SVP - Global Brand Strategy

Just back from a brand workshop at Social Venture Partners International. Our work day of 50 or so different partners and staffers from around the network representing at least 18 out of 26 affiliates focused mainly on word play. Our facilitator Will Novy-Hildesley of Quicksilver Foundry began the day notifying the group that, in the end, our brand promise would NOT be developed by consensus.

This is an interesting concept for a "passionate" group of SVP'ers who each have their own perspective and opinions on how our international collection of Social Venture Partnerships should be represented to the world. The good news: there was clear consensus on the need for a global brand to which we all can pledge our allegiance. In a fascinating journey of many many words on even more index cards, there were a few themes that are an exciting departure from our familiar ways of communicating in our SVP world. Here are a few.

- How can we "sprint from acceptable to brilliant?"
- How do we shed our "Curse of Knowledge" and learn to share RICH (not complex) stories?
- How will our brand inspire excitement? Because nothing happens until someone gets excited.
- How do we go beyond spreading a model of philanthropy and ignite a "movement" in philanthropy?
- Kill the Labels - What does it mean for the world of SVP's to do away with the outward jargon of Partners, Investees, and Staff? How would that present a different perception in the community? Are they taking away more than they are providing?

The final product is now in the hands of our capable facilitator to go back to the "foundry" to be forged. Consensus is futile. We will push through to a common brand with a variety of local "signals" (or manifestations) of that brand. So tune in and stay tuned!

Mayoral Candidate Forum

DSVP Partner, Suzanne Smith, shares why you should join her, Dallas Social Venture Partners, The Dallas 40 and Center for Nonprofit Management for the upcoming Mayoral Candidate Forum on April 19:

I have always joked with people that I speak three languages – English, Spanish, and Government. As a daughter of a former County Commissioner, a former campaign worker (ask me for some crazy stories at an upcoming First Friday), and an avid politico, I have learned that it isn’t enough to speak the language of government and politics, but you have to speak up when it matters. Right now, with government cuts looming and the social sector in flux, Dallas Social Venture Partners need to use their voice and speak up for our priorities. In my humble opinion, our priorities should be: 1) Greater cross-sector coordination on social sector issues (including with Dallas County and local school districts); 2) Infusion of innovative and proven practices to ensure that our kids and other vulnerable populations are getting our best efforts; and 3) Ensuring that we attract young people to bring their talent and energy to the social sector. To accomplish this, I’d like for us to challenge our Dallas elected officials to create an Office of Strategic Partnerships. Both Denver and Los Angeles have these offices and they have accomplished a lot in the past 2 years to encourage cross-sector collaboration, volunteerism, and social entrepreneurship.

We have a great opportunity with the upcoming Dallas Mayor’s Forum to affect change in our community. We need the concept of social innovation to become embedded in our elected officials' thinking so that it is always part of their platform. We can do the same thing here locally.

So, let’s speak up about the issues we care about and join other DSVP partners at:

Mayoral Candidate Forum
Hosts: The Dallas 40, Dallas Social Venture Partners, and Center for Nonprofit Management
When: April 19, 7:30 - 9:00 a.m.
Location: Communities Foundation of Texas
Cost: FREE, but space is limited so register before it's sold out
Parking: Complimentary Parking available immediately behind the building
Registration: http://maycanfor11.eventbrite.com/
Due to high demand registration has opened up more spots. Space is limited however so please register to reserve your spot.

This post is from a guest blogger and does not necessarily represent the opinion or position of Dallas Social Venture Partners.

Robert Egger Announces bigBANG! NOURISH Track

Announcing the NOURISH track innovators! Thanks Robert Egger for the video! These select INNOVATORS will present their dot coms AND dot orgs on the bigBANG! Fast Pitch stage JUNE 16th in DALLAS TEXAS. Get those early bird tickets NOW!

Cafe Momentum – a restaurant with a mission

The Movement – fitness club creating farm demand Dallas Farmers Market Trust – a movement to privatize the Dallas Farmer’s Market!

Paul Quinn College – Food for Good Farm – A football field turned into a farm!

Sustainable Food Center - A statewide effort focused on seed-to-table education and awareness around food and farmers.

Other track Innovators in EMPOWER, SERVE and TEACH to be announced in the coming weeks.

Endorsed by SLOW MONEY North Texas and brought to you by Dallas Social Venture Partners. Website: http://www.bigbangtx.org/ Twitter: @bBANGtx