Blue Sky

This episode explores the work of Echoing Green, an international non-profit that invests in social entrepreneurs and their dreams and ideas.  An accomplished leader and executive herself, Cheryl Dorsey explains how she first came to the organization and the great work they continue to do under her leadership. 

Chapters:

02:22 Meet Cheryl Dorsey 
Cheryl Dorsey, president of Echoing Green, shares her journey from being a social entrepreneur to leading a nonprofit that supports emerging social innovators. 

04:30 The Origin of Echoing Green 
Cheryl explains the inspiration behind the name ‘Echoing Green,’ rooted in a William Blake poem that celebrates youth and the potential for change. 

06:11 Investing in Young Leaders 
Cheryl discusses Echoing Green’s unique approach of investing in young social entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of nurturing leadership alongside funding. 

09:12 The Fellowship Experience 
Cheryl outlines the structure of the Echoing Green fellowship, highlighting the community, support, and resources provided to selected fellows. 

11:04 The Importance of Community 
Cheryl reflects on the significance of community among entrepreneurs, sharing how Echoing Green fosters connections that help fellows navigate their journeys. 

13:34 Addressing Inequality in Funding 
Cheryl addresses the challenges faced by underrepresented leaders in securing funding, emphasizing Echoing Green’s role in leveling the playing field. 

16:22 Spotting Potential in Social Innovation 
Cheryl shares examples of successful Echoing Green fellows, illustrating how the organization identifies and supports innovative ideas that drive social change. 

19:55 Qualities of a Successful Entrepreneur 
Cheryl discusses the essential characteristics Echoing Green looks for in applicants, including optimism, resilience, and the ability to inspire others. 

23:11 Navigating the Selection Process 
Cheryl explains the rigorous selection process for Echoing Green fellows, highlighting the collaborative efforts of volunteers to identify promising leaders. 

26:01 Finding Hope in Adversity 
Cheryl shares her personal journey of optimism and resilience, inspired by the stories of Echoing Green fellows who overcome significant challenges. 

29:55 The Battle of Ideas: Social Innovation vs. Populism 
Cheryl Dorsey discusses the contrasting ideologies of social innovators and populists, emphasizing the need for resources to empower those who seek to improve society.  

30:45 Inspiration from the Next Generation 
Reflecting on the potential of today’s youth, the conversation highlights the importance of intergenerational connections and the inspiring qualities of young leaders.  

32:47 Hopeful Pessimism: A Realistic Outlook 
Cheryl introduces her concept of ‘hopeful pessimism,’ balancing optimism with the recognition of ongoing challenges in social equity.  

34:02 Getting Involved: Supporting Social Innovators 
Cheryl outlines various ways individuals can support Echoing Green and its mission, from applying for fellowships to volunteering and funding.  

36:40 The Power of Mentorship and Community 
The discussion shifts to the importance of mentorship and community support for young social innovators, highlighting the role of experienced professionals in guiding the next generation.  

38:50 Success Stories: Transformative Impact of Echoing Green 
Cheryl shares inspiring success stories from Echoing Green fellows, showcasing how their initiatives have made significant impacts in their communities. This chapter highlights the ripple effects of social innovation and the potential for change. 

42:16 Closing Thoughts: The Future of Social Innovation 
As the conversation wraps up, both Cheryl and Bill reflect on the optimism that stems from the work being done in social innovation.  

David McCullough got the idea for The American Exchange Project (AEP) after a cross-country trip showed him how diverse and accepting were the people he met.  Today, AEP creates opportunities for recent high school graduates to experience life in a different part of the US, building bridges of understanding and creating lifelong friendships.  It’s McCullough’s hope that these trips will someday be as common for high schoolers as the senior prom. 

Chapters:

02:17 Growing Up in a History-Minded Family 
David reflects on how his family’s rich history and values shaped his understanding of American identity and the importance of learning from the past. 

06:09 Historical Amnesia and Current Divides 
Bill and David discuss the current polarization in America, emphasizing the need for historical literacy to navigate complex societal issues. 

07:16 A Life-Changing College Experience 
David recounts a pivotal trip he took during college that opened his eyes to the realities of education and the deep divides within the country. 

14:11 The Birth of the American Exchange Project 
David shares how his transformative experiences during his travels led to the creation of the American Exchange Project, aimed at fostering understanding among youth. 

16:11 Exploring the American Exchange Project 
David explains the mission of the American Exchange Project, which facilitates domestic exchanges for high school students to experience different American cultures. 

22:01 Building Bridges Through Shared Experiences 
The importance of empathy and understanding is highlighted as David discusses how students learn to see commonalities despite differences during their exchanges. 

29:07 Confronting Political Discontent 
David addresses the challenge of political polarization, emphasizing the need for respectful dialogue and the role of the American Exchange Project in fostering meaningful connections. 

31:12 The Lasting Impact of Exchange 
Reflecting on the transformative experiences of past participants, David highlights how The American Exchange Project fosters lasting connections and changes in perspectives. He emphasizes the significance of these exchanges in shaping young adults’ futures. 

34:01 Expanding the Model 
The conversation shifts to the potential for expanding the AEP model to college students and beyond. David hints at exciting developments in collaboration with universities to create similar experiences for incoming freshmen. 

36:10 The Value of Shared Experiences 
David reflects on the importance of shared experiences in fostering friendships and understanding among diverse groups. He draws parallels between The American Exchange Project and historical coming-of-age rituals that unite young people. 

40:01 Building a Sustainable Future 
Discussing the financial model of the American Exchange Project, David explains how donations and volunteerism sustain the initiative. He shares his vision for the program’s growth and its potential to become a staple in American education. 

44:35 The Edict of the Optimist 
In the concluding segment, David emphasizes the importance of taking action to create positive change, embodying the ‘edict of the optimist.’ The conversation wraps up with a call to support The American Exchange Project and get involved. 

While studying acting in college, Erica Halverson decided that while she loved the theater, being on stage would not be for her.  Instead, she moved into different areas and now is teaching arts education at the University of Wisconsin.  She also hosts a terrific podcast, "Arts Educators Save the World,” on which artists are joined by teachers and mentors to reflect on the transformative impact that these people had on them. 

Chapters:

02:49 Meet Erica Halverson 
Erica shares her background as a professor and her passion for arts education, discussing her book and her podcast that aim to transform teaching and learning through the arts. 

03:57 From Actor to Educator 
Erica reflects on her journey from aspiring actor to educator, detailing the pivotal moment when she realized her passion lay in teaching and facilitating creative expression. 

09:11 The Competitive Nature of Performing Arts 
Bill and Erica discuss the competitive landscape of the performing arts, emphasizing the importance of finding fulfilling roles outside of traditional performance careers. 

12:49 The Importance of Arts Education 
Erica passionately advocates for the inclusion of arts education in schools, questioning why the arts are often the first programs to be cut during budget constraints. 

16:22 The Impact of Standardized Testing 
The conversation shifts to the effects of standardized testing on education, with Erica explaining how a focus on reading and math has marginalized the arts and other subjects. 

21:05 Arts as a Pathway to Inclusion 
Erica discusses how arts education can create inclusive learning environments, allowing students to express themselves and feel welcomed in educational spaces. 

22:47 Evaluating Creativity in Education 
The discussion highlights the differences in evaluation between arts and traditional subjects, emphasizing the importance of open-ended expression and self-evaluation in the arts. 

25:00 Training Future Educators 
Erica shares insights on how she prepares aspiring teachers to incorporate arts education into their classrooms, despite the challenges posed by current educational policies. 

29:57 The Art of Engagement in Education 
In this chapter, Erica discusses the transformative power of arts in education, emphasizing the importance of engaging students in creative experiences amidst the distractions of modern technology.  

33:36 Arts Educators Save the World 
Erica introduces her podcast, ‘Arts Educators Save the World,’ where she pairs influential artists with their mentors to explore the profound impact of arts education.  

37:17 Expanding the Definition of Mentorship 
In this segment, Erica shares how her podcast expands the concept of mentorship beyond traditional settings, including relationships formed in higher education and adult collaborations.  

41:18 The Ripple Effect of Recognition 
Bill and Erica discuss the emotional impact of reconnecting artists with their former teachers, highlighting the importance of recognition in the teaching profession.  

46:14 Looking Ahead: The Future of Arts Education 
As the conversation nears its end, Erica shares her vision for the future of arts education, expressing optimism about the resilience of creative programs despite challenges. 

51:30 The Lasting Impact of Arts in Education 
In the final segment, Erica’s passion for arts education shines through as she reflects on the ripple effects of her work. Bill emphasizes the importance of recognizing the mentors who shape successful individuals, reinforcing the idea that the arts play a vital role in personal and professional development. 

When Earl B. Hunter’s son was seven years old, he took him on three-month, multi-state camping.  It was a positive, life-changing experience for them both.  But Earl was struck by the fact that over the entire trip, they saw just one other black family.  As someone who was working in sales in the outdoor industry, Earl saw an opportunity and went on to found the for-profit company, Black Folks Camp Too. 

Chapters:

02:01 Earl Hunter Jr.: Champion of Outdoor Diversity 
Earl B. Hunter Jr., founder of Black Folks Camp Too, shares his mission to increase diversity in the outdoor industry. He recounts his journey from a corporate background to pioneering efforts to make camping more accessible and enjoyable for everyone. 

03:19 Earl’s Awakening to the Outdoors 
Earl reflects on his late introduction to the outdoors at age 40, sharing how his professional journey led him to discover the joys of camping.  

05:39 The Life-Changing Camping Trip 
Earl recounts a transformative three-month camping trip with his son, where they bonded over adventures and music. The trip opened his eyes to the lack of diversity in camping and sparked his desire to create change in the outdoor community. 

08:16 The Healing Power of Nature 
Earl discusses his belief that the outdoors can unite people across all backgrounds and foster a sense of belonging. 

11:43 Understanding Historical Barriers 
Earl explains the historical context behind the absence of Black individuals in outdoor spaces, addressing generational fears and systemic barriers.  

17:24 Introducing Black Folks Camp Too 
Earl introduces Black Folks Camp Too, a business aimed at bridging gaps in the outdoor industry.  

21:59 The Business Model of Inclusion 
Earl outlines the business model of Black Folks Camp Too, focusing on their outdoor education academy designed for the industry.  

25:37 Addressing Deep-Rooted Challenges 
Earl discusses how the outdoor industry can tackle systemic challenges by understanding historical context and inviting diverse populations.  

30:04 The Importance of Understanding ‘Why’ 
Earl emphasizes the need to grasp the underlying reasons for the lack of diversity in outdoor spaces before implementing marketing strategies.  

32:24 Breaking Historical Barriers 
Earl discusses the deep-rooted fears and historical trauma that prevent many Black individuals from enjoying the outdoors.  

35:08 Consumer Engagement and State Parks 
Earl outlines the consumer marketing strategies his organization employs to ensure that outdoor spaces are ready to welcome new visitors. He stresses the significance of making positive first experiences to foster a lasting connection with nature. 

39:43 Changing Generational Patterns 
Earl shares his views on the need to involve parents in outdoor activities to break generational patterns of disconnection from nature.  

43:30 Unity in the Outdoor Community 
Earl introduces the Unity Blaze Way, a concept encouraging individuals to build friendships across racial lines and invite others to experience the outdoors. He believes that shared experiences in nature can foster understanding and unity among diverse communities. 

51:29 The Future of Black Folks Camp Too 
Earl paints an optimistic picture of the future for Black Folks Camp Too, emphasizing the importance of transferring knowledge and love for the outdoors from older generations to younger ones.  

55:02 A Call to Action for the Community 
Earl concludes with a heartfelt message urging listeners to support the recovery efforts in Western North Carolina and to engage with diverse communities. His optimism and commitment to inclusion serve as a powerful reminder of the potential for positive change.