One of the coolest aspects of living in the Bay Area is being surrounded by people who are passionate about pressing social issues. But going beyond charity events and writing checks, how are they using their resources and talents to make a positive impact on the community?

This is the ongoing focus of Full Circle Fund, a non-profit that provides opportunities for people to get involved in four areas: affordable housing, education, environment, and technology.

I’m excited to attend their upcoming event in which Ron Conway, a highly regarded Silicon Valley angel investor, philanthropist and entrepreneurial thought leader, will talk about the promise of engaged philanthropy and future trends in technology and investment that are likely to enrich community change efforts.

Questions he will answer include: Faced with infinite possibilities as a philanthropist, how do you choose wisely? How can you identify projects with great potential and leadership? How can you anticipate future needs and urgency? Most critically, how can you translate what stirs your passions to meaningful personal involvement and investment?

I’m hoping that I’ll learn how to simultaneously succeed in both business and philanthropy, instead of having to choose between one or the other.