- Reflect upon the differences noted between the video examples of social entrepreneurship ventures and charitable initiatives. Refer to the differences highlighted in the chart from the module. Which were evident in the video examples
Some of the main differences in social entrepreneurship ventures and charitable initiatives lie within how they address their problem. With a charity, the needs are met immediately through donations of time, resources and money. Charities also rely on continual contributions from donors.
The difference is that social entrepreneurs create lasting changes through the development of sustainable systems and develops a business plan that strives for self-sufficiency.
These differences were mostly noted in the videos provided in the module. In the “Dancing for Charity” video, Benji Travis promoted his 24-hour broadcast in which he and his friends danced for donations to raise money to end world hunger. This clearly demonstrates a charitable initiative because Benji is asking for donations of time and money and is relying on contributions from donors to feed children around the world.
Yogita Agrawal explained her innovation in another video which represented a social entrepreneur. After discovering that 1.5 million kids in India died each year from infections that stemmed from not washing their hands, Yogita and her college friends decided to create a product that kids could use to play with while washing their hands at the same time. Yogita and her friends developed a plan to create this soap because the way kids draw on their hands and rub it in, follows the 7 steps of hand washing. Therefore, they don’t have to nag and teach kids to wash their hands, they’re already doing it on their own. Yogita’s innovation demonstrates social entrepreneurship because she created lasting changes through the development of her product and she was self-sufficient when creating her business plan.
- Which of the traits of a social entrepreneur listed in the module do you possess? Which do you need to develop? A strategically developed team that is able to combine strengths to meet the full range of tasks necessary for effective social entrepreneurship ventures will be far more likely to succeed. Based on your strengths and limitations, who would you want to invite to join your team?
Based on my own perception of myself, I believe that I possess the following traits of a social entrepreneur:
- Passionate about social issues
- Empathetic
- Nonconformist
- Curious
- Creative
- Opportunistic
- Data savvy
- Resillient
The characteristics that need to develop are:
- Innovative
- Persistent
- Business savvy
- Strong collaborator
Based on the traits that I possess, and the one that I lack, I would want Michelle Obama to be on my team. Michelle is innovative, business savvy, and has shown persistence and strong collaborator skills through her many accomplishments. The one accomplishment I have found where she has shown the most of these traits is “Let’s Move”, where she brought together community leaders, educators, medical professionals, parents, and others to address childhood obesity.
- In reviewing each of the models of social entrepreneurships, which feels like an approach you could see pursuing for your own entrepreneurial interests? It’s valuable to note that any business entrepreneurship can include a social mission. Be sure to keep this in mind as you are designing your future companies!
After reviewing the models, I could see myself pursuing an Opportunity Employment social enterprise. After many criminology classes and hours of watching documentaries, I have learned how hard it is for inmates getting out of prison to find jobs. Along with the lack of support in searching for a job upon release, most companies do not want criminals working for them. This is understandable, but I believe that everybody deserves a second chance, and I would love to give that chance to someone through my business.