1. I learned a lot this week just about the basics of what a social entrepreneur is, and how social innovation can be applied in my life. I think the most important aspect of this week's teaching was the truth that I do not need to be a social entrepreneur to make an impact. My favorite quote from the readings was, "But social entrepreneurs alone cannot change the world.They need artists, volunteers, development directors, communications specialists, donors, and advocates across all sectors to turn their groundbreaking ideas into reality. They need fundraisers, supporters who can change policies, someone to create a brochure describing their work. If everyone wants to start a new organization, who is going to do all the work?" I want to be a social entrepreneur and I believe I have the ability to do so, however, it is comforting to me to know that no matter what I chose to do with the rest of my life, I can always be striving to serve and to make a difference. Another thing I learned, was that in order to make a difference, my passions and my skills need to coincide. Otherwise, I will not be able to make as large an impact. I had never thought of social innovation in that way before, even though now it seems obvious. During class, I jotted down a list of what I am passionate about as well as my skills. It was definitely a rough list, but it helped get me brainstorming on how I can make a contribution to the world. The next thing that stood out to me were the logistics of non-profits and for-profits. Before this class, I was a bit naive and I really did not know how non-profits make money. I mean they don't make profits, right? Wrong. I know it is a small thing, but it was good for me to learn before I embarrassed myself!
2. Your mom/friend/roommate asks you about your classes this semester and you mention Social Innovation. How would you explain what social innovation is, what the class is about, and why you are taking the class?
So, this class has got me really excited and I have actually already been telling everyone I know about social innovation! When I discuss this class with other people I usually explain to them that it is a class about how to make a difference in the world. I explain that a social entrepreneur does not simply donate money, time or talents to a cause. Instead, social entrepreneurs invest in companies; they find the root of the problem and find innovative ways to solve that problem. I tell them that we get to read up on social entrepreneurs, incredible organizations, and the growing field of social innovation for homework, then we come to class and meet people who are making a difference and these people have panels and give presentations to us. I also explain that my teacher is a social entrepreneur and he and the TA are very passionate about this class which makes me want to get more involved. I am taking this class because I am so very passionate about equal rights. I am working on my business degree and I want to find a way to help those in need. Having a career will not be fulfilling to me until I know I am helping someone. Yes, I can 'help' someone by performing a service, but I want to do more; be more. I want to help abolish slavery. I want to fight for the rights of women in other countries. I want to protect animals. There are so many things that I am passionate about and I am in this class to learn how to incorporate these passions in with my business degree.
3. In the Ted Talk by Jake Harriman, he talked about a glass ceiling over solving the worlds problem, do you think there is or is not a glass ceiling. If there is, what is holding us back from breaking it? If there isn't, what can we do convince the world that?
In a way, I do think there is a glass ceiling over the world's problems. Something I recently discussed in my economic class was the difference between our government and Sweden's government. Sweden's government gets 50% of the people's wages and in return provides services like free transportation, free health care, etc. This system is actually extremely proficient and the Swedish people are factually proven to be some of the happiest people on the planet. So why don't we implement a government strategy like that in the United States? The answer is this; we care what people think. There is a stigma that we must remain completely free because we are America. I come at this example from an unbiased opinion, but I can't help but think it relates to the glass ceiling. We have answers to the world's problems but we in some ways think we have to act a certain way, or we think that we are just one person; we cant change the world's problems. I also believe there is an ignorance that encompasses more of the world. I think the key to breaking the glass ceiling is knowledge. We need to spread the word about the issues at hand and raise educated children that will be advocates for change.
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