Myth: Our country and its problems are too big for one person to make a difference.

Fact: The loss of civic space and community in the United States is well documented. The impact is painfully felt in the aftermath of disasters like Hurricane Katrina. Ashoka Fellows reject the idea that we are too busy as a society to work for common benefit. Whether the need is improving public education, strengthening local democracy, creating a green economy or working with baby-boomers who are foregoing “retirement” in favor of meaningful contributions to society and each other – Ashoka Fellows are leading the way.

Some Fellows use filmmaking as a catalyst for social action, others leverage the convening power of the Internet, and still more influence public policy to achieve systemic change. They come from many walks of life but share a creative spirit, great conviction, and a belief in the power of citizens working together to build a better future for all.

US Fellows in the Field of Civic Engagement:

• David Anderson - Safe Families for Children
• Amy Bank - Puntos de Encuentro/Meeting Point
• Dale Bell - Media & Policy Center Foundation
• Daniel Ben-Horin - TechSoup Global
• Edgar Cahn - CareBanks
• Tim Carpenter - EngAGE
• Oona Chatterjee - Make the Road New York
  
• Steve Clift - E-Democracy.org
• Sandy Close - New American Media
• Ami Dar - Idealist.org
  
• Jonah Edelman - Stand for Children
• Brenda Eheart - Generations of Hope
• Matt Flannery - Kiva
• Fabrice Florin - NewsTrust.net
• Charlotte Frank - The Transition Network
  
• Marc Freedman - Civic Ventures
  
• Nancy Henkin - Communities for All Ages
  
• Aaron Hurst - Taproot Foundation
  
• Esther Lardent - Pro Bono Initiative
  
• Eboo Patel - Interfaith Youth Core
• Nicholas Reville - Participatory Culture Foundation
• Daniel Ross - Nuestras Raices/Our Roots
• Gary Slutkin - CeaseFire
• Jimmy Wales - Wikipedia
• Jerry White - Survivor Corps
• Harry Wiland - Media & Policy Center Foundation