Social Change Movements of the 21st Century

The Global Social Enterprise Initiative (GSEI) at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business hosted “National Movements Forum for Changemakers” on Monday, April 16.

The event explored why some of the most significant movements of the 21st century, such as #MeToo and #NeverAgain, have succeeded and what emerging movement leaders can do to advance their causes.

The event leaders from movements such as gender equality, gun safety, marriage equality, racial justice, and tobacco control. Speakers included; Nicole Hockley, founder of Sandy Hook Promise; Wendy Johnson, vice president of nutrition, health, and wellness, Nestle; Robin Koval, CEO, Truth Initiative; Bill Novelli, founder, GSEI, and founding president and current board member, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids; Mónica Ramírez, vice-president, Alianza Nacional de Campesinas; Marc Solomon, national campaign director for Freedom to Marry; Donna Dees-Thomases, founder, Million Mom March (MMM), Erika Totten, movement co-creator, Black Lives Matter in the Washington, D.C. area; and Evan Wolfson, founder, Freedom to Marry.

“These are difficult yet exciting times for our nation and our industry” said Novelli. “We can make change happen by shifting social norms and individual behaviors. Corporations are more engaged than ever today to make a positive difference for both themselves and society.”

The event also celebrated the launch of a new book, How Change Happens, written by Leslie Crutchfield, executive director, GSEI, who moderated the discussion. As outlined in the book’s second chapter, “Break from Business as Usual,” Crutchfield discussed how companies can affect major change by altering their policies, raising their voices in public debates, and leveraging their innovation capabilities.

“Changemaking is an act of leadership that involves strategy,” said Crutchfield. “You have to make tough choices as most businesses have to do. You have to be entrepreneurial, adaptable, and ethical.  I cannot think of a better place than Georgetown McDonough to launch this book. The university’s Jesuit identity aligns with the school’s mission of shaping the next generation of business innovators and leaders. My hope is that Georgetown McDonough graduates carry these values with them.”

Visit this website to learn more information or order copies of the book.