above with an additional layer showing the five indicators for countries in the "free" and "partly free" categories that backslid to the next category down. For those that slid from "free" to "partly free" the gap is largest for Economic Opportunity and Rule of Law.
Three pentagonal charts show a strong connection between the five elements of democratic health and Freedom House’s freedom classifications: “Free” countries had higher average scores on each of the five elements than “Partly Free” countries, which had higher scores on each than “Not Free” countries.
Title: Youth Voters and the Future of Democracy: An SSIR Author Conversation Wednesday, December 3, 2025 10 AM Pacific/1 PM Eastern
A series of maps showing how the locations of oil and gas infrastructure in Houston aligns with related health impacts
Illustration of a giant dark robot figure that represents the oil and gas industry looming over a small town landscape
Promotional graphic that reads "The Nonprofit Sector Has an RCT Problem, a conversation with SSIR Authors" with headshot photos of the three presenters
Promotional graphic with headshot photos of authors and text: The Nonprofit Sector Has An RCT Problem, a conversation with SSIR Authors
Red button on instrument panel with label: "IN EMERGENCY PUSH"
Data on Purpose, a Stanford Social Innovation Review virtual summit. "Reimagining the Digital Future: Harnessing AI for Social Good" May 6-7, 2025. ssirdata.org Free admission