Putting the "Social" in Social Innovation, July 22 - 28

Your Weekly Guide to Exciting Events in Greater Boston

With a portfolio of 106 organizations and social businesses, the Social Innovation Forum wants to help keep our community informed, active, and social through our Putting the "Social" in Social Innovation Summer Series. Each week we will share events being hosted by our past Innovators and Entrepreneurs. Be sure to get out there and support our inspiring Boston nonprofit community! 

Social Innovation Forum Community Summer Series | July 22 – June 28   

1. Clean up with Mystic River Watershed Association, a 2015 Innovator
Invasive Plant Removal Projects

July 22, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm | 100 Auburn Street, Medford, MA 02155

Come one, come all - no experience needed! Join the Mystic River Watershed Association as they remove invasive plant species, such as the Oriental Bittersweet and Water Chestnut, from waterfront parks. With the help of nearly 900 volunteers, the Removal Project has successfully improved the health and aesthetics of the Mystic River since its launch in 2016. Your volunteerism will help MyRWA in their mission to protect, restore, and promote the beauty and value of our Mystic River ecosystems. This family-friendly event is free and open to the public. Supplies will be provided.

2. Explore the world of books with More Than Words, a 2009 innovator
Pop-up bookstore

July 22, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm | SOWA Market 530 Harrison Avenue, Boston

Book lovers can now visit a mini version of More Than Words’ bookstore at many special events and famers markets this summer! The gently used books they bring to these pop-up bookstores vary from children’s books to adult fiction and non-fiction to make sure all family members are able to find their own gems. 

Check their website regularly for the dates and locations of the next bookstore starting from now through September!

3. Support your local farmers with Groundwork Lawrence, a 2013 Innovator
Farmers Market

July 26, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm | Campagnone North Common, Lawrence MA 01841 (Haverhill St side across from the Senior Center at 155 Haverhill Street)

This week offers numerous opportunities to stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables grown by local farmers! Groundwork Lawrence invites you to enjoy the view, flavors, and the smells of summer, at their weekly farmers markets. In addition to improving the accessibility of healthy foods, Groundwork Lawrence revitalizes open outdoor spaces, provides youth education and initiates employment opportunities, in a full-fledged effort to build healthy communities.   

This event is open to the public. For more information, please contact Rose Gonzalez at 978-974-0770 or rgonzalez@groundworklawrence.org

4. Gain flexibility with Mill City Grows, a 2014 Innovator
By-donation Yoga in the park

July 26, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm | Boarding House Park, 40 French St, Lowell, Massachusetts 01852

Join Mill City Grows in this beautiful outdoor class series to learn some new yoga moves, gain strength, heal your soul, and relax under the sun. You will also have a chance to support different local organizations, as they will be joining each week to showcase the fantastic work they are doing for the community in Lowell.

Classes will be offered in the Kripalu Yoga tradition with modifications making this class appropriate for students of all levels. Please bring a yoga mat, if you have one.

Yoga classes are free & donations for Mill City Grows will be accepted this week.

5. Explore Shakespeare’s plays with Actor’s Shakespeare Project (ASP), a 2007 Social Innovator
RICHARD III

July 26-29, 8:00 pm | Charlestown Working Theater, 442 Bunker Hill Street, Charlestown

ASP’s 7th Summer Youth Intensive program is a month-long collaboration among teens from various communities in Boston. Its culmination is a fully mounted production of Shakespeare play, Richard III, rehearsed and performed by ASP youth. Come out to this event to show support for our future actors who have been working hard to impressively reenact one of the most memorable historical tragedies of all time!

Tickets are sold for $5 for youth and $10 for adults and can be purchased here.

About the Author

Sylvia, through a Forest Foundation Fellowship, worked as the Summer 2017 Communications & Operations Intern at Social Innovation Forum during the summer of 2017. She is currently studying media and communication at Temple University.

Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter to keep us updated on your summer fun at this week’s SIF Community events!