Best of TED Talks – The way we think about charity is dead wrong

Some ideas aim for the head. Others tug on your heart. Dan Pallotta’s "The way we think about charity is dead wrong," does both. The provocative title first grabbed my attention, but it was the persuasive discourse which forever changed my opinion.

My startup Litterati is dedicated to creating a litter-free world — and naturally, I always thought we should form a non-profit, until I saw Dan’s talk. I started questioning my fundamental assumption that a 501(c)(3) status was a given. Dan provided a convincing argument otherwise. With the present-day reality of his own experience backed by the indisputable facts about an outdated 400-year-old ideology, he provided me with the clarity and confidence to consider alternatives.

Dan’s talk inspired me to learn more about B Corporations: companies that use the power of business to solve social and environmental problems. Pioneered by organizations such as Patagonia and Ben & Jerry’s, this certification demands a higher standard of accountability and transparency, ensuring that companies value people and planet, as much as profit. This is the path we’re now on, and it feels well-aligned with our objective — to create the biggest impact possible. We may fall short of our goal, but we’re going to take the biggest swing we can. For any activist, social entrepreneur or dreamer who dares to tackle humanity’s most complex problems, Dan’s talk is a must-watch.

Video: https://ted.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=07487d1456302a286cf9c4ccc&id=2c9632d4f0&e=d3135666a2