This Week in Social Entrepreneurship

• Nominations for the PopTech Social Innovation Fellows program opened this month. Nominees that are chosen as fellows are given the opportunity to participate in a training program designed to accelerate innovations. Whether you are nominating someone else or yourself, what does it take to become a PopTech Fellow? Based on previous nominations, the most successful were specific and cited examples of leadership, could clearly describe the innovation and impact, had a set path and timeline for achieving goals, and described the nominee’s passion and personality. Make sure to check out PopTech’s list of tips before submitting your nomination on April 3.
• Join the Ashoka Changemakers on March 20th for an Asia #SocEntChat on Activating Empathy. This Twitter chat, Learning and Empathy in Asia, will take place from 2 pm to 4 pm Indian Standard Time (that’s bright and early for east coasters–4:30 am to 6:30 am EST). Some topic discussions will include learning innovation and changing education systems, but it’s really up to the participants to drive where the conversation goes. Participate by following the #SocEntChat hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to make them visible to the chat. For the U.S. dwellers that value their sleep, you can catch a transcript of the conversation here after the chat concludes.
• University of California’s Haas School of Business is hosting Berkeley Entrepreneurs Forum: Entrepreneurs and the Decisions They Make on March 22. This event will discuss the unique set of challenges that a social entrepreneur faces when starting a new venture. Featured speakers include Sean Blagsvedt, CEO of Babajob.com, Daniel Hoffer, co-founder and CEO of CouchSurfing.org, and Ned Tozun, President and co-founder of d.light. 
• The Bold Academy is accepting student applications through March 22. This is a 4-week experiential program that helps college students and recent college graduates find their full potential. This is for the idealists who want to change the world but can’t figure out how to get started. It provides the practicality students need to start to carve out paths for the future. Apply today and take the first step of your journey to create a meaningful career.
• How are you making a difference in the world? This is what The Zeitgeist Young Minds 2012 competition is asking. If you are between the ages of 18 and 24 and are doing something to make a difference in the world, this is your chance to share it and compete for a chance to join the world’s top innovators and leaders at Google’s Zeitgeist. Upload a 60 second video and tell everyone how you are making a positive impact by March 19.
• A very special congratulations to HourSchool for winning Pitch Some Good, hosted by StartSomeGood and Center61 in Austin during SXSW this week. And a special thank you to all those who participated and Rackspace for providing the grand prize. Stay tuned for more reflections on this event from Vanessa very soon! 

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Social entrepreneurs, have you been inspired to start your own good?  Do you have a social enterprise, a non-profit, or an amazing idea that needs some momentum to take off?  Visit our site to find out how to start your own campaign today.  Still have questions?  We have answers—check out our FAQ section.