Ruby Tuesday Pick of the Week: WriteGirl
Why It’s a Gem: The power of the pen (or pixel) can empower high school girls

There’s a lot of rumbling about the collapse of today’s public education system, but very few voices have offered up solid ideas on how to fix it. The most successful tactics oftentimes seem to be undertaken by third-party organizations, rather than programs established and run by the schools themselves. That’s why Stewart and I have given our support to such programs, including P.S. ARTS and the Los Angeles-based WriteGirl, which has taken on the enormous task of “empowering [high school] girls through mentorship and self-expression.” (more…)

Just some of the people behind LA's first non-profit food truck, Cart for a Cause

First came Kogi, the irreverent Korean taco purveyor that started the whole food-truck phenomenon. Within a few months, the streets of Los Angeles were buzzing with all manner of culinary vehicles – the Grilled Cheese Truck, Indian wraps from the Dosa Truck, and a mobile version of the brick-and-mortar restaurant Border Grill, to name just a few. Each truck tried to top the next, with World Fare going so far as to convert a double-decker bus into a movable feast.

But no matter how original the menu, they’re all just a take on a concept that (more…)

Ruby Tuesday Pick of the Week: 1% For The Planet
Why It’s a Gem: This mighty little organization makes it easy – and profitable – for businesses to help out the planet

Why are we here? A big question. Businesses should be profitable for their stakeholders and their employees, but in these desperate times, business must also give back. The needs of our society are so great and government is stretched beyond its capacity. A company that isn’t helping to make the world a better place – either through the inherent value of its product or service or through charitable giving – isn’t realizing its potential. “Doing well by doing good” is good for business, too. Because consumers also care that those they do business with are good citizens of the planet.

I’m sure there are many businesses out there that would like to practice this ethic but are unsure of how to go about it. That’s where 1% For The Planet comes in. Read on to learn how this mighty little organization is affecting big changes for our planet, and how your business can join in. (more…)

When the underlying basis of your business is philanthropic, it can be difficult to remain true to your original business model. But in this new economy, doing good is key to doing well: Customers care where their money goes. (more…)