Week 1 Reflection

 

1. In addition to introducing the class through the orientation to online learning and the syllabus, this week focused on helping the students get to know each other and understand what Social Innovation is. It showed us ways that the Ballard Center is helping lead the development of Social Innovation, and how this class can help us as students to be prepared to change the world as we develop an understanding of how to engage in social innovation. 
2.  The article  "Rediscovering Social Innovation" definitely sparked the most confusion for me. As I read it I felt as though I understood words but not the meaning of the words that were strung together. I would like to better understand how innovation is both a process and a product. I am hoping that the content of this class will clarify for me what innovation as a process looks like compared to innovation as an outcome. I also had a hard time feeling like I have complete clarity on what socially responsible investing is. I do understand the idea behind microfinance because I have worked with non-profits that utilize this type of socially responsible investing. However, that is the only part I felt that I truly grasped. 
3.  I believe that social innovation is more prevalent today because societal trends have shifted. Companies and individuals  are realizing the value of working to create benefits for society as a whole and these benefits do not have to come strictly through non-profit organizations.