Photo via YouTube
Photo via YouTube

Did you realize that there is a major nonprofit activist group that was created around Harry Potter?

The Harry Potter Alliance, formed in 2005, is celebrating its 10-year anniversary of turning “fans into heroes,” around the world. They have more than 300 organized chapters in 45 countries.

The org was started by a touring comedian, Andrew Slack, when he was looking for a way to integrate social purpose into his acts. The Alliance has built libraries, sent cargo planes to Haiti and headed fund-raising efforts to help citizens in Darfur as just a few of its philanthropic efforts.

This is a great story about a nonprofit pulling together likeminded fans to bond over Harry Potter and using stories to “mobilize for social change.” And, yep, even J.K. Rowling has gotten involved, saying she is “humbled” by the Alliance’s good deeds.

Watch the Fast Company video below:

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