Week 1 Journal

 Week 1

 

Social innovation is a process, product, or program that profoundly changes the way a system operates. It is addressing complex problems at the roots to find solutions. Social entrepreneurs are those who focus on a mission-related impact and not wealth creation. They aim to create and maintain social value. Problems can’t be solved by one organization alone or by private or government agencies. Cross-sector sharing is important for the success of social innovation. Nonprofit, public, and private sectors all need to be involved for idea sharing, values, capital, and talent. There are many different areas and complex social problems that social innovation can be used for and many different solutions. 

 

I enjoyed learning about the Ballard Center at BYU and the stories shared about the way students can be involved there. The three companies that students started from their experience there really interested me. I especially liked the EcoScraps story of taking food waste and turning it into potting soil and compost mix. What a great idea and good use of the waste. I didn’t realize that rotting food emits methane. I also liked hearing the stories of Jake Harriman in Iraq (his experience was so scary and sad) and the one about Mohammad Yunus creating Microfinance. My eyes were opened this week to the variety of opportunities for social innovation and I learned a lot as I heard and read various examples. 

 

I think social innovation is more prevalent today because of technology and because people and organizations (nonprofit, public, and private sectors) understand that partnerships are the best way to make a lasting impact. There are many social issues around the world and I think people have realized that it's hard to have an impact without collaborating with others. Technology has made it easier than ever before to collaborate with others and to reach those who need help. 

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