Reflective Journaling #1

 



     How do we solve the world's social issues? What can be done to find workable solutions to improving societies on a global level? How do we move from recognizing problems to enacting real change that impacts individuals and communities? Social Innovation.  Social innovation is finding new ways to address social issues in ways that change the society, not just individuals. This can be done in many different ways and from many different sectors. Governments, corporations, non-profit organizations and individuals can all facilitate social innovation as they work to help societies around the world. These different sectors can work collaboratively to enact lasting change.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-20dnyLXKQ

         



     This video talks about some of the projects that have come from students at the Ballard Center. It is an inspiring video because none of these people were in positions of power or wealth to initiate the changes that they felt would have societal impact. Instead, individuals saw problems and developed new solutions for those problems. They were supported in their visions for change and made big impacts on their societies. Tilapiana was developed by recognizing shortages in Ghana. Tilapia farming helps food supplies, sustainability, and economic development in communities that needed those things. EcoScraps was developed by recognizing that the food waste in America is a societal issue and causes negative methane gas emissions, and then developing a business that provides jobs and revenue along with recycling food waste into usable and needed soil is innovative and beneficial to society in many different ways. The social innovations highlighted in this video inspire me to look for ways to make differences. Every community has problems that could be helped. Some organizations like the Ballard Center for Social Impact help facilitate students' novel solutions to issues. Every person has the ability to make a change and to be part of solutions. We just need to be aware and to get involved.


     Social innovation is more prevalent today because we are more aware of needs on global levels. We have media representation and access to travel throughout the world. We can connect to governments, organizations, and companies for resources and to be part of helping societies that we are not part of. There is a greater focus on global citizenship now, then there has been which encourages us to be more aware of societal issues and to take greater responsibility for fixing societal problems. Between communication, travel, and access to resources there has never been a time with more potential for social innovation and for finding true solutions to many of the societal issues that effect so many communities on the earth. We just need to find ways to be part of changing our world for good.

     Social innovation is changing the world by finding new solutions. It is brainstorming and collaborating. It is finding new ways to make changes that last. It is helping and making a difference. We can all be social innovators and we can all find ways to impact society to make the world a better place.


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