Journeys for Change: an opportunity to experience social entrepreneurship

“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.” -Marcel Proust.

Hundreds of years have passed since he first said it and travel & communication industry has seen a revolution. The meaning and essence of this quote, became more and more real with each passing day. But we moved from the concept of voyage to the one of journey – a journey is not a relaxing experience, is a discovering one; is not about seeing something, but is about experiencing it; is not a break from your life, is your life’s best moment.

Journeys for Change understood it very well. Since 2005, the organisation has run journeys visiting and learning from some of India’s most inspiring social entrepreneurs; those journeys will enable top executives, academics, and nonprofit leaders to discover how they can have their greatest positive impact on the world. The India Social Entrepreneurship Journeys will take a hand selected groups of senior leaders on carefully curated 5-8 day experiences. Participants will engage with the founders and leadership of many of the world’s most renown social and environmental impact ventures; discuss pivotal issues; and enjoy authentic cultural experiences.

Some participants use their journey to deepen their impact in their current role. This includes Nike Global Director of Strategic Planning Kelly Lauber who shifted Nike CSR from check-writing to a more social venture capitalist approach. Others apply the insights and connections they’ve gained to transition into more meaningful work. Shortly after his journey, Vinay Nair (UK) transitioned from serving as Executive Director at J.P.Morgan to Head of International Business Development at Acumen Fund.

2013-14 India Social Entrepreneurship Journeys will take place this upcoming December and February, and deadlines are fast approaching. The rich array of award-winning ventures visited by the leaders on the upcoming journeys will include Jaipur Foot, the world’s largest organization serving the disabled; d.light, an international solar light company with more than 12 million customers; and Dhriti, which is tackling India’s severe unemployment by supporting the development of small-scale enterprises.

Past journey participants have called the experience “transformative” and “life-changing,” citing the irreplaceable value of on-the-ground interaction. “Don’t waste your money on conferences,” says Sue White, Head of Social Enterprise at the UK Department of Health. “Come on a Journey for Change. You will see, touch and feel the transformational potential of social entrepreneurship.”

For more information visit Journeys for Change