Social Sector Task Force Convention Meeting Review

by Blake Martin

The International Franchise Association is laying the groundwork to make a substantial difference for those in greatest need (at the Base of the Pyramid) all around the globe.  The Franchising in the Social Sector Task Force meeting at #IFA2016 on Saturday, February 20 was a huge success.  The room was packed with both seasoned and new Task Force participants in attendance; all interested in using their franchising experience to help socially-conscious organizations expand their health care, clean water, education, nutrition, agriculture and other products and services to people at the Base of the Pyramid consistently and sustainably.
 
The Task Force which meets monthly via conference calls, piggy backs on the IFA Annual Convention to bring old and new participants together for updates and education about this sector. Progress reports were presented by several members:

1. Task Force leaders Michael Seid and Marla Rosner provided an overview of 2015 highlights.
2. Blake Martin reported on the Special Projects Committee initiatives to create tools that consultants and attorneys tasked with assisting social sector franchisors can use to help them shape effective strategy and legal documents.
3. Josh Merin, IFA’s Director of International Affairs, reported on the Task Force’s external outreach to a myriad of government agencies and universities.
4. Peter Holt reported on the Task Force’s outreach to other internal groups of the IFA and about the mentoring program for those programs considering social sector franchising.
5. Julie McBride and Louise Broekman  reported on the database project under development which aims to assemble data about existing social sector programs.
6. Bill Maddocks and Udo Schlentrich reported on social sector franchising initiatives at University of New Hampshire and potential collaborations with the Task Force.
7. Rozenn Perrigot of the University of Rennes in France reported on her many initiatives on social sector research and teaching as a professor there.
8. Scott Hillstrom offered insights into why social sector franchising works and freely offered a look at his new business plan for Child and Family Wellness.

The meeting created interest for new members to join the Task Force, and set a strong foundation for expanding the Task Force's global impact in 2016 and beyond.