For every person or group that says something is good, there later comes along a person or group that says it is bad. There are two sides to every story, or theory. Take the best from both sides and use them to your advantage. I don't think there is anything wrong with brainstorming.
Jeff Skoll created The Skoll Foundation in 1999 to pursue his vision of a sustainable world of peace and prosperity. Led by CEO Sally Osberg since 2001, our mission is to drive large scale change by investing in, connecting and celebrating social entrepreneurs and the innovators who help them solve the world's most pressing problems. Social entrepreneurs are society's change agents, creators of innovations that disrupt the status quo and transform our world for the better.
I found out about this group while looking at Kaitlyn's post regarding the Boston Youth Service Network. This organization is one of the many in the BYSN. They do great work trying to keep kids (of all ages) in school and on an educational path, with college as a goal. I wonder how many UMass students have come through their program.
Although this group is located in Salt lake City, I think that the work that they are doing is awe inspiring. read the history and mission and stratagy, and I think you will be impressed with all that they do with only volunteers.
Although they work in the 3 state region of Appalachia, they work to provide low cost construction loans and mortgages to low income families and to help build affordable housing in rural Appalachia.