This summer’s Olympic Games in Paris are going for the gold in terms of social responsibility – striving to confront and engage with issues from marginalized populations and regional poverty to oppressive heat and water pollution.
With the vision of placing social and environmental impact “firmly at the heart” of Paris 2024, the Olympic and Paralympic Games are determined to create a “new model” in economic, social and environmental terms.
- According to the New York Times, the city was mindful to limit carbon emissions by using existing facilities, adding bike lanes, reducing use of fuel-powered generators, and sourcing sustainably-produced medals and podiums.
- The Olympics have also drawn the world’s attention to pollution and extreme heat in Europe, and the world, including by cleaning the River Seine to host the Games’ swimming events.
- 500 businesses from the social and solidarity economy, which focus on economic and human equity, have submitted 750 procurement contracts for the Games: providing construction material or catering equipment, recycling sports items, managing waste and delivering other services.
- Despite regional challenges of unemployment, younger people are encouraged to pursue and accept jobs created by Paris 2024.
- Promoting the theme of “Games Wide Open,” with a pledge of full gender equity and intolerance of discrimination, has allowed the Games and athletes to channel their influence into driving positive social change.
In this way, even an event that thrives on competition has become an example of collaboration, with rivals placing aside their differences to unite behind social responsibility and community-driven change.
As 10,500 athletes and 15 million spectators converge upon France, Paris enjoys a unique economic opportunity. But groups are also focused on sustainable economic development and social innovations that will positively impact Paris beyond the close of the Olympics on Sunday.
Inspired by the efforts centered around the Olympics, I have three questions:
What if we convened social entrepreneurs to bring their ideas of transformation, community and economic change – sharing innovations, success stories, and lessons learned?
What would your community look like if these ideas were implemented to address the most pressing needs in your area?
What if there was a group whose mission was to coordinate such a model?
ISE’s mission and model is to transform communities using innovation and social entrepreneurial strategy. The visibility of the Olympics underscores the bedrock principle of our Community Entrepreneurship Development model: Pursuing social change in coalition, and in coordination, amplifies impact and builds critical momentum.
You don’t have to plunge into the Seine or leap over hurdles to draw from the spirit of this year’s Olympics. But with the right coaching, support system, knowledge and best practices, we can make just as powerful an impact as Simone Biles, Sha’Carri Richardson or Quincy Hall.