Social Innovation - Week 1 Reflection

This week, we learned about what social innovation is.  Social innovation is about looking at various problems around the world that impact any population, finding the why behind them, and addressing those issues to create a better place.  Thomas S. Monson said, "Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness. For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves." Using our own bright ideas, we can fight big issues with even small instruments of change. 

    I really loved the article titled, "The Meaning of 'Social Entrepreneurship'" by J. Gregory Dees.  It talks about the history of being an entrepreneur, and what that means for social innovation. We typically think of entrepreneurship as someone being business savvy, and diverting resources from a less profitable venture to a more profitable business. However, that isn't the root meaning of an entrepreneur.  "Entrepreneurs create value." Using our business acumen, we can create value in addressing a multitude of the serious issues that face our society today, and turn those obstacles into solutions.  It doesn't only have to be about starting a non-profit or giving away charity. It can be a for-profit venture that is committed to doing good and addressing a need.  In a previous class, I studied a company that created micro loans for impoverished people looking to get into business and better their lives.  It connected them with investors that were happy to contribute to their new business in return for their investment paid back with interest that was attainable to the investees.  I love that ideas like this one could convince even more businesses to be socially responsible.   They don't necessarily need to give away their help - it can be profitable to both sides of the coin.  

    I think social innovation is more prevalent today because more and more people WANT to do good.  With the widespread use the internet and social media, it is easier to see the multitude of issues that people all over the world struggle with.  As we've been told time and time again, our generation was chosen for this time.  So many people have so many ideas on how to help - it's time to harness them and put them into action.