The Changing Same, Damnit!

A few weeks ago, I saw a documentary called “The Changing Same.” Google it. It’s pretty intense. As I read this past weekend’s Boston Globe, the title continued to bounce around in my head. Over the past 7 years, the Globe has written the same article “Cambridge the tale of two cities” at least four times. The reporter could have saved some time by simply linking to the past articles and giving it a better headline - The Changing Same, Damnit!

This month iFp celebrates our 7th anniversary. We have been in Cambridge long enough to understand the problems. However, not long enough that we can’t see it with fresh eyes. Here are a few of our insights:

Issue #1 I’m not sure when the transition happens, but at some point, Cambridge residents and community members begin confusing countless committees, meetings and planning sessions with taking action.

“An entrepreneur is someone who jumps off a cliff and builds a plane on the way down.” - Reid Hoffman

Issue #2 - In spite of the Globe repeatedly beating the drum, few outside of Cambridge realize that this “famously diverse and progressive” city has such problems. When we first started iFp, we learned that some foundations do not support organizations in Cambridge. Here is feedback from a recent proposal:

“While the committee felt it is a great program idea, they observed it is focused in the well-funded Cambridge / Somerville school system, and thought this type of program would be more impactful if broader in reach to locations of even greater need.”

Clearly, some do not believe that the great divide exist. After all, Cambridge is home to Harvard, MIT and the most innovative square mile on the planet. The question is - is this problem sexy enough to be solved in house? While that’s being debated, we have found a few supporters inside and outside of Cambridge. This leads to #3.

Issue #3 I find it interesting how the Globe reporters, so desperate for a glimmer of hope write “so and so” donated $x to “so an so.” The contribution noted was much higher than in the 2014 article. Progress, at least. However, until the conversation shifts from charitable giving to structural change connected to a line item on a budget - the Globe will continue re-spinning the same old story.

iFp is without a doubt part of the solution. Now if we could be written into a budget or two - we could give the Globe something else to write about!

Our Mission

Innovators for Purpose (iFp) unearths high-potential diverse young people, build their sense of belonging, cultivate their identity as innovators and spark motivation to continuously learn new skills to succeed in the innovation economy.

Equally, we bring awareness within the innovation community that with sufficient nurturing, their desired inclusive talent pool is in its midst clamoring for a path forward.

We develop tools, experiences, and living pathways that forge authentic relationships that spawn incredible opportunities for our youth.

We are working towards building an inclusive, future ready workforce comprised of purpose-driven young people whose work transform lives (most importantly their own).

Cambridge a Tale of Two Cities

Two tales on city: The Port sits in the shadow of Moderna and Pfizer

Area Four residents live in the shadow of the future

A tale of two cities in Cambridge

Different Headline Same Problem

Cambridge high school struggles with equal access to AP classes

Michael K. Dawson, Co-Founder & CEO Innovators for Purpose
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