Emerging social trends have transformed the medium of communication, creating the need for a new language of civic engagement that launches a new context for civic change.

The renewed energy and urgency across the American civic landscape presents a tremendous opportunity—for volunteer leaders, nonprofits, and their sponsors—to connect with a re-imagined idea of service.

As this rising tide of civic entrepreneurship and change-making swells, HandsOn Network is committed to collecting individual stories of change. As change initiatives emerge, we give voice to the motivation and actions of these transformers, and hope to inspire others through the power of story.

Click to view each 2-3 minute webisode:

Matt Dunne, Manager, US Community Affairs, Google

Matt tells the story of his excitement about providing the tools, connections and opportunities to help others to be successful. Google’s founders have a specific interest in closing the gap between those that have access to information, and those who do not. Google’s philanthropic approach is reaching out to the nonprofit world and use the same innovation and ideas for greater impact.

Brendon Barclay, Founder of Sustaining Urban Villages

Brendon had the idea for the Urban Village concept over 5 years ago, when he became aware of the critical need to promote environmental stewardship in urban cities. With the belief that children and people perform their best, and are most empathetic, creative and productive when connected to the rhythms of nature, he sought to create a replicable, sustainable model for education and urban renewal.

Joy, medical student, Morehouse School of Medicine

Joy is a fulltime medical student, and also involved in serving the medical needs of at-risk populations. The most important thing to Joy is the act of giving, and her ability to use her talents and skills to improve the lives of not only her patients, but the community she lives and works in.