Unlocking Global Change: How Your Skills Can Power Impact Startups

The 'Accident of Birth' and a Path to Purpose

James' journey began with a philosophical awakening during his university years. Inspired by John Rawls' concept of the 'accident of birth,' James questioned how he could leverage his privileged position to create opportunities for others. This led him to explore the world of social enterprises, organizations that prioritize social good alongside business objectives. His early experience at Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI), a social enterprise employing veterans and people with disabilities, opened his eyes to the potential of business to drive meaningful change.

The Rise of Impact Startups

Diving deeper, James discovered a new wave of 'impact startups' – early-stage ventures using technology to tackle pressing issues. He observed that these startups often lacked the resources to access crucial skills needed for scaling their operations. Recognizing this gap, James began volunteering his time and skills, but soon realized the limitations of individual efforts.

At the same time, many of James' friends in the corporate world felt unfulfilled, yearning to make a difference but struggling to find accessible opportunities. Traditional volunteering options often proved to be either inaccessible, unengaging, or not aligned with their professional skills. This sparked the idea for WeMakeChange.

WeMakeChange: Skills-Based Volunteering for Global Impact

During a Model United Nations conference in New York, James and Yens conceived the idea of WeMakeChange. Their vision: to create a platform that would make it as easy as ordering sushi to volunteer skills for impact startups. WeMakeChange matches volunteers with projects based on their skills, interests, and availability, enabling them to contribute to meaningful causes from anywhere in the world. Impact startups, in turn, gain access to a diverse pool of talent, empowering them to scale their operations and amplify their impact.

Real-World Impact: Stories from the Front Lines

James highlights several impact startups that have benefited from WeMakeChange:

• ERA92 Creative (Uganda): A digital marketing agency that trains and employs young people from marginalized communities, providing them with valuable skills and economic opportunities.
• Mukuru Clean Stoves: A company producing clean cooking stoves and mosquito repellent waste, reducing air pollution and improving health outcomes for millions.
• Fairo (Germany): An innovative platform that promotes secondhand shopping, making it easier for consumers to find sustainable alternatives and reduce waste.

To date, WeMakeChange has facilitated over $10 million worth of skills contributions to impact startups, demonstrating the power of skills-based volunteering to drive positive change.

A Call to Action: You Have the Power to Change the World

James emphasizes that we are the first generation capable of ending extreme poverty and the last that can address climate change. He urges everyone to recognize their potential to contribute, highlighting three key ingredients for change: a cause you care about, skills you can share, and time you can spare. Whether you're a marketer, web developer, or professional in any field, your skills are valuable and needed. You can volunteer a few hours a week, pursue an impact career, or even start your own social enterprise. The most important thing is to take action and not wait for the perfect opportunity.

The Future of Impact: A Generation United for Change

James concludes with a powerful call to action, urging our generation to unite and create the world we want to live in. By harnessing our collective skills and resources, we can address the challenges facing humanity and build a more sustainable and equitable future for all. With platforms like WeMakeChange, making a difference has never been easier.