Social Innovation Reflection Journal

  Reflection week 03 This week we chose an social issue that we are interested in. I chose Veteran Suicides. I have a neighbor who was in the army for many years and now is in forced retirement with terminal cancer from active duty. I have a cousins in the military and one of my nephews recently joined while another has signed recruitment papers. I feel that those who serve our country, for whatever reason, should always find hope and safety and peace. I feel that our veterans and active serviceman need more care and watching over. I look forward to see what has helped and is helping this cause and see if there is something more. This week the O.U.R video was intense and maddening. Again, everyone needs hope and have a right to feel safe and peace and Tim Ballard is doing a great job in helping these children obtain that. This is a major social issue but seems to not be at the forefront of politics or priorities.

       This week we read about an experience Fabio Rosa in Brazil who is trying to bring electricity to the farmers in the rural areas, this was so that the farmers could dig wells and be able to have water for their fields at a reasonable  price and make a profit. I was surprised that parts of the government were opposed to this happening especially since a lot of platforms were based on bringing electricity to rural farmers. Rosa did not give up and found success. I loved that he took something personal and something that he loved and was able to turn it into something that beneficial and helpful for many throughout Brazil and other areas. He continued his work in solar energy but again looked at problems around him and the amount of money it would take to do some of his work and employed different methods and problems and combined them together. Fabio is a very innovative man that has helped many. 

 Some of the main points this week for Social Innovation were talking about what Social Innovation is. We also had to learn the syllabus and get orientated for online learning. Something else was getting to know the people in this class. I have noticed that this class is not specific to any one degree but to many degrees . I enjoyed the video about the Ballard Center and the people that were spotlighted in it. The ideas and ways of making an impact seem endless and not so far reaching when others are involved and want to help. I always told my husband that when we are ready I want to spend several years serving a mission with him and hep out in communities that are need throughout the world. There is so much that can be done. I feel that social innovation is more prevalent now because with the advancements in technology and the ability to get more done, more and more people are able to help. Also, the need for more help is known more because of  the media and people throughout...