Ashoka

Ashoka is a非政府组织 (NGO) that has been tirelessly working since its founding in 1980 by Bill Drayton in Washington, D.C. to create a world where everyone can be a Changemaker.

Ashoka's main mission is to identify and support the world's leading social entrepreneurs, learn from their innovative models, and mobilize a global community to adopt these new frameworks to build a world where "everyone is a changemaker." The organization is committed to equipping everyone with the ability, skills, and resources to solve problems, live with dignity, and create positive change for the common good[2][3][4].

• Ashoka Fellowship: Ashoka elects social entrepreneurs as "Ashoka Fellows," who demonstrate exceptional innovation in addressing deep-rooted social issues. They receive three years of financial support, unrestricted assistance, an international network, and support for scaling and internationalization[1][2][4].
• Global Network: Ashoka has a vast network of over 3,500 leading social entrepreneurs across more than 90 countries. This network provides a platform for sharing knowledge, resources, and experiences[1][2][4].
• Empathy and Young Changemakers: Ashoka leads a movement aimed at changing the way young people grow up, empowering them to lead, contribute, and take control of their own lives. The organization emphasizes the cultivation of empathy, teamwork, new leadership, and change-making abilities[2][3].
• Organizational Change: Ashoka promotes open, fluid teamwork, breaking down traditional barriers and encouraging flexible collaboration to adapt to a rapidly changing world[2][3].

• Social Entrepreneurship: Ashoka identifies and supports leading social entrepreneurs worldwide who drive system-changing innovations. These entrepreneurs work across all areas of human need and have already made significant impacts on society[2][4].
• Education and Youth: Through programs like Ashoka Changemaker Schools and Ashoka Young Changemakers, the organization fosters the development of empathy, leadership skills, and change-making competencies in young people[2][3].
• Business Culture: Ashoka collaborates with transformational companies to create a business culture where positive social impact through business becomes the new standard. This is achieved through initiatives like Changemaker Companies[5].

Ashoka has extensive partnerships with companies, organizations, and institutions such as the LEGO Foundation, American Express, and J.P. Morgan. These partnerships enable the development of local and global initiatives with significant social and economic impact[2].

Ashoka operates in over 90 countries and has a decentralized, integrated team consisting of 35 country offices worldwide. This allows the organization to capture and implement emerging insights, knowledge, and talents from innovators across various cultural and regional contexts[2][3].

Ashoka is a central player in the field of social entrepreneurship and works tirelessly to create a world where every person has the ability and opportunity to bring about positive change. Through its unique approaches, comprehensive networks, and sustainable initiatives, Ashoka significantly contributes to a resilient, inclusive, and just future.

• 1 - https://www.ashoka-visionaryprogram.org/about-ashoka/
• 2 - https://www.ashoka.org/en-us/about-ashoka
• 3 - https://www.ashoka.org/en-tr/frequently-asked-questions
• 4 - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashoka_(non-profit_organization)
• 5 - https://cmc.ashoka.org/en