Week 1 Journal

Main ideas and topics of the week:

This week I learned of the course outcomes, which include:

1. Describe what social innovation is generally and how it applies to students’ lives.
2. Identify challenges faced by entities seeking to create social impact based on principles of social innovation.
3. Identify opportunities available to entities seeking to make a social impact based on principles of social innovation.
4. Apply principles of social innovation to existing entities, and/or hypothetical models, within the context of a specific social issue.
5. Articulate the potential connection between students’ discipleship of Jesus Christ and their future careers and business decisions.

It was interesting reading the outlined personal benefits to this course. I liked how the course syllabus mentioned, "During this class, you will discover opportunities and career paths in the social arena. You are responsible for realizing and applying the course outcomes. Search deep and converse often with your loving Heavenly Father on how you can best help Him build Zion and make the world a better place. This course teaches new and innovative approaches used by social innovators throughout the world. Take the time outside of class to master and apply these skills and, “be the change you want to see in the world.” I feel that if I truly apply myself to this course, and look for ways to apply what I learn to my life, that I will be able to do my part in making the world a better place. I know that when we use the power of our loving Heavenly Father along with educational studies, they are amplified when in conjunction. 

What is Social Innovation?

“Social innovation is the process of developing and deploying effective solutions to challenging and often systemic social and environmental issues in support of social progress. “Social innovation is not the prerogative or privilege of any organizational form or legal structure." -Stanford Business 

Social Innovation is for those who want to make a difference in the world.

There are many vehicles of Social Innovation such as nonprofits, social businesses, social entrepreneurs, NGOs, impact investing, philanthropy, and corporate social responsibility. When we learn how to leverage these different methods, we can maximize their ability to impact and improve the lives of others. 

I would define social innovation as a strategy to help meet social needs and issues better than what is currently in place. Social innovation contribute to ways to  change the world. 

A response to a specific reading, video, or activity. For instance, did something spark interest, surprise, anger, inspire, or confuse you? Reference the specific reading, video, or activity. Add your thoughts, and explain your reaction

Why is social innovation is more prevalent today?

Social Innovation is more prevalent today because of a few reason: one being a growing need for innovative ideas and change, people are feeling increasingly more empowered to make change within their world, and people are more willing to be open to new and innovative ideas to improve situations. There have been great studies about social innovation and how beneficial it is. Social innovation feels as if it is like a movement of change. At different times in history, there are specific focuses, and this happens to be a focus of out time.