Who assists communities when social systems fail to help our youth achieve educational and economic equality?
SOCIAL INNOVATIONS FOR AMERICANS ASSOCIATION (SIAA)
We are a 501(3)(c) Nonprofit that facilitates community participation workshops to research, develop, implement and evaluate innovative support systems that lead to upward economic mobility.
Inclusive STEM School-to-Work Pipeline
Only 48% of high schools offer computer science courses in low-income areas
Innovative Education Reform
Schools in low-income areas receive about $1,000 less per student than those in wealthier areas
Restorative Juvenile Justice Reform
Students suspended or expelled are nearly 3X more likely to be involved with the juvenile justice system.
The Challenge is Multidimensional
Many communities struggle with social issues that impact the next generation's ability to achieve upward social mobility. These issues include...
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Underfunded public schools
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Lack of mental health and medical resources
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Food and home insecurity that destabilizes learning
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Sparse or no digital connectivity
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Parents or guardians ill-equipped to tutor students
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To name a few
Unfortunately, there is no one solution for all issues that applies to all families
What if there is a way to find unique solutions for each community?
We find innovative solutions to fill the gaps between communities' resources and families' needs
SIAA's
Community-Driven Social Innovation (CDSI) Approach
Empowers communities by organizing their collective ingenuity
We develop and deploy community leaders who collaborate with communities, stakeholders, and experts. Together they design, implement, and scale bottom-up, win-win solutions to communities' problems
About Us
"It takes a village to raise a child"
The Social Innovators for Americans Association (SIAA) is a coalition of researchers, designers, social entrepreneurs, and community organizers resolving social issues. We use Community-Driven Social Innovation (CDSI) to listen to communities, co-design solutions, and increase adoption of solutions by families. Collective wisdom and community unity is the key to overcoming the systemic social problems that impede economic mobility.
Unlike traditional charitable nonprofits, SIAA takes a strategic approach and brings the best minds to work with communities on the interrelated causes of social issues.
Our Programs
Community-Driven Social Innovation (CDSI) Projects
We organize and facilitate transformative public workshops to tackle America’s most pressing social challenges. Today’s social issues are complex, involving diverse groups with varied interests, all interacting within intricate social systems. Traditional solutions often fall short—social innovation offers a more effective path forward. At SIAA, we harness the power of our Community-Driven Social Innovation™ (CDSI) approach, a proven, community-centric method designed to bridge competing interests and bring lasting change. Through this collaborative, social design approach, we work directly with community leaders to address interconnected issues, creating solutions that benefit everyone involved. This workshop is a unique opportunity to learn how you can participate in this impactful process and contribute to meaningful, community-driven solutions.
Community Leadership Academy for Social Innovation (CLASI)
Many teens and young adults are frustrated by the inaction of their parents' generation. That is why SIAA gives them the skills to take control of their situations. The program certifies regional cohorts of community leaders in Social Innovation Facilitation or Social Innovation Management. We develop Emerging Community Leaders using our CDSI curriculum. The members gain transferable skills and a path to careers in the social sector while helping families find solutions to empower their children with skills, resources, and resilience to escape the effects of social inequality.
Our Services
Donate
Your donations go to delivering the programs that help communities and give training fellowships to at-risk teens and young adults dedicated to supporting their communities
Give to build the Next Generation of community leaders wanting to alleviate the pain of generational poverty. Your donation gives them transferable skills that help children trapped in poverty. Our low-income community leaders learn in our social design and innovation lab.
SIAA
Founded by The People's Solution Architect
Dr. J. Coleman, Ph.D.
"Together We Do Better"