Ian Wilkinson’s Post

We’re living in a time when people are rethinking how they connect—with themselves, with others, and with what truly matters. The pandemic reminded us of the value of community, but the spaces we use to socialize haven’t kept pace. Bars and clubs still dominate, and in Portland—a city with one of the highest bar-to-resident ratios—it’s clear we need new ways to come together. Enter Ever AFter, my dear friend Ariel Dunitz-Johnson's vision for a vibrant, inclusive, alcohol-free gathering space where connection takes center stage. The rapidly growing alcohol-free (NA) market, led by brands like Athletic Brewing Co., For Bitter For Worse, Wilderton and Ghia, shows the demand is real. In just the last two years, the NA market has grown by 34%, reflecting a cultural shift that’s impossible to ignore. And the numbers back it up: 📉 41% of American adults planned to drink less this year. 🍸 28% of adults over 21 didn’t drink at all in 2023. 💌 75% of dating app users say “grabbing drinks” is no longer their first-date go-to. Ever AFter isn’t about what it’s leaving out (alcohol)—it’s about what it’s creating: a beautifully curated space centered around delicious NA beverages. For Ariel, this dream is deeply personal, born from their own journey to find joy and purpose through sobriety. And for me, it’s personal too. I ditched the drinks two years ago, and I’d love to see more inclusive alcohol-free spaces—and I'm proud to be a Founding Member! Let’s help bring this beautiful vision to life and support the growing movement of alcohol-free socializing. Here’s how you can help: ✅ Learn more and donate via the Crowdfundr link below. ✅ Share this post to spread the word. Ariel is also exploring the possibility of angel investors and silent partners to bring this vision to life. If you’re interested in learning more or getting involved, feel free to DM me. https://lnkd.in/gyNeX9Xy

🌟 The Power of Community Engagement in Fintech 🌟 In the fast-paced world of Fintech, community engagement is more than just a buzzword—it's a vital component of sustainable growth and innovation. Here's why: 1. **Building Trust**: Engaging with the community helps build trust and transparency, essential for any financial service provider. By actively participating in community events and discussions, Fintech companies can demonstrate their commitment to ethical practices and customer-centric solutions. 2. **Driving Innovation**: Community feedback is a goldmine for innovation. By listening to the needs and concerns of the community, Fintech companies can tailor their products and services to better meet the demands of their users. 3. **Enhancing Brand Loyalty**: When a company invests in its community, it fosters a sense of loyalty and belonging among its users. This loyalty translates into long-term customer relationships and advocacy. 4. **Social Responsibility**: Engaging with the community allows Fintech companies to contribute positively to society. Whether it's through financial literacy programs, supporting local businesses, or participating in charitable causes, these efforts can make a significant impact. 5. **Networking Opportunities**: Community engagement opens doors to valuable networking opportunities. Collaborating with other businesses, influencers, and stakeholders can lead to partnerships that drive growth and success. At Valiant Payments, we believe in the power of community engagement to not only enhance our services but also to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve. Let's continue to build a future where technology and community go hand in hand! 🤝 --- Feel free to tweak it to better fit your brand's voice or add any specific examples or initiatives your company is involved in! Would you like to share this on any specific platform?

I'm noticing an increase in social clubs, supper clubs, and salons post-lockdown as more people recognize the benefits of social connection on their health to combat a rise in loneliness and isolation. What has been frustrating is to see this human need become commodified. Something like 'And the Table' (https://lnkd.in/e9nx-QSb) combines so much of what I like - new conversations, a chance to meet new people, and food. Yet it's a price point that might be hard for many of us especially in expensive cities like New York, and points to this commodification of experience that feels less about connecting and more about a startup. I don't begrudge anyone the chance to connect and the chance to grow a business - I actively track these community experiences (via https://lnkd.in/eQ3AcU63 and other sites) and hope to go to more of them. But it feel like the pricing becomes a barrier ironically preventing connection. I want to support local businesses so they thrive and scale out; I also know that the assumption in 2024 that people should be kept from connecting because of their socioeconomic status feels exclusionary. There has to be a better way - perhaps back to connecting and less about needing the meal. An expensive steak doesn't make conversation - your curiosity about humans does.

How Social Impact Fits into Today’s Marketing Strategies With growing awareness on social issues globally, consumers are more conscious than ever about the brands they support. It’s not just about great products anymore—people are looking for companies that align with their values and make a positive impact on society. This is where social impact marketing comes in. Brands that lead with purpose are creating campaigns that go beyond just selling—they’re giving back, supporting causes, and fostering real change. Whether it's sustainability initiatives, community outreach, or charitable collaborations, social impact is no longer a nice-to-have; it’s a must. If you’re not thinking about social impact, you’re missing out on an opportunity to connect with your audience in a deeper, more meaningful way. Let’s explore how your brand can drive change while building customer loyalty. 🌍💡 #SocialImpactMarketing #PurposeDrivenBrand #BrandingWithImpact #GivingBack #SMXGlobal #Marketing

couldn't agree more with Martha's highlights and the challenges of the second wave of transformation. but just because it's harder makes it all the more important get it done right. Driving #Digitalisation into #digitalintegration and business as usual is so vital for success.#THEIA #Digitalbydefault

We Are For Good’s North Star has always been to launch an Impact Uprising. It’s this belief that philanthropy has the power to change the world not just in our impact - but by unlocking generosity within each of us. After more than 500 podcast conversations + gathering a diverse community of changemakers around the world - we’re ready for the next big unlock pushing impact work forward in a most transformational, catalytic way. Meet ImpactUp 🎉 - the gathering for social impact leaders ready to shift the sector - for good. Join us for a reimagined virtual experience for changemakers to unleash our collective power + impact on July 11. By day, we gather virtually to listen, learn, share + begin to shift. By night, we’re tapping the We Are For Good Community to organize local meet-ups in 15+ cities across the country activating the day’s conversations. Did we mention it’s FREE? Accessibility + belonging FTW🙌 It’s one day of conversations + convening curated around ONE topic that’s shifting the needle toward change - activated at the grassroots level. And this first Summit will tackle the topic of Power. How to reclaim it, and how to move toward collective power. Yep, we’re going there 💪 And we’re doing it all alongside some amazing, value-aligned partners: RKD Group / Classy + GoFundMe / GivingTuesday / Attain Partners / Virtuous / ⚡ GoodUnited ⚡ / Gifting Brands / Wingspan Consulting  - thank you for your belief in this never-been-done thing🥹 The Impact Uprising is building - and it needs you. So what are you waiting for? Save your spot at the link in the comments. ⬇️ 1️⃣ One last challenge. We believe what starts here... Ripples. So tag a friend below👇 who could benefit. This is how grassroots movements begin: one-to-one, human-to-human. We hope you’ll be our ripple. Tim Lockie says a movement is best when organized. And it requires believers. We hope you’re one of them. Let’s be the shift. And let's do it together. Jon + Becky 👊 #impactUp #ImpactUprising #SocialReform

Donegal Local Development Company (DLDC) has established a number of networks to support community initiatives. “They have played a crucial role in strengthening connections, shared learning and mutual support amongst community and voluntary groups across Donegal,” said CEO Padraic Fingleton. They include the Donegal Food Response Network, the Donegal Network of Men’s Sheds, the Day Care Centres Network and the Social Enterprise Network Donegal (SEND). The Donegal Food Response Network engages in crucial work, and by working together the network has more power than groups working in silos. The Men's Sheds Network holds monthly meetings and events such as welding and horticulture demonstrations, a countywide summer engagement event, and a regional Irish Men Sheds Network gathering, The Donegal Day Care Centre Network allocates resources in terms of staff and funding to address the needs of volunteer committee members in these centres. The Social Enterprise Network Donegal (SEND) has a membership of 59 social enterprises and it serves as a platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration. DLDC is also developing support hubs – physical space with additional supports - for emerging social entrepreneurs as they grow into independent social enterprises. The Social Enterprise Incubator Hub model offers workshops, one-to-one mentoring, desk space and general office support. DLDC has collaborated with educational partners to deliver the mentoring in marketing, HR and finance. The aim is to work with anyone with an idea through to operating as a fully-fledged social enterprise. Timeframes will be tailored to the specific social enterprise, typically spanning 12 to 18 months. The first Social Enterprise Incubator Hub began operating in January, it was replicated in May and will be held again in September. Story👉 https://lnkd.in/gZAAZtwk Donegal Local Development Company (DLDC) #communitydevelopment #socialenterprise #mensshed #networks #foodpoverty #daycarecentres #communitygroups #voluntarygroups

One of my partnerships I'm very very fond of. Total Active Hub is setting the standard for making active communities and we've had some huge organisations jump on board but we want all organisations to jump on board. The return on Investment for YOU and YOUR BUSINESS is outrageous. Could we be working within your organisation in 2025? Let's make it happen #EmployeeWellbeing #WorkplaceWellness #ProfessionalDevelopment #BusinessWorkshops #EmployeeEngagement #CareerGrowth #WorkshopTraining #WellbeingPrograms #BusinessSuccess #SkillDevelopment #RemoteWorkRevolution #FutureOfWork #WorkLifeBalance #LeadershipDevelopment #EmployeeWellness #CareerGrowth #Leadership #BusinessGrowth #PublicSpeakers #KeynoteSpeaker #MotivationalSpeaker

https://tapinto.me “Your Gateway to Purposeful Connections” Do You want to make a difference to your life and others, but don't know how? Do you want to improve your circumstance, leave a legacy and be a change maker? Do you want to join a movement that will improve account holders situations targeting with in 5 years to be buying £100,000,000 worth of positive outcomes every year. Well You can! “Unlock Impact: Open your Free Bronze TAPinto®️ Account!” https://lnkd.in/eUKemZ8f and find out how. At TAPinto®️ we setup to make a difference and help others. We knew we had to create something that made the lot of the individual better, to make doing the right thing easy. We have created a Gateway for positive change that is more than just another marketplace , social media talking shop, platform, network or group. There are plenty of these already. We have created TAPinto®️ as a Gateway to a secure and private space for all. Where you can TAPinto®️what ever it is you need, be it personal, business or social. A collaborative ecosystem of offers, resources, services and deals, designed to work on a secure and private Peer to Peer level to allow purposeful Connections to be created that, empower positive change carried out at the local level, with impact on a global scale. Discover TAPinto®️ where multiple audiences come together to create sustainable resources that drive individual, corporate, and social goals to be a catalyst for global impact. “Drive Positive Change Together By Investing in Community Impact”. Open your Free Bronze TAPinto®️ Account!” https://lnkd.in/eUKemZ8f #sustainablity #free #socialimpact #savemoney #impactinvestment #wealthcreation #makeadifference #ideas #innovastion