Blueprint for Social Change: Shaping an Impact-Based Strategy - Case Study 2002 – 2020

- 27 -

people who can “move the needle”. This requires managing numerous risks, including financial investments, innovative pilot programs with no guarantee of success, media coverage and easy access to the public via social media. When we seized the reins of leadership, we naturally encountered opposition, hitches and difficulties but, throughout the journey, we never stopped striving to promote our values and goals fearlessly, with dedication and responsibility. Leadership Foundation president Jay Ruderman and executive director Shira Ruderman spearheaded the Foundation’s philanthropy, activism and public activity, personally and professionally. Their involvement and presencewere evident every step of theway, and the philanthropic and activist aspects of their identities came together to strengthen the nature of their leadership. At this time, when the boundaries between sectors and organizations are blurred, the traditional role of philanthropy is also changing, and this is an opportunity to effect genuine change for foundations so that they canbuild strong, solid, responsible leadership. Satisfaction When we succeed in moving the dial of satisfaction, however slightly, it makes a tremendous difference. In the course of our work, we had many successes and achievements, the products of our hard, though sometimes Sisyphean work. Our victories were not always as quick and rewarding as we had hoped. Social changes do not take place quickly; they require a great deal of patience and faith in the mission. We, therefore, stored our moments of success and channeled every outcome into motivation and strength for the coming revolutions. Partnerships The job of philanthropy is to lead the field and encourage connections surrounding important goals, even if it is necessary at times to compromise regarding some of the objectives. Today, given the lack of resources and complex tasks, one way to succeed is by joining forces. We believe that to promote social issues, we must ensure a diversity of voices while identifying the added value of the organizations, maintaining the uniqueness of each organization in the partnership, giving in sometimes and doing the necessary professional work. Effort must be invested in building strong underpinnings for the partnership, but once this has been done, the possibility of having a powerful impact rises substantially. We are proud of our results, which were achieved through collaboration over the years with philanthropic foundations, third-sector organizations, academic institutions, the business sector, government and people with disabilities.