Here's how you can discover social impact trends and emerging issues.

Online platforms are indeed dynamic hubs for uncovering the pulse of social change. They offer a unique window into the collective consciousness, revealing what matters to communities worldwide. By engaging with these platforms, we can tap into a wealth of knowledge and connect with others who share our commitment to making a difference. It's a vibrant ecosystem where every click and conversation can contribute to the greater good, fostering a digital space that's as much about meaningful interaction as it is about information exchange.

Linked In has a really powerful Social Impact community. The space is truly global and in-person networking opportunities can be few and far between. I have been working with an East Africa colleague on joint projects for three years without ever meeting in person. However, we interact regularly on Linked In and are part of the same networks. The space is like a virtual common room, and it is by far the most important way for me to stay on top of emerging conversations and thought trends and discover opportunities for new collaborations. Linked In is very much the new water cooler for the global Social Impact community.

At The Cookie Project in NZ, we actively use online platforms to stay updated on social impact trends. Social media, discussion forums, and dedicated social impact websites provide real-time insights into emerging issues. Engaging with thought leaders and communities passionate about change has been invaluable. We follow relevant hashtags and participate in conversations to broaden our understanding and connect with like-minded individuals. Once a week during our weekly team meeting, my team and I will dedicate time to exploring these platforms and engaging in discussions. This approach offers diverse perspectives and keeps you informed about the latest social impact trends.

To get a broader view of social impact trends and emerging issues in the population at large, consider setting up a Google News alert or exploring Google Trends. These tools allow you near real-time access to see how prevalent certain social impact issues are in people's day-to-day lives.

When possible, do a little research on who you'll be speaking with! The people in this industry are all very passionate, but we also work on a diverse set of issues. You're likely to find common ground in unexpected ways!

At The Cookie Project in NZ, we rely on research reports from think tanks, universities, and non-profits for comprehensive insights into social impact trends. These reports offer in-depth analysis, case studies, and forecasts that highlight emerging issues. We regularly review documents from credible organisations like the Stanford Social Innovation Review, Social Enterprise UK and the Brookings Institution. To stay informed, make it a habit to read summaries or full reports from such sources. These insights provide a solid foundation for understanding and addressing social impact trends.

In addition to reading reports, think about how they might be applied to tangential issues. We often feel we need to reinvent the strategic wheel for each problem we're tackling, but you might find that broadening your perspective will provide insights on other emerging issues.

Eu recomendo a pesquisa anual do Global Risks do World Economic Forum. Eles listam quais serão os maiores riscos mundiais. Riscos são tendências de problemas futuros. Com isso é possível prever quais serão as maiores preocupações do setor de impacto social também.

Volunteering from a young age introduced me to the endorphins and sense of goodwill that come from assisting others. The transformative power of collaborative action captivated me. Board service revealed the financial and operational side of nonprofits, enriching my role in Social Impact. Community volunteering taught me to prioritize the "how" rather than the "what" in serving others, allowing me to observe more directly the impact of our programs on stakeholders and the differences they create, for better or worse.

Over the course of my University career, I have met different types of people. Some look down upon volunteering as they do not believe in putting in effort without any compensation, while others pounce on any chance to showcase their skills and create an impact. While the former can mean you are very confident in your skills, I noticed myself being the latter kind of person. My University experience is filled with volunteering opportunities, which have opened so many opportunities for me today as I used them as a platform to hone my skills and have a social impact.

At The Cookie Project in NZ, we've found that educational courses on social impact significantly enhance our knowledge of current trends and issues. Online courses and seminars focused on social entrepreneurship and sustainable development provide curated content and structured learning environments. We've benefited from programs like those offered by Coursera and edX. To deepen your understanding, explore courses from platforms like these or university programs dedicated to social impact. They offer insights into complex social issues and innovative strategies to address them. Or follow me for my online course on how to build a sustainable social enterprise.