social good summit

Inspired, Overwhelmed & (Finally) Focused

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I am still decompressing and digesting all of the facts, ideas and initiatives that were presented during the

Social Good Summit

. It was an overwhelming reminder that there are so many smart people, with great ideas working to change the world in realistic, measurable and creative ways. Towards the end of the day, Chrysula Winegar, who writes

When You Wakeup A Mother

touched on "cause fatigue". It was comforting to hear someone else mention this because by that time I had heard Desmond Tutu talk about the urgency to end child marriage, Dr Muhammad Yunus talk about the urgency to ease poverty through microfinance, the CEO of Skype talk about the urgency to use digital technology to improve education, Melinda Gates talk about the urgency to eradicate polio, Chef José Andrés talk about the urgency to distribute proper stoves, the First Ladies of South Africa and Kenya talk about the urgency of women's health in developing countries and the onset of cause fatigue was lingering. Chrysula went on to urge each of us to be aware and engaged, but to find our own connections and put our energy and time behind issues that resonate within our selves. With that in mind, I was originally drawn to the event to hear Dr Yunus speak on microfinance, and as I reflect on my experience, it is his insight, advice and passion that will have the most influence on my post-summit actions.

Top 5 Social Good Summit Moments

In no particular order:

1. Desmond Tutu laughing. Even while passionately discussing the tragic issue of child marriage his charisma, humor and warm spirit shined through.

2. Skyping with a classroom in NJ, listening first-hand how technology is democratizing and revolutionizing education.

3. Previewing the One Day On Earth documentary

One Day on Earth - Motion Picture Trailer from One Day On Earth on Vimeo.

4. Hearing one of my heros, Dr Muhammad Yunus speak.

5. Watching my social network grow with inspiring and driven individuals as I tweeted and interacted with attendees throughout the day

Social Good Summit

Mashable.com

Muhammad Yunus is here. The President of Tanzania is here. Tony Bates (CEO of Skype) is here. Desmond Tutu is here. Kate James (COO of Gates Foundation is here. And, I am here. If you're not so fortunate you can watch is live here: http://mashable.com/2011/09/20/social-good-summit-livestream-2/ and look for #socialgood tweets.