Renew the American Dream Through Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Tom Sheridan is part of Change.org's Changemakers network, comprised of leading voices for social change. Change.org asked Mr. Sheridan to respond to questions to provide context for his work and the causes he supports.

Change.org: What cause or causes would you most like to promote as a Changemaker and why?

Social innovation and entrepreneurship. We need new and innovative 21st century approaches to solving our social problems. Most of our social issues (education, health care, etc.) are using models and solutions that were created decades ago, are old and lack innovation, and are based on old assumptions of policy makers. We need community engagement and out of the box thinking that breaks silos and engages all sectors.
To greater and lesser degree’s others have seen unique opportunities at transformative moments and reaped enormous attention for issues as well as truly creating real social change. Both FDR and JFK found themselves in such a time and leveraged this opportunity to make history--but --change takes time and more importantly it will require a committed band of passionate citizens to make it happen.

If we can find new ways to do our work in the non-profit sector and establish better outcomes we can reestablish a progressive social contract in America – namely we value our investment in our communities and fellow citizens in exchange for a renewed vision of the American dream.

Change.org: If you could ask 1 million people to all do 1 thing to advance your cause or causes, what would it be?

Engage in politics-at whatever level you can. Minimially, vote. If you work as a social worker or community service provider, register your clients to vote. But better yet-volunteer in campaigns, join advocacy organizations, meet your elected officials and tell them what these issues mean to you and why they affect your votes.

Change.org: What are the greatest obstacles to change when it comes to the way business is done in Washington, DC?

Apathy in the general public –especially people who are not on the hard right or hard left of issues. The moderate, socially conscious voter is not engaged in a meaningful way and the extremes – especially the right wing extreme- takes advantage of the vacuum.

Change.org: What are you most proud of about your work for social change?

Results! When we take on something we do it with the expressed intention of winning. Frequently we’re coming from behind but we always see a path to victory. We don’t think good intentions are enough… we think good intentions paired with good policy and politics is the winning combination.

Photo credit: Denise Cross