Dan Pink, author of A Whole New Mind and former speech writer for Al
Gore, gave me the best advice I've ever received: "Figure out what you
love to do and what you're great at -- then find work that allows you
to do those things. The formula is simple, the execution requires some
amount of trial and error."

This is a great book for all that:
http://www.amazon.com/Element-FindingPassion-Changes-Everything/dp/0670020478

Back to emails ...

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I am a Physics / Computer Science major. I'm not really sure what kind
of change I would like to be a part of at this point. But right now
I'm considering energy. If you have any ideas as to what projects I
should look into for energy, physics, or computer science, your help
would be greatly appreciated.

Answer

The bottom line: The convergence of an exploding population, rising
urbanism, poverty and environmental stress create opportunities
for you in both fields right now. I would target 10-15
organizations/companies below and email them a crisp message stating
why you are good for them - not the other way around! In particular,
you're positioned extremely well for opportunities w/smart grid
companies. Always (and you know I mean this) let me know what you
think, and stay in touch :).

Engineering Grand Challenges:
http://www.engineeringchallenges.org/movies/GrandChallengesForEngineering.mov

Best info site:
http://www.greentechmedia.com/

Best book:
http://www.amazon.com/Clean-Tech-Revolution-Technologies-Companies/dp/0060896...
http://www.cleanedge.com/ceindex/

Clean-energy companies/organizations:
http://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/top-ten-smart-grid-3605/
http://www.betterplace.com/
http://www.cleanedge.com/ceindex/
http://www.acore.org/membership/member_directory
http://www.ashdenawards.org/
http://www.ewb-usa.org/index.php
http://www.new-ventures.org/?fuseaction=enterpriseSearchAction&IDsecao=5

Computer Science:
http://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/top-ten-smart-grid-3605/
http://www.ibm.com/smarterplanet/us/en/
http://www.gamesforchange.org/
http://playpower.org/
http://www.design21sdn.com/
http://www.powerupthegame.org/
http://www.majescoentertainment.com/games/nintendo-ds/eco-creatures-save-the-...
http://www.globalwarminginteractive.com/
http://laptop.org/en/
http://www.freerangestudios.com/
http://empax.org/
http://www.food-force.com/

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(2781 KB)
Watch on posterous

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I am interested in the intersection of economic and environmental policy - namely how we can utilize economic tools to solve environmental problems. 

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33 community; let's help this project thrive.

Women living with AIDS in Africa face many difficulties, from
generating a steady income to planning an uncertain future for their
families—even to communicating with their families given the stigma of
AIDS. This project, in giving skills for paper-making to 10 NACWOLA
members who will train women in their own communities, will provide
much-needed income. The paper will create Memory Books, which help
children cope with losing a parent, and educate them on AIDS and its
effects.

Donate/learn more:
http://www.globalgiving.org/projects/papermaking/

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Question

I am very interested in civil and human rights and public policy. I am currently looking for a summer internship in Chicago that incorporates my interests. I am considering going to graduate school for public policy or public affairs and then on to law school. Any advice you could give me would be extremely helpful. You seem like a very driven individual and I would love the feedback. How can I stand out?

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Hey Josh,

I just wanted to thank you first and foremost for coming and speaking
last night. Your message was really motivating, empowering and
encouraging. In a sense it was challenging as well. I feel that I
genuinely have the determination, work ethic, selflessness and
willingness to change the world but I lack the knowledge of which
specific area or field I want to partake in.

I look forward to gaining some insight and wisdom from you and
possibly arranging another lecture at UCSB with a larger audience. I
feel your lecture is necessary for students to hear. Lets change the
world :).

Answer:

Really good to hear from you, and thank you. What's your major? What
need bothers you the most? What do you love doing? I find out what the
world needs, then I proceed to ... I'd love to come back to UCSB, too.
Looking forward to hearing your answers! - Josh

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Question:

Hey Josh!

I heard you speak at UCSB today. I'm a global studies major, and I'm
interested in refugees and internally displaced populations. I don't
think USAID is for me. I'm not exactly sure of what I want to be, but
I think I want to operate refugee camps and give assistance to
internally dispaced populations that are vulnerable.

Thank you for coming to UCSB and taking your time reading my email.
Always having positive thoughts,

Answer:

Hey! Really good to hear from you. Target 10-15 organizations below
and email them a crisp message stating why you are good for them - not
the other way around! Always here for you - Josh

My favorites:

http://www.change.org/my_change/search?content_type=Nonprofits&global_keyword=refugees
http://www.state.gov/g/prm/
http://blog.33needs.com/the-future-of-work-11
http://www.refugees.org/
http://filmaid.org/
http://www.amnesty.org/refugees-and-migrants
http://www.hrw.org/en/category/topic/refugees
http://idealist.org/if/idealist/en/SiteIndex/Search/search?assetTags=NON_PROFIT_TYPE&assetTypes=Org&keywords=refugees&keywordsAsString=refugees&languageDesignation=en
http://www.unhcr.org/cgi-bin/texis/vtx/home

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Looking forward to seeing everyone there!

Entrepreneurship event that brings together over 700 students, alumni,
faculty and staff. With eleven colleges and programs participating,
this year’s event promises to be the most collaborative and
comprehensive yet. The two days will include: symposia from all eleven
participating groups, the final stages of two business idea contests,
a showcase of technologies that are being commercialized, and a gala
banquet hosted by President David Skorton.

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Nairobi Microcredit Summit Scholarship Application.pdf (64 KB)
View this on posterous

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Hi Josh,

I was really inspired by your presentation last friday and I wanted to
know what I could do to have an impact on the world or community
around me.

Just a little about myself, I am a classical concert pianist. I have
been playing the piano since I was 4 and performing since I was 8. I
have won various competitions throughout the United States and also
placed 1st in an international competition. I was invited to perform
at Carnegie Hall (NYC) next year.

I would really love to become more active in using my passion for
piano to support the world around me. Do you have any recommendations
for me for where I should research (websites?)?

I really appreciate you helping me with this and again, thank you for
the inspiration.

A

So glad to hear from you!  Your piano is a powerful tool for change.
Here's what I think:  In the next 5 years, you will raise thousands of
dollars, impact hundreds of lives, and inspire your friends to use
their strengths - whatever they may be - to positively impact our
world.  I'm excited to watch, and I didn't even mention your impact
after year 5!  You should create a partnership between Sage and the
organizations below.

Let's start here ...

Watch this!

Learn more and get in touch with their partners here:
http://elsistemausa.org/whos-involved/partners/

Contact the advisory team here:
http://elsistemausa.org/whos-involved/national-advisory-team/

Email or follow all the fellows here:
http://elsistemausa.org/the-fellows/meet-the-fellows/  you should apply :)

Watch some more:
http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/jose_abreu_on_kids_transformed_by_music.html

Two more organizations using the power of music to change lives:
http://harmonyprogram.cuny.edu/
http://www.musicaidafrica.org/

More info:
http://www.fesnojiv.gob.ve/en/center-for-social-action-through-music.html
http://necmusic.edu/preparatory-school/partnerships
http://www.fesnojiv.gob.ve/en/educational-centers-.html

I am always here if you need me - J

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Q

I'm a junior at Sage Hill High School, and your speech inspired me so
much, and I'd first like to say thank you and how grateful I am. I
have always been frustrated in my inability to help people around the
world and have hoped to one day become successful and somehow start
some sort of organization to help people less fortunate than me.

One of my passions is helping in whatever I can and I was ecstatic to
hear there was a way to incorporate my personal interests and at the
same time support people or places in need. I was too shy to speak out
in assembly, however I am extremely interested in social
entrepreneurship. I have a wide range of interests including singing,
facebook, and design. I was hoping you could direct me in how I can
help.

A

So glad to hear you enjoyed it :). Take a look at below links:

Design:

http://www.design21sdn.com/
http://other90.cooperhewitt.org/
http://other90.cooperhewitt.org/resources/

Awesome book:
http://designlikeyougiveadamn.architectureforhumanity.org/

Social Media:
http://think-social.org/awards/2009-nominees

Contact them with an email stating why you are good for them! I'm
always here if you need anything - Josh

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?

Thanks so much for sharing your stories, encouragement and human encyclopedia of  resources with us at Virginia Tech!

My final goal is to use GIS and Remote Sensing to ensure food security, predict  famine risk areas and in general support development in the under-developed  world (especially relating to agriculture). I've been scouring the internet  and struggling to find a starting point. Any suggestions?

A

First off, you're in a really good position. Forestry and agriculture
issues present lots of sustainable opportunities for you to to do what
you do best.

You have opportunities within government, the private sector, and
local and international organizations. That your map, so let's start
from there.

Remember the process through it all: 1. find a cool
company/organization that aligns with you; 2. email/call them with a
crisp message stating why you are good for them; and 3. repeat until
you're doing what you really want.

Take a look at these:

http://www.fao.org/SD/eidirect/gis/EIgis000.htm
http://www.africover.org/
http://www.esri.com/
http://rareconservation.org/
http://www.wri.org/project/global-forest-watch
http://idealist.org/if/i/en/av/Job/364745-78
http://www.conservation.org/discover/centers_programs/offices/Pages/default.aspx
http://www.conservation.org/learn/climate/Pages/projects.aspx
http://www.globalforestwatch.org/english/about/staff.htm

Not all, but some of the organizations listed here:
http://blog.33needs.com/tag/sustainability

Always, always here if you need me. - Josh

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