What is "actionable" social innovation?

Stanford University’s Center for social innovation defines it as “the process of developing and deploying effective solutions to challenging and often systemic social and environmental issues in support of social progress” (link). Over the past ten years, Community First has engineered such solutions in the fields of water & agriculture, education and the creation and development of local businesses.

But to be the most effective, social innovation must promote and ensure sustainability. With an environmental, social, and environmental bottom-line in mind, Community First develops solutions and technologies based on a value driven-model that involves the communities it intends to serve.

As a result, our work is very much aligned with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals and other international development plans like Rotary International's Six Areas of Focus.

What our research focuses on

Doing the most good where it is the most needed has been a founding value of Community First since before it was even incorporated. This is why our R&D department only incubates technologies & solutions that hold the promise of a well identified social impact.

Building on our past experiences in managing water, energy and food systems, we are currently researching a variety of superfoods and sources of phytochemicals with proven health benefits in order to help aquaponic farmers in Cambodia fight off malnutrition at home while breaking into a growing health food market internationally.

What we need help with

Community First is a high-impact organization that relies on a small but effective operational budget. In other words, the Research & Development efforts rely largely on donated expertise from our global network of volunteers and Advisors. Join our community of likeminded people!

We're looking for an English teacher to come to the Sen Sok Campus in Siem Reap Province, Cambodia to help our students reach fluency to help with their research own. This positions calls for a minimum commitment of six months.

Volunteer in Cambodia

We're in urgent need of advisory assistance and volunteer hours in the following fields: Science & Engineering (misc. fields), Pediatrics & OBGYN, Diabetes & Heart Disease, and Nutrition, in addition to Web Marketing & Grant writing.

Become an Advisor