Ashoka is the global association of the world’s leading social entrepreneurs—men and women with system changing solutions for the world’s most urgent social problems. Since 1981, we have elected over 2,500 leading social entrepreneurs as Ashoka Fellows, providing them with living stipends, professional support, and access to a global network of peers in more than 93 countries. With our global community, we develop models for collaboration and design infrastructure needed to advance the field of social entrepreneurship and the citizen sector. Our Fellows inspire others to adopt and spread their innovations - demonstrating to all citizens that they too have the potential to be powerful changemakers. History
Ashoka: Innovators for the Public has named, created and pioneered the global field of social entrepreneurship. Philosophy
Founded on the premise that the most effective way to promote positive social change is to invest in social entrepreneurs with innovative solutions that are sustainable and replicable, both nationally and globally. A strong, sturdy tree, the oak represents the power of Ashoka's commitment and contributions to building the profession of social entrepreneurship. A broad-spreading tree, it is symbolic of those dimensions of Ashoka's programs that select, launch and foster collaborations among social entrepreneurs around the world. Origin of the Name
Named to honor Ashoka, the Indian leader who unified the Indian subcontinent in the 3rd century BC, renouncing violence and dedicating his life to social welfare and economic development. For his creativity, global mindedness and tolerance, Ashoka is renowned as the earliest example of a social innovator. Around the World
Established programs in over 60 countries and supports the work of over 1800 Fellows. Employs 160 staff in 25 regional offices throughout Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. Ashoka is the one of the largest networks of social entrepreneurs worldwide, with over 3,000 Ashoka Fellows in 70 countries creating large-scale impact through new innovations. Founded by Bill Drayton in 1980, Ashoka is an international network that is driving the social sector and offering a platform for people dedicated to changing the world. Ashoka pioneered the field of social entrepreneurship and has built multi-level stakeholders across the world who increasingly look to entrepreneurial talent and new ideas to solve social problems. Ashoka Arab World founded 2003 and has a vibrant fellowship of over 100 fellows and elects a new cohort of Fellows every year. Going forward Ashoka India will also select and elect Fellows from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Tunisia, Lebanon, Palestine, Jordan and Kuwait and play a unique role in integrating the emerging social sector in Arab Countries. Ashoka Fellows remain the core of our community, and their insights show us how the world is moving and what is needed next. Ashoka's mission is to enable an "Everyone a Changemaker" world. This means equipping more people – including young people - with the skillset and a connection to purpose so that they can develop ideas and effectively solve problems as is needed in their family, community, city, workplace, field, industry, country. Working with key partners across sectors, Ashoka Arab world is a dynamic organisation that aims to challenge conventional thinking through its vibrant community of Fellows and young changemakers.
