*Since the time of the recording, Jon has left SIL and begun his search for his next innovation role. Please feel free to connect with Jon here: Connect with Jon Hirst
In this episode of The Better Samaritan Podcast, we sit down with Jon Hirst, SIL International's Chief Innovation Officer, to dive into the fascinating world of language preservation and innovation. Jon shares how SIL is tackling the rapid loss of languages and why maintaining linguistic diversity is so important for cultural richness.
Jon breaks down how SIL's work—developing orthographies, fonts, literacy programs, and Bible translations—impacts over 1,100 language communities in 90 countries. He also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at his role in turning big ideas into practical solutions, walking us through the innovation processes and challenges nonprofits face, like limited resources and reputation concerns.
This episode is packed with inspiring insights, from anti-human trafficking projects to cutting-edge AI and virtual reality applications in language preservation. Jon talks about the balance between technology and human connection and how curiosity and gratitude drive meaningful innovation.
Don't miss this powerful conversation on how nonprofits can overcome barriers and make lasting change.
Bio:
Jon Hirst is the co-founder of Generous Mind, a think tank that helps thought leaders be generous with what they know. He has spent his life serving in nonprofit leadership and innovation. He supports a community of innovators via Innovation in Mission. Jon lives in Wisconsin, USA, with his wife Mindy and their three children.
Response to AI: Our AI Moment
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Resources:
REGISTER NOW for the virtual Church Mental Health Summit taking place on October 10th. Join us, and thousands of others globally, as we work toward the common goal of equipping the church to support mental health. Engage with content from over 50 different speakers in various mental health fields. Registration is free!
Spiritual First Aid
Download your free copy of our Called to Serve: Navigating Your Christian Vocation in Humanitarian, Disaster, and Development Work e-book, which includes articles full of practical advice, insight, and encouragement. Each of the three sections concludes with thought-provoking questions and a prayer. We hope this e-book informs and also guides you toward reflection, prayer, and next steps.
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This episode was produced by WildfireCreative
Theme Song: “Turning Over Tables” by The Brilliance
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(Note to the listener: In this podcast, sometimes we'll host Evangelicals, and sometimes we won't. Learning how to “do good, better” involves listening to many perspectives with different insights and understanding. Sometimes, it will make us uncomfortable; sometimes, we'll agree, and sometimes, we won't. We think that's good. We want to listen for correction–especially in our blind spots.)
The Better Samaritan podcast is produced by the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College, which offers an M.A. in Humanitarian & Disaster Leadership and a Trauma Certificate. To learn more and apply, visit our website.
Jamie Aten, Ph.D., and Kent Annan, M.Div., co-direct the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College and are the Co-Founders of Spiritual First Aid.
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