Some businesses change the world for good - PBS series

This linked article (above) explains the ideas behind world-changing businesses and how one person really can make a very big difference. Public Broadcasting has a new TV series about this, which airs for the first time in June. Best of all, the series is out on DVD.

"This is the spirit of social entrepreneurship writ large, and it's the idea behind "New Heroes" house parties organized by the Skoll Foundation, a major funder of the series. "We believe that if you see these stories you will be inspired," said the Skoll Foundation's Terri Nagel. "We're hoping to motivate people to actually get out there and help, whether it's writing a check or starting your own social entrepreneurship program."

"The idea behind the viewing parties is to get friends, families and coworkers to discuss the ideas of social entrepreneurship, and especially how everyone can make a difference. The Skoll Foundation sends out DVDs of the series along with a toolkit including topics to discuss after watching the episodes. The foundation will match up to $100,000 in donations to any of the groups in the "New Heroes" series.

"Providing the series on DVD is a new step for this kind of viewing party. Instead of being tied to the PBS schedule, viewers can watch the shows at their convenience, and make a plan for when to get a good group together.

"The DVDs are meant to help people really appreciate the stories in an atmosphere where they have an opportunity to talk with others about them," Nagel said. "We are encouraging our house party hosts to work together as a group to find out what they can do to make the world a better place."

"The New Heroes" airs on PBS starting June 28. Check local times on the PBS Web site. To get a house parties toolkit [DVDs etc.], visit NewHeroes.org.