Susan and I worked together at NCCJ (The National Conference for Community & Justice) in Boston. It was my first job after graduate school (Harvard Kennedy School). We co-facilitated many diversity workshops and ran LeadBoston, the city’s leadership development program. Susan is a compassionate leader, mentor and a dear friend. Social Innovation Forum is a unique national model that channels capital for social impact. Congratulations, Susan!
Social Innovation Forum Director, Susan Musinsky, Recieves the 2010 Social Capital, Inc. Idealist Award
Susan will be honored with the 2010 Social Capital, Inc. (SCI) 2010 Idealist Award at a special SCI Luncheon on Wednesday, April 7th at the Radisson Hotel in Boston. The Idealist Award is presented annually to individuals who exemplify SCI’s mission of mobilizing neighbors and volunteers to strengthen Boston-area communities.
As you know well, Susan’s work in this area is precisely what has helped to make the Social Innovation Forum a success. Under Susan’s leadership, the Social Innovation Forum has grown from a small volunteer initiative to a respected model for directing resources to the best available approaches for solving social problems. Since 2003, the Social Innovation Forum has worked with 39 social innovators in Greater Boston and connected them to Boston area social impact investors who have provided more than $5 million in cash and in-kind resources.
I received the following email from a friend recently:
Natalie, I have a friend who is interested in joining a book club with Asian/Chinese members. Do you know of any Asian/Chinese book club in Atlanta? Any input would be greatly appreciated!
My response:
I don’t know of an Asian book club personally but it seems likely there would be one type or other in Atlanta. Depends on if you mean 1) read books in Chinese, 2) read books about Asia/Asian culture in English or 3) mainly have Asian/Asian American club members who read any books in English/Chinese/another Asian language.
There are many countries/ethnicities in Asia plus distinctions across Chinese groups—Taiwan, mainland China, Hong Kong, Chinese Americans–or maybe a different Asian group and language–Japanese, Thai, Hindi…
A few places to check: Chinese Cultural School www.chineseculturalschool.org or NACA, National Association of Chinese Americans (Atlanta). Also found a helpful website on local book clubs http://www.mosaicbooks.com/bookclub.html
This one sounded interesting: Round World Books is a newly-formed reading group for women (ages 17 and up) residing in North Atlanta. This group was created to offer diversity to readers of all genres and nationalities. As the world changes, we must learn more about the cultures, traditions and preferences of nationalities other than our own. Round World Books will introduce our members to authors from all over the globe. roundworldbooks@yahoo.com.
Perhaps a good opportunity to start one. Good luck!


Great piece on a beautiful and practical award-winning eco-friendly home. WSB-TV’s Going Green Champion, David Southerland, Executive Director of the Perimeter Transportation Coalition explains how he incorporates sustainability and energy-efficiency at home and at work.
Congratulations to David and the PTC! View video


Check out new photos here from our Sushi and Eggrolls shows, courtesy of Cynthia Bohannon-Brown and Cbbstudios Photography
Check out our new schedule of classes and events! Ni Hao, Y’all!

House tour, showing energy-efficient features
Congratulations to David Southerland, Executive Director of the Perimeter Transportation Coalition (PTC) for being selected by WSB-TV as a Green Hero. David bikes to work, promotes alternative transportation and built one of the greenest, eco-friendly houses in Atlanta. House website
The special Going Green interview/feature will be aired on WSB-TV, Ch.2 this Saturday morning, Nov. 28 (7-8am) and Sunday night, Nov. 29 (6-7pm). Tune in!
Congratulations to Nathaniel Smith and fellow awardees for being selected as 2010 Marshall Memorial Fellows by the Civic League and Community Foundation!
Marshall Memorial Fellows are emerging leaders in their respective fields and are chosen to travel throughout Europe learning about business, policy and politics across the pond. The four fellows are Dr. Ayanna Buckner, Morehouse School of Medicine; Tony Chan, Habitat for Humanity; Amol Naik, McKenna, Long & Aldridge, LLP; and Nathaniel Smith, Emory University, University-Community Partnerships. Jeremy Cole of the International Community School has been selected as an alternate.