Reflection Journal 2022 Social Innovation
Week one:
This week is the first week of a class that I thought I might know the basics of, yet, this class is remarkably and refreshingly different from my first thoughts. While the syllabus and expectations were clearly outlined as expected I was delighted to learn about how social innovation is changing the world in remarkable ways. I learned that social innovation is, as found in Rediscovering Social Innovation, Sanford Social Innovation Review Fall 2008. "A novel solution to a social problem that is more effective, efficient, sustainable, or just than existing solutions and for which the value accrues primarily to society as a whole rather than private individuals." I learned by reading the Ten Recent Social Innovations, how across settings and the globe the diversity of change is remarkable. In the video done by Gary Painter at USC Price, I was impressed by how this area also embraces change for itself and how the processes that are used to initiate innovation can improve. The ability of organizations such as government, business, and non-profits to work together gave me a feeling of excitement that problems can be solved in new ways. I loved the Ballard Centers' reach that allows for students to make a difference.
I felt surprised, encouraged, and a little afraid of the opportunities that have come from the Ballard Center. I was surprised that such a remarkable opportunity existed for students to make a real and sustained difference in the social needs that face our globe. The ideas that students came up with were so amazing and made me tear up at the way individuals can be so brilliant in solving problems. It was uplifting and encouraging. It made me want to help in some way too. That's when some fear and self-doubt come and the feeling I am not quite capable of such ideas and work. Yet, this is the reason I am pursuing a degree in public health. I want to contribute in meaningful ways when my husband and I begin to serve missions.
To answer the question of why social innovation is more prevalent today my thoughts immediately go to how quickly information and ideas can be shared and processed due to the advances in technology. We can see the problems that are on the other side of the world in more detail than have ever been available before. We can communicate needs ideas and solutions in ways that can allow us to respond sooner and more accurately than ever before. More people have access to education and freedom. We know there are still disparities and some of our advances have brought more problems, but we can study it out, try it out, and get our voices out there in significant and meaningful ways because of technology. It makes me thrilled to live today when change and innovation are increasingly possible in our world and very excited to learn in this class in the next 13 weeks.
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