Week 5 Journal

This week I learned about solution and impact evaluation. It's tricky to find a solution that doesn't create more problems. Mission statements are important and so are metrics to measure success or impact. I liked learning about the eight-word mission statement. It's important to state a verb, target population, and an outcome in a concise way. 


I was surprised at the Starfish Hurling and Community Service article by Keith Morton. I have heard that story so many times over the years. I'm sure most of us have. I will never think of it the same way again! It really was eye opening to read and I see the points he makes. We must be more community minded. Community mindedness, being aware of the circumstances and getting as much information as possible is important. It's also important to not run out to help immediately, but to to talk to others, know the environment, and work with others to gain knowledge to make the best and most effective decisions possible.


Reflecting on the Starfish Hurling story and how I set goals has me thinking that it's important to involve others in our goals. It has been proven that when we tell someone about a goal we have, we are more accountable. Also, many times other people can be strengths to us and help us meet our goals. If exercising is hard for me to do alone, I might ask a friend if she'll exercise with me. Now I'm accountable because she knows I want to exercise, and I asked her to join me so she will ask me about it and when we're going to do it. Talking with others and building relationships is the best chance for success in social innovation issues and in setting and having success with goals. 

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