Unlocking Generative AI’s Potential: Revolutionizing Resource Mobilization for African CSOs

Introduction:

In an article published on the newly launched African CSO Platform, Liz Ngonzi, our CEO, explores the crucial role of resource mobilization for African civil society organizations (CSOs) in driving social impact and positive change. However, these organizations often face challenges in accessing sufficient funding and resources to support their initiatives. To overcome these barriers, Liz highlights the transformative potential of generative AI, a cutting-edge technology that offers versatile applications for solving complex problems and driving innovation.

The Power of Generative AI:

Generative AI can analyze large volumes of data and generate valuable insights, revolutionizing data analysis by automating processes and augmenting human decision-making. It powers virtual assistants that provide personalized support, content generation for efficient and cost-effective creation of various types of content, chatbots that engage in meaningful conversations, and design tools that offer novel ideas and automate aspects of the design process. In healthcare, generative AI aids in medical image analysis, disease diagnosis, and drug discovery.

Empowering Fundraising Efforts:

By leveraging generative AI, African CSOs can empower their fundraising efforts in several ways. They can create compelling narratives and personalized communication to resonate with potential donors, enhancing donor engagement and increasing funding opportunities. Generative AI streamlines grant proposal writing by automating certain aspects and providing templates or suggestions. Furthermore, it unlocks data-driven insights, enabling organizations to optimize their fundraising strategies and allocate resources effectively.

Driving Innovation and Social Impact:

Embracing generative AI offers African CSOs new avenues for innovation and the cultivation of vibrant civil society ecosystems. It strengthens community connections, fosters lasting social transformations, and addresses critical issues in the continent’s development journey. The future prospects of generative AI in Africa are promising, presenting opportunities for driving positive social impact and achieving greater effectiveness in resource mobilization efforts.

Read the Full Article on the link below, clicking on the tab “Articles”.

Read the Full Article »

Navigating Uncertainty: 7 Essential Lessons for Building a Successful Career

Hello, Class of 2023! As someone who graduated during a recession, I understand your concerns about stepping into the professional world during these uncertain times. I’m Elizabeth Ngonzi, and today, I’d like to share with you seven essential lessons that have guided my career. I hope they can provide you with a roadmap as you embark on your own journey.

1. Own Your Value

Never allow anyone to define your worth, be it professional, personal, or spiritual. By giving others the power to determine your potential, you risk limiting your own growth. Embrace your unique attributes and trust in your intrinsic value.

2. Choose the Right Life Partner

Seek a life partner with whom you share a genuine bond and aligned values. Find someone kind-hearted, someone who matches your ambition to make a significant impact on the world. A supportive partnership can enrich your personal and professional life in ways you can’t even imagine.

3. Balance Work and Life

Life extends beyond the confines of work. Cherish the company of your loved ones and immerse yourself in experiences that broaden your horizon. Hobbies, travel, or learning about diverse cultures can nourish your soul and widen your perspective.

4. People Matter in Job Selection

When considering a job, don’t solely focus on the company’s reputation or the salary package. Assess the people you’ll work with and those you’ll report to. A supportive team fosters a productive environment, driving your career satisfaction and growth.

5. Harness the Power of AI

Stay competitive by understanding and employing Generative AI in your line of work. Embracing such advanced technologies can boost your innovation capabilities and enhance your performance.

6. Network Effectively

Invest time in nurturing relationships with colleagues, mentors, and professionals in your field. Your network is a treasure trove of support, guidance, and opportunities waiting to be unlocked.

7. Take Calculated Risks

Embrace calculated risks. The courage to venture outside your comfort zone often leads to rewarding experiences and personal growth.

In essence, I encourage you to own your worth, find a meaningful partnership, balance your professional and personal life, value the human aspect in job selection, leverage cutting-edge technologies like AI, network effectively, and embrace calculated risks. Remember, these lessons are not rules but guiding principles that can help you navigate your career with confidence and purpose. Forge your own path, Class of 2023 – the future is yours!

Unlocking Your Personal Brand Story: Insights and Strategies from an Experienced Coach

In today’s competitive job market, building a personal brand is essential for professional success. In this booklet, Elizabeth (Liz) Ngonzi, an experienced international speaker, trainer, and coach shares her personal journey in developing her brand, offering practical tips and strategies for readers to apply in their own lives and careers. The booklet also introduces two purpose-driven frameworks to guide individuals towards a fulfilling and purposeful career, emphasizing the importance of activating one’s network and stakeholder engagement to create a positive impact. Whether you are a seasoned professional or just starting out, this booklet provides valuable insights and strategies to help you differentiate yourself and achieve your personal and professional goals.

Read the booklet by clicking here

Learn About Our Services

 

Balancing People, Planet and Profit Series: Activating Conscious Consumers Online and In-person Part III

NY NOW hosted the third and final installment of the “Balancing People, Planet, and Profit” series, developed by The International Social Impact Institute® (The ISII) on December 14th, 2022. Titled “Activating Conscious Consumers Online and In-person,” the webinar was moderated by NY NOW’s Senior Producer Dondrill Glover and presented by The ISII’s Founder and CEO, Elizabeth (Liz) Ngonzi.

The webinar focused on the importance of connecting with buyers and consumers, both online and in-person, through a brand’s digital storytelling ecosystem, booth design and messaging, and in-person engagement. Liz shared best practices, case studies, and practical tips on how to create an unforgettable experience for consumers by balancing people, planet, and profit in one’s product and business model.

Liz highlighted that it makes business sense for brands to focus on people and planet, citing a study by Burrelles that revealed 66% of consumers want brands to take a stand on political and social issues, 64% make purchasing decisions based on whether a brand represents their beliefs, and 60% want companies to take a stand on social issues. She emphasized the importance of marketing and sales, reiterating how buyers and consumers feel when interacting with a brand.

Attendees were offered advice for balancing people, planet, and profit, and for engaging with consumers, with Liz and Dondrill facilitating an interactive conversation. They underscored that balancing people, planet, and profit and developing a complete story around this balance while conveying that message to consumers in-person and online can create significant brand differentiation and inspire brand loyalty.

To conclude, Liz invoked Dr. Maya Angelou’s words, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

LEARN ABOUT AND WATCH PART 2 ON DEMAND

LEARN ABOUT AND WATCH PART 1 ON DEMAND

Learn About Our Services

You Matter And So Does Your Story; How To Attract The Right Opportunities To Live Your Best Life

On September 22nd, 2022, Nelson Mandela University and The International Social Impact Institute held an inspiring workshop titled “You Matter And So Does Your Story; How To Attract The Right Opportunities To Live Your Best Life,” in collaboration with the Nelson Mandela University Student Employability and Entrepreneurship Development (SEED) project. This initiative aims to help students develop entrepreneurial thinking, improve their employability, and collaborate with like-minded individuals, while engaging with experienced peers through a customized mentorship program.

The workshop, presented by Elizabeth (Liz) Ngonzi, Founder and CEO of The International Social Impact Institute and facilitated by Jonathan Najoe, Community Engagement Officer at Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator, discussed the importance of defining one’s purpose and values to develop a compelling story that can create real impact. Nelson Mandela’s story and legacy continue to inspire not only South Africa but humanity at large. His bravery, resourcefulness, and perseverance against oppression had a tremendously positive impact on his country and the world.

The workshop offered tools and knowledge to empower Nelson Mandela University students to create the kind of impact that can change the world. Although primarily designed for students, the material presented has relevance for professionals looking to engage with clients, investors, or donors.

The discussion centered around the idea of Purpose. Ms. Ngonzi emphasized the importance of defining one’s purpose and values, which will ultimately help inform the story. A personal SWOT analysis, a digital storytelling ecosystem, and methods of developing a network of collaborators and partners were presented as important tools to use in this process.

Ms. Ngonzi concluded by referring to a Ewe-Mina Proverb: “Until the lion has his or her own storyteller, the hunter will always have the best part of the story.” This workshop offered lessons and tools to help audience members move forward with the process of becoming their own storytellers. By crafting their unique story, students and professionals can attract the right opportunities to live their best life, just as Nelson Mandela did.

Learn More About the Session Here

Learn About Our Services

 

Optimizing Stakeholder Engagement Through Events

On August 14th, 2022, The King Baudouin Foundation United States hosted an interactive webinar on optimizing stakeholder engagement through virtual and in-person events. The webinar was delivered by The International Social Impact Institute and focused on providing its successful, repeatable framework for planning, marketing, and executing an event, along with case studies that illustrate key concepts and methods to ensure strong stakeholder engagement.

Kady Sylla, Senior Advisor at The King Baudouin Foundation United States, opened the discussion by introducing KBFUS and its focus areas. She emphasized the importance of collaboration and highlighted the ongoing KBFUS partnership with The International Social Impact Institute and its founder and CEO Elizabeth Ngonzi.

Ms. Ngonzi presented core principles for optimizing stakeholder engagement and shared examples of successful stakeholder engagement across different types of organizations, donors, and events. She stressed the criticality of personalizing events and knowing the audience. She shared a strategic event management framework and an event support analysis framework, covering various types of support and how to align this to different supporters with a wide range of interests.

Ms. Ngonzi also discussed the importance of understanding the audience and their priorities to successfully market and engage donors. She concluded the webinar by sharing resources and creative ways to elevate stakeholder engagement, including follow-ups, thank-yous, and aligning events with special days on the calendar. She emphasized the significance of partnering with others, applying core principles, and using the frameworks outlined in the webinar to optimize stakeholder engagement across both in-person and virtual events.

WATCH THE WEBINAR ON-DEMAND

Learn About Our Services

Youth Giving Summit Transformation Talks Series

During July and August 2022, the Youth Giving Summit (YGS) hosted its first-ever Transformation Talks Series, featuring six remarkable Youth Giving Ambassadors. These ambassadors are a dedicated group of young social-impact leaders who generously contribute their time, resources, and skills to create a more equitable world.

The Youth Giving Ambassadors inspire, connect, and mobilize their peers worldwide, amplifying the voices of fellow change-makers who share their vision for positive change. Through the Transformation Talks Series, each speaker shared their inspirational journey and practical advice for making a difference. The talks highlighted the importance of creating and leveraging an ecosystem, finding purpose, letting go of fear, and taking action.

As a community, this Youth Giving ecosystem can galvanize the impact of young people in today’s world. Join us in supporting the mission of Youth Giving and become part of a growing movement of youth-driven social change.

Ambassadors Dillon Carroll and Mark Kreynovich

Ambassadors Dillon Carroll and Mark Kreynovich are the co-founders of #MissionTo. This dynamic duo was inspired to take action by what was happening in Ukraine and driven by a sense of duty. In March 2022, they left their respective homes in New York and flew to Eastern Europe to work overseas helping Ukrainians.

Mark and Dillon have been best friends since they met at Cornell University. After the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, they felt compelled to help those affected by the catastrophic war. Mark is originally from Kharkiv, Ukraine, and his family and friends still live there. They created a crowdfunding page on Spotfund, which raised $10,000 in the first 24 hours and by the time of the talk in Augugst, had over $260,000.

The duo was inspired by the thousands of people they met who had lost everything and were forced to flee with their remaining belongings in a single backpack. This hardship and the firsthand accounts of those who suffered solidified their purpose and drive. According to Mark, doing nothing would have felt wrong.

Mark and Dillon have the following advice and words of wisdom for those looking to get started:

  • Find something you are passionate about and get out there.
  • Professional objectives are not mutually exclusive from passionate goals.
  • Share what is going on – this is very important.
  • Don’t let a linear perspective of how you think things should be, prevent you from doing good.

The duo emphasized the importance of helping people, letting go of fear, and getting comfortable relying on others for help and guidance. They also stressed the power of human connection and the importance of having a reliable ecosystem, noting that it takes a village to make a meaningful impact.

Ambassador Sam Ggomo

Sam Gqomo is an influential leader in the Women’s Empowerment space, serving as the Director of Womandla Global Network, the founder of the Womandla Foundation, and co-founder of Grow My Business Africa. Her current responsibilities include building and maintaining stakeholder relations and implementing brand awareness campaigns. Womandla Global Network, which started as a blog during Sam’s time as a student at Mandela University, has grown into a marketing and communications consultancy for small and medium agencies and businesses, aiming to build sustainable communities for women and girls. The foundation amplifies women’s voices through storytelling.

Sam’s impact has been recognized by several prestigious organizations and publications, including being named a Cape Town Hero by the Cape Town Local Government in 2019 and participating in the first US Embassy Academy of Women Entrepreneurs in South Africa. She was also invited to the United Nations ESCAP and World Youth Forum in Egypt and was listed as one of Glamour South Africa’s top women in 2020.

Sam shared valuable advice for today’s youth, emphasizing the importance of being willing and open to learning new things, nurturing relationships, and recognizing the value of building an ecosystem. According to Sam, nobody can make an impact alone. She also stressed the need for empowering young women in Africa, an issue she is dedicated to through her work with Womandla Global Network and the Womandla Foundation.

Ambassador Wanjiru Ndegwa

Wanjiru Ndegwa is a 16-year-old creative and the Youth Giving Ambassador from Nairobi, Kenya. She is the founder of the Art for Change Initiative, a series of workshops that aim to expose students to photography, painting, and other forms of art. Through her initiative, she has launched creative photography workshops, donated art supplies to schools without an existing art curriculum, and even curated an event sponsored by Canon.

Wanjiru is also a strong advocate for the environment and adds an eco-friendly component to all of her initiatives, such as planting trees or using photography to raise awareness about environmental issues. She believes that creative talents can make a difference in the world and encourages young people to use their creative platforms to inspire change.

When asked about her advice for other youth looking to make a difference, Wanjiru emphasized the importance of connecting with an ecosystem to make larger change, finding a support system of friends and individuals who support the same cause, and ensuring that the venture is something they are passionate about. She believes that starting small and staying consistent over time can ultimately lead to much larger change.

Wanjiru’s Art for Change Initiative is an inspiring example of how young people can use their creativity to make a positive impact in their communities.

Ambassador Abigail Osei

Abigail Osei is a Ghanaian author and global philanthropic leader based in New York City. She is also the Youth Giving Summit Ambassador who shared her inspiring journey in creating the groundbreaking book, “Let’s Learn Twi.”

Abigail’s passion for Twi and Ghanaian culture led her to embark on a mission to bring Twi to children in the African diaspora. With over a decade of experience in private philanthropy and grants management, Abigail is currently the Assistant Vice President of The Starr Foundation and a Partner Consultant to The International Socila Impact Institute®. Even outside her busy day job, she continues to make an impact by supporting families in their journey and helping them embrace their heritage, specifically Ghanaian heritage.

“Let’s Learn Twi” provides an introduction to the Asante Twi alphabet, allowing Ghanaian families in the diaspora to share their culture with their children and respective communities. Abigail also encourages young people to embrace their unique voice and culture, reminding them that nobody should have to give up their culture to survive.

Abigail shared valuable advice for today’s youth, including the importance of stepping out of one’s comfort zone, being hands-on and tapping into the community. She also emphasized the significance of making a real difference in the world and using our unique voice to create impact beyond money.

Ambassador Dr. Bernard Kivuma

Ambassador Dr. Bernard Kivuma is a medical doctor, researcher, and GivingTuesday Starling Collective 2021 alumnus who focuses on sexual and reproductive health and rights, HIV/AIDS care, and mental health. He manages several health programs and development projects in Tanzania and has a particular focus on providing services to key and vulnerable populations. Additionally, he works as a program manager for Disability Repro-Light (NGO), which promotes sexual and reproductive health and rights for persons with disabilities.

Dr. Kivuma’s inspiration for his work comes from his family, and he feels a responsibility to help solve disparities in care for those without access to resources and education. Through his work, he has been deeply moved by the stories of the people he has encountered, and he believes that leveraging storytelling as a tool is essential.

Dr. Kivuma advises youth looking to get started to recognize the importance of participating in a community, build and maintain a strong team or group around them, and most importantly, start wherever they are, regardless of circumstances. He believes that one significant step leads to another, and being curious, opening new doors, and trying new things can help individuals grow, develop existing ideas, and invent new things.

Conclusion

The Youth Giving Summit has provided a platform for young change-makers to showcase their impactful work and share their insights. Through their stories and experiences, we have seen the transformative power of youth giving and the importance of building an ecosystem of support.

The Youth Giving Ambassadors have emphasized the need for a strong support system, addressing fear, taking action, and finding one’s passion. By leveraging these themes, they have been able to make a real difference in their communities and beyond.

The importance of connecting with other like-minded individuals has been a key factor in their success. By collaborating and working together, they have been able to amplify their impact and create change on a larger scale.

As we move forward, we must continue to empower young leaders and support their efforts towards creating a better world. The Youth Giving Summit has shown us the immense potential of youth giving and the power of building an ecosystem to drive meaningful change.

Click Here to Watch the Transformation Talks

Learn About Our Services

Youth Giving Summit Part 3: From Inspiration to Action

On August 26th, 2022, Candid and The International Social Impact Institute wrapped up The first-ever virtual Youth Giving Summit with Part 3’s focus on turning inspiration into action while keeping generosity and love at the center of our efforts. The session featured Chinedu Echeruo, a serial entrepreneur and founder of HopStop.com and Love & Magic Co., and Kathleen Murphy Toms, the Director of Digital Strategy for GivingTuesday, who shared their practical organizational and entrepreneurial experiences. Cesar Del Valle, Director of Global Partnerships at Candid, hosted the event, while Elizabeth Ngonzi moderated the conversation.

Kathleen Murphy Toms talked about the importance of asking critical questions when young changemakers are getting started, such as what resources exist to better educate themselves, who is already doing work around the initiative, and what capacity they have to offer concrete support. She encouraged the audience to visit GivingTuesdaySpark.org for inspiration.

Chinedu Echeruo believes that individuals are powered by imagination and that information can solve virtually any problem. He shared his journey of wanting to solve humanity’s resource challenges, beginning with creating a rabbit farm to feed the hungry in Africa with his personal savings. Chinedu emphasized the importance of empathy as a critical starting point for taking action and organizing ourselves to create ecosystems that serve as the practical and modern depiction of the village.

Elizabeth Ngonzi concluded the discussion, highlighting the importance of growing the global youth giving ecosystem to catalyze the impact of young people in today’s world.

Click Here to Watch Part 3

Learn About Our Services

 

Youth Giving Summit Part 2 – Building Global Youth Giving Ecosystems through Connection and Community

The Inaugural Youth Giving Summit Part 2, organized by Candid and The International Social Impact Institute, brought together Khloe Thompson and Benjamin Wong, two fifteen-year-old changemakers, to discuss how the youth can lead and address global challenges by building virtual tribes and leveraging global youth giving ecosystems. The session emphasized the importance of empowering young people to create change and how community and connection play a vital role in driving change. Khloe Thompson shared her experience of establishing Khloe Kares, a non-profit organization, and how founding and building a tribe through Giving Tuesday Spark helped her cause. Benjamin Wong discussed his interest in entrepreneurship and his youth community, a virtual clubhouse where young people can connect and learn from each other. Their experiences and advice provide actionable steps that young people can take to become leaders today and create a better tomorrow.

Click Here to Watch Part 2

Learn About Our Services

 

Youth Giving Summit Part 1 – Feuling Inspiration

On International Youth Day, August 12th, 2022, Candid and The International Social Impact Institute jointly launched The Inaugural Youth Giving Summit. Part 1 of the Summit brought together three distinguished speakers from different parts of the world to share their unique stories and discuss inspiration. It builds on the Youth Giving movement launched by Candid five years ago. The speakers shared insightful details about their individual paths and what inspired them to be so committed to improving the lives of others, both in their communities and around the world.

The International Social Impact Institute aims to inspire, connect, activate, and transform individuals and organizations by providing access to networks that enable them to build an ecosystem of like-minded stakeholders and collaborate. Such an ecosystem serves as a platform to highlight youth giving and create a sense of community focused on youth causes.

Anne Mei Chang, CEO of Candid, hosted the session, introducing Candid’s philanthropic Youth Initiative and its centerpiece, YouthGiving.org, now part of The International Social Impact Institute. The Institute’s CEO, Elizabeth Ngonzi moderated the discussion, which featured Professor Muhammad Yunus (2006 Nobel Peace Laureate, Founder, Grameen Bank), Dr. Siyabulela Mandela, PHD (Regional Project Manager East and Southern Africa, Journalists For Human Rights), and Mohaiminul Raqib (Founder, BIHDP/Member, 3ZERO Club). Each speaker discussed their own journey and personal inspiration, with insightful recommendations for how to engage and empower the youth of today.

Professor Muhammad Yunus, a civil society leader and Nobel Peace Prize recipient, discussed his vision for a world of 3 zeros, zero net carbon emission, zero wealth concentration to end poverty, and zero unemployment. He urged the youth of today to find inspiration by learning the struggles of others and figuring out how their challenges coincide with their own.

Dr. Siyabulea Mandela, great-grandson of the late Nelson Mandela, discussed his inspiration from the collective power of previous generations and urged today’s youth to push back against injustice and challenge themselves.

Mr. Mohaiminual Raqib, founder of BIHDP and a member of the Zero 30 Club, spoke of the importance of community and urged young people to learn from the experience of others, leverage community, and ease the suffering of others.

The session demonstrated the profound impact that today’s youth can have on the world, proving that they are the leaders of today. It discussed how to catalyze the youth giving movement and create a sense of community focused on youth causes.

Click Here to Watch Part 1

Learn About Our Services