Week 6 Journal

This week I learned about generating revenue for social entrepreneurs. Many times, nonprofits are used for social problems and it's difficult for them to find sustainable funding. The answer is in business. Shared value is when a social problem is addressed with a business model. This partnership and collaboration is the best way to tackle social issues. I read an example of this this week in "How to Change the World" chapter 11. Vera Cordeiro founded Renascer to help children and families in Sao Paulo, Brazil. She partnered with McKinsey, a management consulting firm, and was able to increase the impact of Renascer.


I really enjoyed reading and learning about Renascer. I'm an Applied Health major so I really liked seeing the partnership of Renascer and McKinsey and the impact they were able to have. Vera Cordeiro's idea to help children and families after they left the hospital so that they wouldn't end up back in the hospital was very inspiring. She helped break the cycle of sickness, hospitalization, sickness, and death. Her idea of working with families after kids were discharged was revolutionary. She taught them about hygiene and helped them get food and clean water. I loved this story.


I don't believe money buys happiness, but it can help. When our most basic needs are met, we can then take care of ourselves, be healthy, and help others. Can we be happy without these things? Yes. Happiness comes from the inside, from knowing who we are and looking around us and realizing we are in charge of our thoughts and our happiness. I don't think money can change the world either. It can help in some cases obviously like Renascer. A lot of good can be done with money, but I think mostly money goes to people's heads and leads to greed and selfishness. The best way to change the world is to be kind and giving in some form to everyone we come in contact with. When we look outside of ourselves and interact with others, we change ourselves and the other person.



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