Over a decade ago I invented the word “freestarter” because there was no word that quite fit the kind of person I was trying to describe. Part prophet, part entrepreneur, part artist, and part leader (often without followers) it became my own concoction of traits describing a unique individual. I wrote about them in my book Salvaged and posted a list of great Freestarters™ on my blog.
Then last year our family foundation decided to honor these Freestarters™ and give them long overdue recognition. The first four were announced in December, and we hope to honor another one every three months. Each recipient gets a few goodies and a $2500 donation to the nonprofit of their choice.
If you are curious about these unique people, you can read more on the Goble Foundation website. As the site says:
“We’ve all heard the saying “lead, follow or get out of the way” … but what about people who go their own way, for the sake of others? Often solitary and occasionally erratic, these Freestarters™ time after time dare to go where others won’t. Towards humanity’s biggest needs, greatest hurts, and most pressing problems.”
You can also nominate a Freestarter™ on the site. So check it out, and let me know if you have any ideas!