Fan Li, the Executive Director of GLI, welcomed everybody and introduced the history of GLI and the launch of Shanghai Office this April. Among the 32 Networkers in China, 13 of them are currently based in Shanghai. The Networkers' salon aims to facilitate more communication between Networkers and with GLI. The GLI Networkers introduced themselves, shared their vision for the development of GLI and commented on our programme of activities.

The attendees showed great interest in the projects that will be launched in China by GLI this year, including website construction, the business partnership programme and other exchanges /research projects on the theme of social entrepreneurship, particularly the plan to publish a Chinese version of 'The Rise of Social Entrepreneur'. Many of our Networkers offered their ideas and suggestions on how to edit and market this book.

Published by DEMOS, 'The Rise of Social Entrepreneur' written by Charles Leadbeater, is a well-known booklet introducing the concept, history, background and case studies of social entrepreneurs in UK. The translation of this book is already underway. Some of our Networkers are also members of the translation volunteer team. The book is expected to be on sale around the China National Day holiday on October 1st.

In comparison with other sectors, university students make up a large proportion of the GLI Networkers in Shanghai. Although they are still young, they have accumulated great experience on social welfare and innovation activities.

The Networkers salon will be held regularly from now on. GLI also plans to invite guest speakers from NGOs and social entrepreneurs in future. Watch this space!