TOR160: Supporting the Economy of Prestige with Kurt Shaw of the Shine A Light Foundation

You’ve heard me lament more than a few times on this podcast about the fact that innovation in the social sector is often times synonymous with technology. We talk a lot about how phones and apps and data are accelerating change and opening up opportunities for those in need. And, of course, being something of a super geek, I admit I love these conversations. But, I’m also aware of this narrow focus, and so, when I get a chance to highlight other forms of innovation, I pounce. The innovator I’m excited to introduce to you on today’s 160th Terms of Reference Podcast hasn’t created a new technology. Rather, his organization has recognized that prestige is its own type of economy for street kids. So much so, that as the opportunity to earn prestige has flourished through their programs, it has literally transformed the lives of tens of thousands of youth across latin America. My guest is Kurt Shaw. He is the Executive Director of the Shine A Light foundation. Shine a Light teaches digital arts - think video, movie making, audio storytelling - to marginalized children all over Latin America. And, as you’ll hear in our discussion, their work has had serious, measurable impact on street kids in many different countries. Perhaps the quality I enjoy the most about this conversation with Kurt is his humility and recognition that he and Shine a Light are facilitators that help to unlock potential, and the kids they work with are the real inspiration. So much so that their movies, art, comics, books and other productions have won several awards - locally and internationally.