With so many social challenges facing our world, trying to effect change feels daunting. The problems are complex, the politics murky, and the players innumerable. Yet, every day there are regular heroes making a significant impact on our most intractable social issues. "Can't Not Do" is a catchphrase for the urge that captures the heart of effective social change agents--explaining, in their own words, their passion and drive: "I can't not do this." "It's not that I can do this, it's that I can't not." "I could not imagine not doing something about this issue." The surprising truth from the trenches is: we already have numerous proven solutions for our many social challenges; what our world needs most, and what most changes our children's future, are more people prepared and committed to act on their social impulses for the long haul. Innovation helps. Money helps, too. But greater numbers of committed people help the most. If you feel an internal, persistent call to do more for the world, Can't Not Do will help you to bridge the gap between "wanting to do" and "doing"--to access the drive of an effective change agent, to break through self-imposed barriers, to learn key principles for success, and to start seeing yourself acting as a change agent. There is no "secret sauce" someone is born with and no special club needed to be successful at social change. Rather, successful change agents share some fundamental orientations to the world and to their committed cause and, over time, learn certain lessons that help them become more effective. These lessons are reflected in Can't Not Do in seven seemingly simple questions that provide guideposts and unlock the reader's potential to make a difference for a social cause they care about. This isn't a self-help book. It's an inspiring narrative intertwined with a "street-readiness" dialogue, between the author and you, between you and your inner aspirations. These are authentic success stories, vital questions, and unconventional answers that can guide and inspire you to realize your greatest potential.

The model to meet the unprecedented challenges unique to the decade ahead and make a remarkable impact on people's lives-led by the success stories of 38 change leaders whose paths of action give you the blueprint. To meet the radically different challenges of inequity, division, and scarcity of resources that will only increase over the next ten years, the most successful and valuable leaders are those with the traits to be rebuilders. Thought leader Paul Shoemaker profiles 38 rock star rebuilders so you have a model to follow, including Peter Drucker Award winner Rosanne Haggerty, whose goal is to end chronic homelessness; Trish Millines, who has changed lives for kids of color in high tech; and David Risher, whose cross-sector approach is helping solve global illiteracy. Page by page, the common elements rebuilders utilize to make a remarkable impact on some or our most complex problems are highlighted as you: Learn the 5 vital traits change leaders use to solve big problems. Gain new perspective from relevant research, data, leadership lessons, and 3 case studies that illuminate the path ahead. Meet the leaders setting the standard for social change impact, all shared in Shoemaker's signature storytelling style. Taking Charge of Change is written for anyone seeking to be the driver of real change and an integral part of rebuilding the structures and foundations of American communities and companies throughout the decade ahead.