#United States #Community Impact #Toledo #Five & Rising #Social Current

Five & Rising Movement Launches Today

In a groundbreaking initiative, the Five & Rising movement has officially kicked off, set to amplify the economic influence of the social sector across the United States. Established by Social Current, a leading strategic partner for over 1,800 human and social service organizations in North America, Five & Rising will spearhead a transformation aimed at improving funding, valuing, and supporting the social sector. With its name derived from the sector’s significant contributions, which represent a 5.2% share of the U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP), this new movement underscores the potential that lies ahead.

Focus on Community Impact

Northwest Ohio's Center for Community Impact has been chosen as one of the three inaugural communities to champion this movement. The Center has been recognized for its exceptional capability to convert collaboration into substantial infrastructure, showing how rural areas can lead in social sector innovation. Dr. Jody Levison-Johnson, President and CEO of Social Current, emphasizes the importance of this initiative, stating, “The launch of Five & Rising marks a turning point for the social sector.” She points out that persistent myths and outdated funding models have historically hindered the sector’s ability to generate meaningful change. This movement aims to dismantle those barriers and allow communities to thrive through effective investment.

Transforming the Narrative

The movement is inspired by the documentary UnCharitable, directed by Stephen Gyllenhaal. This film challenges conventional wisdom surrounding the operations of the social sector. Gyllenhaal stresses that “it’s time we rewrite the narrative,” advocating for a recognition of the sector as a dynamic force of innovation and economic strength. Five & Rising seeks to reshape the story told about charity, emphasizing the sector's true potential and calling for a shift in how these organizations are viewed and funded.

A Strategic Approach to Social Change

With more than 25 years of experience in social impact, the Center for Community Impact offers a range of services to help organizations realize their goals. By focusing on strategic coaching and community-building initiatives, the Center empowers local entities to establish ambitious plans that can lead to significant impacts. Their joining of the Five & Rising initiative will provide vital resources to strengthen rural-serving organizations within Northwest Ohio.

Collective Action for Change

Under the Five & Rising banner, the Center is set to enhance collaboration among rural-serving organizations by forming a united voice for change. They plan to launch leadership boot camps and shared infrastructure to equip organizations with the tools necessary to tackle local challenges effectively. Aileen Meyer, CEO of the Center for Community Impact, remarked, “Being chosen as part of this national launch is an incredible honor. Our region contains many innovative leaders eager to collaborate on solving complex issues.”

The pilot communities, including Changemakers in Hawaii and Progressive Life Center in the Mid-Atlantic, will engage in a year-long curriculum to build organizational resilience and broaden their influence across sectors. The knowledge they gain will facilitate cross-sector solutions that bring together philanthropy, government, business, and community members to generate actionable plans. These collaborations will not only benefit local areas but also contribute to a national playbook for social sector support.

The Vision Ahead

As Northwest Ohio embarks on this transformative journey, it aims to not only bolster its local social sector but also set a precedent for how communities nationwide are funded and supported. By championing local leadership and fostering a more scalable approach to addressing social issues, Five & Rising envisions a future where economic and social contributions of the sector are properly recognized and amplified.

About the Movement

Ascending from its foundational goals, Five & Rising is not merely a campaign; it serves as a robust call to action for rethinking the funding and valuation framework of the social sector. For more information on joining this movement and contributing to an impactful change in your community, visit FiveAndRising.org.

Conclusion

Five & Rising’s launch heralds a new era for the social sector, one that recognizes its critical economic impact and potential for innovation. With strategic initiatives driven by local leaders and a commitment to systemic change, the initiative is poised to redefine community engagement and effectiveness in addressing pressing social challenges.