This document provides an introduction to the book "Just BE Cause". It is aimed at inspiring the next generation of social entrepreneurs and change makers. The book features contributions from people in their 20s and 30s who are making positive impacts through social ventures and organizations. The introduction discusses how millennials are naturally inclined towards social entrepreneurship through their lifestyles and passions. It encourages readers to take their "ah ha" moments and insights to create meaningful change, rather than waiting until later in life. The book aims to challenge readers to turn their dreams into reality and make positive impacts on issues like education, energy, and resources.

1. JUST
BE
CAUSE
AH HA MOMENTS TO INSPIRE
THE NEXT GENERATION
of CHANGE MAKERS
Editor Syreeta Gates

2. Contents
i Foreword
iii Preface
1 Introduction
3 ‘Cause It’s Necessary — The Problem
4 A Crash Course in Social Entrepreneurship — Mark Babbitt
7 ‘Cause I’m Possible — The Journey
8 Just BE You! — Divinity Barkley, Akua Soadwa, Lincoln Powell, Virgilia Singh
14 Just BE: The Tipping Point — Pamela Hawley, Sean D. Carasso, Brenton
Gieser, Guesnerth Josúe Perea, Edward González-Novoa
27 Just BE Giving — Meredith Chase-Mitchell, Shalena Broadnax
30 ‘Cause I Make It Happen — From Idea to Action
31 Just BEgin — Bryan Urbsaitis
36 Just BE a Business, Man! — Saul Garlick, Danielle Lanyard
44 Just BE Impactful — Dale J. Stephens, Jullien Gordon
49 Just BE a Resource — Mike Del Ponte, Alex Budak
53 Just BE Good — Shipra Prakash, Charles Orgbon
58 Just BE on It — Sarah Baird, Brenton Gieser, Drew Little
62 ‘Cause I’m Winning — Putting Things in Perspective
63 Just BE Charged — Laura White, Zim Ugochukwu, Ashley Seiver and
Michelle Dugan
72 Just BE… — Michael Karnjanaprakorn, Kanika Gupta
75 Just BE Real — Maritza Alarcón, Zim Ugochukwu
78 Conclusion: Just BE — We Ain’t Done Yet
81 Why Just BE Cause?
82 Contributor Biographies
92 Meet the Contributors

3. Foreword
We live in a time where our lives are more connected than ever, and it’s BEcause
we want it to be so. Our culture brims with all kinds of social activity — social
networking, social media, social change movements, social entrepreneurship. Our
individual existence has been catapulted into spiraling, concentric circles of opinions,
strategies and ideals, feeding and fueling one another in a frenzy of interconnected
brain waves, or in a less-dramatic fashion, actively and continuously connecting
people.
Generational? It’s highly likely. “Millennials“ are the first generation to grow up
alongside the exponential development of the microprocessor. It’s had an indescribable
effect on our connections with others. We are a generation with insatiable access to
each other, to information, to places, to ideas. Faced with the Great Recession of 2008,
Millennials (empowered by homegrown economic analysis) remain optimistic of their
economic future and the economic future of the country as a whole as compared to
other generational groups. (Source: Pew Research Center) Millennials are also the
most diverse American generation. With problem-solving skills that are infused with
shared insights from various cultures and ethnicities, Millennials are poised to take
on some of society’s most pressing issues.
The political, economic, and social climate for attacking social ills has never been
more complex. Incredible social inequity coupled with a rapidly converging global
marketplace (thank you Google, iTunes, and Amazon) have spawned the largest
sector growth in years. The public sector, or more aptly known as the social sector to
Millennials, added 160 nonprofits and 8 foundations — per day — between 2007 and
2008. (Source: Monitor Institute) Coupled with the emergence of corporate social
responsibility, social entrepreneurship and B corporations, Millennials stand at a fork
of great possibilities. Human capital is now within finger’s reach, and as the world
becomes increasingly more responsible for itself, Millennials stand at the cusp of
mitigating some of society’s most challenging causes BEcause we strive to be what
we want to see.
BEcause we see a better future and our preceding generations don’t. BEcause we
see what’s possible: Mom, Dad, and video games did not kill our imaginations, they
made our reality more vivid. BEcause we create (Facebook), revise (Tumblr) and adapt
(DropBox). BEcause everything that has led us to this point screams “innovation,
i

4. change, and resourcefulness.” We’ve lived through monumental moments, some that
have brought humanity together (September 11, 2001) and some that have torn us
apart (Amadou Diallo and Sean Bell, transitioned February 4, 1999 and November
25, 2006, respectively). We have come to understand that our access to information,
people, ideas, resources, and human capital means little unless we act for the cause
we believe is just.
Just BEcause is about action. It’s about the tremendous, unbridled power that exists
through creation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration. In a time when ideas spread
as fast as one can type, action is what makes a difference. It distinguishes the change
makers from the rest and empowers those who are empowered by cause. Just
BEcause is more than a massive collection of wisdom. It is action taken by leaders,
innovators, and executives BEcause they sought a change, saw something others
did not, or wanted to contribute to a vision that could benefit others . . . just BEcause.
Just BEcause is about taking your cause, your spark, and BEcoming the change you
want to see. Just BEcause is meant to demystify, encourage, and guide your cause to
action, to Being, to benefit not only you but those you will empower. Why? Just BE
cause.
Mekaelia Davis
ii

5. Preface
It takes so much work just to BE. Many processes happen simultaneously just for
you to be here. Your blood flows, your skin sheds, your heart beats, and even when
your body is still, you are breathing. Did you command these parts to flow, to shed,
to beat? Probably not. They mysteriously function on their own. You are constantly
moving. Parts of you transform and the cells inside of your body shift as you read the
words on this page. My thoughts, these words, and your interpretation are shaping
the makeup of your BEing.
Let’s take this moment to thank your Being, to acknowledge the beautiful design of
you. Thank every detail, down to the lines on your hands, the texture of your bones,
the lining of your muscles, the shape of your teeth, the curve of your hips, the color of
your hair, the sound of your voice, and the essence that is your love. Give thanks for
the opportunity to BE you another day.
The Source
We are powered by something — something special, something divine. With this
power, we create visions of the world we wish to see. We create moments to share
with people around us. We create movements to change the lives of others. We
dedicate ourselves to a cause that provokes action, moves us forward, and ignites a
fire that has the potential to spread through the universe like the stars in the galaxy.
This is some real cause-mic sh*t (pun intended).
This divine source gives us super powers. It sends waves of inspired thoughts and
pulls toward us experiences that breathe life all over us. We may go through trauma,
devastating loss, or have a life-altering experience that can make or break us. These
experiences may rehabilitate and inspire us to create initiatives that mobilize people,
kick-start projects that uplift communities, and come up with brilliant ideas to solve
the world’s problems like hunger, literacy, and poverty. This life source empowers
and energizes us to live in total conviction.
The Promise
This is your story. You are the light, the superhero, the agent of change. With your
powers, you move people across oceans of possibilities. Have you ever thought about
that moment, the moment that you knew that this was your journey? You transformed
a tragic, traumatic, and deeply personal experience into a movement that spoke to
iii

6. people’s hearts. You turned what could have easily been a negative into a positive.
You exercised your alchemy. This moment of clarity activated something inside of
you, and you made a promise to use your experience to improve the lives of people
near and far in a powerful way. This becomes your legacy.
Building Bridges
I used to walk over the Brooklyn Bridge every Sunday morning. Every time, it reminded
me of the breathtaking beauty of New York City. I felt a huge sense of gratitude as I
walked across the bridge. It was designed and built by people who committed their
lives to this cause. As a result of their commitment, citizens of the New York area (and
even the world) use the bridge, easily and effortlessly, to travel to and from Brooklyn
and Manhattan. This massive 5,989-foot bridge of steel, cable, and stone continues
to carry and inspire millions of people. Why is it such a big deal? What was the story
of the Brooklyn Bridge? This led me on a quest to understand the magnitude of the
work behind this magnificent beast.
Thirteen years, fourteen thousand tons of stone and steel, fifteen million dollars, and
twenty-seven deaths after it was designed, the Brooklyn Bridge opened to the public
on May 24, 1883. We may never know the challenges, pain, and names of the men and
women who sacrificed their lives for it, but we know that the Roeblings had a dream.
They dedicated themselves to a cause and were committed to completing what is
now one of the most respected and visited bridges in the world. The Brooklyn Bridge
has become not only a national historical landmark but also an iconic part of the New
York City skyline.
Emily Warren Roebling, the wife of John Augustus Roebling, who originally designed
the bridge in the late 1860s, was the first lady on the project. She was the first to walk
across it, and the bridge was dedicated to her in honor of her relentless giving to her
husband’s dream and to all of us. Without her commitment, her moment of clarity,
and the life-altering experience of almost losing her husband, the bridge may not
have been completed. The legacy that she and many others left with the Brooklyn
Bridge still touches the lives of many.
Giving Thanks
Now when I walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, I think of every brick that someone
laid, every cable that someone hung, every family that it fed, every person that had
the opportunity to enjoy it, and everyone who supported its creation. It has become
a gratitude ritual to give thanks to every part of it. It took me many walks across the
iv

7. bridge to get to this place of deep reflection. In fact, these feelings and revelations
have become a big part of why I do what I do. The stories of Emily Warren Roebling
and others like hers inspire me to wake up every morning and live in total conviction.
That means that I live purposefully, passionately, charitably, authentically, and always
do my best, even when my best might not be one hundred percent.
I’ve come to the conclusion that my cause is to help others live fuller, richer, more
abundant lives through exercising gratitude. I had to go through the transformation
myself. I began to acknowledge every part of my life, the good and the bad, because
everything that happens is a blessing to be counted. All that I’ve experienced is for
my betterment, and gratitude is a discipline that I exercise daily. I started to see my
life expand, my mind open, and my heart fill with love and support. This simple action
of giving thanks and sharing with others has shifted my life as well as the lives of
people around me. Together, we live in abundance and deliver thanks all over the
globe. From one comes many, and from many comes one.
Take a look at all that is happening around you. Look at all the people who move you
forward, love you, and care for you. Start to acknowledge everything. Whether you are
working on a project, producing a show, throwing a party, writing a book, or having
dinner with friends and family, many things work to orchestrate each experience.
Remember to appreciate every part, down to the smallest detail, because this tiny
cause-mic occurrence is what grows a movement. Giving is the major factor that
launches many social causes and propels them to change the landscape of our global
society.
So why give? Just BE cause.
Ashley Mui
v

8. Introduction
Just BE Cause happened by accident. I stumbled upon a website dedicated to writing
e-books and found an article entitled, “How to Write an eBook in Thirty Days.” I was
hooked. In doing substantive reasoning and research, I quickly discovered that the
“thirty days” mentioned on the website was nothing more than a punch line.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to write a book — just BE cause. I
wanted to disseminate knowledge, and I wanted people to learn from my mistakes. I
also knew that because I would never record an album, writing a book was the next
best thing. I wanted to write about something I was passionate about, something that
I would do even if my work went uncompensated. I wanted to target my generation.
This book was imagined, re-imagined, and finally created.
Gen Y-ers are coffee drinkin’, remote location workin’, jean and sneaker wearin’,
Twitter tweetin’, super plannin’ multitaskers. We want to make money doing what
we love and lead a fly life. We just do the work and leave the titles to others. Though
our generation has played a heavy hand in the spread of social entrepreneurship,
most of us don’t know that we are social entrepreneurs. We have taken social change
and integrated it into our lifestyles. Conversations among change makers goes a little
something like this:
“So what’s up?”
“Everything is cool, just came from studying abroad in London. They have this
amazing social entrepreneurship program over there.”
“Really? What made you want to go over there? You know they have the same
program in the states.”
“I know, but as an undergrad, I studied abroad and loved it. I started an organization
that provided resources to young social entrepreneurs.”
“That’s amazing! I started a social venture a few years ago myself after attending
StartingBloc.”
“You did StartingBloc, too? Yes!”
“We have a lot to catch up on. Lunch next week?
“Cool beans.”
Over the years, we’ve seen amazing people leave their legacy. They’ve taken their
1

9. unlimited supply of “ah ha” moments and made the most of them, and now it’s time
for us to get to work. We don’t have to wait until we have had a job for thirty years,
kids, a house, and a retirement plan to know the meaning of “Giving More.” Imagine
a world where teenagers create the curriculum for their high school education
alongside their teachers or where a twenty-year-old finds a way to integrate green
energy initiatives in schools across America.
Just BE Cause aims to challenge and inspire readers to make that dream a reality
by using “ah ha” moments to be the foundation to inspire the next generation of
change makers. The extraordinary people that have contributed to this book are
friends and colleagues (some I’ve never met). I appreciate them for not only trusting
me to compile a book with their words but for also believing in me. I am a twenty-
something–year-old girl from Queens, New York, who had a vision that is now a
reality. Anything is possible.
Let’s go get ‘em!
Syreeta Gates
2