Just as “kids” of all ages (from toddler to adult) aspire to be like Superman, we can also aspire to be a “social superman” who is determined to change the world!

By Sarah Hidey, JVA Consulting

How can you not love Superman? I found myself applauding at the end of Man of Steel this weekend. And why wouldn’t I? Superman is a representation of good conquering evil, the saving of humanity, someone whose mission is to selflessly rescue and restore what is broken. He is a cultural icon whom we all love to love.

Sadly, Superman is a work of fiction (Sorry to burst any bubbles here…). But that is okay, because there are thousands of “supermans” who are flying under the radar, without large, identifying emblem on their chests, but who are working to help make the world a better place to live through their own heroic efforts. For example:

• Sunitha in Hyderabad who helps women escape from the clutches of sex trafficking, empowering them to learn an alternative livelihood, even while being opposed by brothel owners and political figures at every turn

• Eric Kornacki in Denver who is helping a community that is largely ignored and forgotten to create its own economic development through backyard gardens and a community-owned cooperative

• Cisco Gallardo in Denver who has spent the last 20 years working with gang-impacted youth, creating enterprises so that they can learn job skills and support their families—giving them opportunities while everyone else has turned their back

• Moses in Mathare, Kenya, who has dedicated his life to serving youth living in one of the poorest slums—starting multiple businesses to employ the youth and sustain programming that demonstrates to the youth that they have immense value and a future

Just as Superman’s “S” emblem actually represents hope, so do the lives of social entrepreneurs and changemakers around the world. So, move over Superman! And make way for the social entrepreneurs—the true heroes of today.

As I was watching Man of Steel, I was struck by the similarities between Superman’s challenges and lessons-learned to the challenges and lessons that those of us who are committed and passionate about overcoming injustice, ending oppression and restoring hope experience: It’s not easy. We won’t always be the most popular. In fact, sometimes it will be downright difficult.

We can take to heart the following lessons:

1. Rely on the advice of people you trust. It is important to surround yourself with wisdom and expertise. Clark Kent, as a boy, looked to his earth dad (played by an endearing Kevin Costner) who told Clark that he needed to decide what he was going to do with his “powers,” because this would determine the type of person he grew up to be. And this, in turn, would “change the world.” As an adult, Clark was guided by the wisdom of his Krypton father. Both fathers spoke truth into his life, and provided him with the inspiration to achieve his mission. They both ensured him that he was not just “anyone,” but that he was sent to earth for a purpose. I would adamantly proclaim that this is the support that is needed to sustain a life that is devoted to solving social problems. Find the people who are your cheerleaders and intentionally keep them involved. Remember, you don’t have to do it alone! Just as Superman needed Lois Lane to help defeat the evil General Zod, we, too, need the support and strength of people who care as we work against injustice.
2. Don’t expect it to be an easy road. Even Superman met tremendous opposition. As a child, he was misunderstood and ridiculed. As an adult, he was targeted and opposed. And it’s the same for the real-life supermen and women. Nicholas Kristof, in his book, Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide, tells the story of Mukhtar Mai in Pakistan who fought against the prevailing culture that deemed rape was “okay” by starting a grassroots women’s rights organization as well as starting schools for these women. She was violently opposed by the Pakistani government—both nationally and locally. But she persisted, because she knew thousands of women depended on her leadership. Those of us in the social change field are sometimes introducing concepts and ideas that are not part of the mainstream, collective thought. While the authorities may not oppose you, you WILL meet opposition or setbacks whether it is financial, personal or organizational. We have to remember that what we are working for is worth it.
3. Go where others won’t. Superman didn’t think twice before going into the darkest, most grim settings to fight for what he knew was right. And as social entrepreneurs, we must be willing to do the same, even if it seems impossible. Kristof states, “It would have been absurd to think that a young female social worker could have any impact on the mobs that run the brothels in Hyderabad. Aid groups were too sensible to tackle the problem. Yet Sunitha brazenly marched into the red light districts and started her own organization, in a way emblematic of social entrepreneurs.” And this is the story of every single social changemaker I have ever met.
4. And, lastly, don’t ever lose your unreasonableness. As Kristof shares in Half the Sky, “They

[social entrepreneurs] can be difficult, seemingly unreasonable people, but these very qualities are sometimes precisely what allow them to succeed.” At the end of Man of Steel, we see Superman telling the FBI that he was on their side, but that he must do it his way. Social entrepreneurs define themselves as refusing to settle for the status quo, but instead look for innovative and untested ways to create change.

In the end, good is conquering evil, and the men and women looking for unique and innovative ways to bring justice and alleviate oppression are the “supermen” of the world.

Does this idea of social entrepreneurship get you excited?! Join the movement. Start your journey by registering for JVA’s Are You Ready for Social Enterprise? training on June 26, or really ramp-up your social enterprise with our Social Enterprise Academy on September 16-20.

**Credit to Debbie Alvarez-Rodriguez (former CEO of Goodwill) for the blog title. She said this very thing during a session on transformational leadership at last month’s Social Enterprise Summit.