Public Ally-In-Chief?

The April 17th edition of The Chronicle of Philanthropy has a great article about how social entrepreneurs are impacting the policy agendas of the presidential candidates. The article profiles Public Allies, an America Forward Advisory Board Member, and its relationship with the presidential candidates, including its “unique historical relationship” with Senator Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle. (Senator Obama was a member of the group’s founding board, and Michelle was the first Executive Director of Public Allies Chicago.) In the article, Michelle says her work with Public Allies was a “major influence in her husband’s decision to champion national service as part of his presidential run.” Public Allies CEO Paul Schmitz highlights how well the organization has been supported by the Clintons and the Bush Administration, as well. Public Allies is an exciting example of the connection between social entrepreneurship and public policy, and highlights just one aspect of the many ways social entrepreneurs can influence the agendas of the presidential campaigns, and increase their support for innovation and entrepreneurship in the social sector.