Is culture really getting any better? Where’s the proof that all the dialogue and collaboration Q is committed to is having any impact?
We’ve heard it all and we get it. Many think the work of “cultural renewal” is elusive, and understandably so. It’s not easy to show concretely how culture is changing over time. But in the following Top 10 List, we attempt to put on display that in mainstream culture, a movement is afoot.
Culture is being shaped. Organizations are being reformed. Agendas are shifting and Christians are having a say in helping the world reimagine how it ought to be.
Here are our Top 10 Culture Shaping Moments in 2011:
1 | | “Love is The Movement” Message Given Primetime Platform and 1 Million Dollars |
Jamie Tworkowski, founder of
To Write Love on Her Arms, delivers a beautiful primetime speech highlighting the gospel motivated message that “everyone has a story” and not to believe the lie that you are alone. Miley Cyrus introduced Jamie and shared her support for the movement.
http://www.twloha.com
2 | | Charity:Water Heralded by President Obama as Humanitarian Example for a New Generation |
Scott Harrison, founder of Charity: Water, was highlighted in President Obama’s speech this year at the National Prayer Breakfast as a model for giving back in the world.
http://t.co/JF1OHOzb
6 | | MTV, Billboard, and Examiner Recognize Downtime Project As “Revolutionary” to the Music Industry |
Jay Harren, formerly of Columbia Records, created Downtime—a platform designed to connect touring musicians with causes they want to support while on the road. Major media was quick to pick up on the depth and possibilities this project brings to artists and their fans.
http://www.mydowntime.com
7 | | Help Portrait Movement Goes Global |
Jeremy Cowart is a Los Angeles Based celebrity photographer, who has recently broadened the scope of his work. His non-profit organization, Help Portrait, has engaged over 10,000 photographers in 54 countries to give over 101,000 portraits away to people who would never have the opportunity to have a photo of themselves or their family. CNN has consistently promoted the Help Portrait movement since its inception three years ago.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/12/09/us/photographers-help-portraits/index.html 
9 | | The New York Times Affirms ‘Q Debates’ as Innovative Approach to Discuss Major Issues of Our Day |
This fall Q partnered with Halogen TV's
Kyle Young and
Becky Henderson and recovered the lost art of Debate. We took one big question; “Does Reality Television Do More Harm than Good?” and invited Ivy League debate teams to take a stance.
New York Times writer, Neil Genzlinger attended, and made a compelling case for why debate should make its way back in the public square.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/08/arts/television/reality-tv-debate-critics-notebook.html 
10 | | Twelve Businesses Join Accelerator Program Focused on Social Good |
Developed in collaboration with Q,
Dave Blanchard launched
Praxis—a mentorship accelerator program for social entrepreneurs & innovators compelled by their faith to advance the common good. Praxis provides its fellows with the knowledge and network needed to develop high-impact organizations, all within an environment that allows for an exploration of how their work can holistically embody the Gospel.
http://www.praxislabs.org 
