Six Pathways of Social Impact

Developed in 2010 by a group of universities led by Stanford University's Haas Center for Public Service, the six Pathways of Social Impact describe a range of possibilities by which we can make a  contribution to the common good. The pathways intersect and overlap, demonstrating the interdependent nature inherent in working toward the common good. No one path is superior to another and people move in and out of these pathways over time. 

Direct Service

 

Working to address the immediate needs of individuals or a community, often involving contact with the people or places being served.

 

 

 

 

Direct Service icon

Community Engaged Learning & Research icon

Community Engaged Learning & Research

 

Connecting coursework and academic research to community identified concerns to enrich knowledge and inform action on social issues.

 

 

 

 

Social Entrepreneurship & Corporate Social Responsibility

 

Using ethical private sector approaches to create or expand market-oriented responses to social problems.

 

 

 

 

Social Entreprenuership and Corporate Social Responsibility icon

Policity and Governance icon

Policy & Governance

 

Participating in political processes, policymaking, and public governance.

 

 

 

 

Community Organizing & Activism

 

Involving, educating, and mobilizing individual or collective action to influence or persuade others.

 

 

 

 

Community Organizing and Activism icon

Philanthrophy icon

Philanthropy

 

Donating or using private funds or charitable contributions from individuals or institutions to contribute to the public good.