Altamira Press The World We Want: New Dimensions in Philanthropy and Social Change

In The World We Want, Peter Karoff presents a collective vision of an ideal world. By sharing his experiences and through conversations with more than forty social entrepreneurs, activists, nonprofit leaders, and philanthropists who are changing notions of 'the human condition' in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America, and North America, he describes how new partnerships and approaches are reducing suffering and gaining greater equity for people everywhere. These visionaries are engaged in a struggle of sorts, and that conscious engagement-'the shoulder to the wheel'-is a fundamental part of the world they want. The book weaves together multi-sector, multidiscipline strategies, but-in large part-it is about the power of human connection, reinforced by personal stories of motivation and the human capacity for caring. Without ignoring the institutional and cultural obstacles, and the courage needed to face down the dark side of human behavior, Karoff shows how citizen engagement and open source solutions could tip the scale toward a better world. Review 'Dare to be naïve, ' Buckminster Fuller once said. In The World We Want, Peter Karoff, a poet and preeminent philosopher of philanthropy, offers us visions of a better world via a guided tour of idealism in America, circa 2006. His 'naiveté, ' and that of the many accomplished activists he interviews, offers a compelling challenge to the cynicism and resignation that reign in much of the country today. A stirring read.--Paul Grogan, President and CEO of the Boston Foundation It is tempting to approach a title like The World We Want with resistance. Whose "we?" How do they know what I want? And then Peter Karoff introduces us, one by one, to his cast of storytellers, and we are irresistibly drawn into his concept--a poet's journey of possibilities and celebration, frustrations and reassurance. After all, we all have our dreams of a better world, and our own versions get activated and integrated into these inspiring accounts. By the end, we are captured, engaged, and Peter's book has accomplished its purpose--a design experiment of hope.--Kelin E. Gersick, Senior Partner, Lansberg, Gersick & Associates; Management Fellow, Yale School of Management; and author of Generation to Ge Karoff has succeeded in giving the reader a view of a world we do all indeed want. Each of his interviewees speaks with passion and truth about a different tile in the mosaic of a whole world of humaneness and beauty. Would that we may achieve it. Karoff's poems, beautiful and moving, work as exclamation points for the chapters.--James E. Hughes Jr., Esquire, author of Family Wealth--Keeping It in the FamilyPeter Karoff is a poet as well as a visionary, so it comes as no surprise that The World We Want is a lyrical and uplifting book whose conversations with great leaders and change agents can inspire us all to make a difference in the world. Savor this wonderful, positive book.--Rosabeth Moss Kanter, Harvard Business School Professor and best-selling author of Confidence: How Winning Streaks and Losing Streaks Begin and EndThe World We Want is a wonderful book for anyone wishing to make a difference and find inspiration from fellow travelers. Peter Karoff and Jane Maddox have listened well to a wonderful collection of engaged citizens. In the process, they have also redefined what it means to be a philanthropist--be ready to discover it's in everything you do!--Kathy Bushkin, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the United Nations FoundationThe World We Want provokes thought and provides keen insight--a must read for all of us aiming to use philanthropy to build a better world.--Bill Bradley, Former U.S. SenatorKaroff's life has grown from 'peddler' to philanthropist and poet. In The World We Want he teaches us to connect dream to deed, and through his heroes we learn about the limits, passion, and power of philanthropy.--Peter Goldmark, director of Envi