W02 Reflection

 This week we studied the Archaeology of social change. We learned how social entrepreneurs have many hurdles to overcome in order to create the changes they hope to make in the world. It takes creative, intrepid, and tenacious people who are driven by altruistic motives to have the fortitude to overcome every roadblock on their way to affecting change. Social Entrepreneurs are not the only changemakers, however. It takes teams of people, from those with the ideas, to those who work for their organizations (social intrapreneurs/implementers) who create change from within, to those who volunteer their time, energy, and resource to promote the cause (volunteers/donors). This last group should encompass "everyone else", as we are all, as God's children, called upon to love and serve the poor, underprivileged and underserved.  

One thing that stood out to me was the phrase "follow your blisters" from "What is Your Calling in Life by Jeffery A. Thompson. Joseph Campbell, who is credited with coining the phrase "follow your bliss", meant that we should look into our hearts to discover what we truly wanted from life, but ended up regretting the phrase, as people began using it in ways he never intended. He recognized that even the most meaningful work did not come without a price or without hard work and sacrifice. I have found this to be true in my life, as I have pursued various goals. The most impactful ones have required great sacrifice, sweat and tears, and yes, even sometimes blood. 

What connections do you see between Jeffrey Thompson’s article, the Gospel, and social innovation?

Thompson's article references several distorted doctrines regarding discovering the work that we were each created to do, which he calls heresies. This work, which differs for each of us, is tied to gospel teachings about our divine nature. We are children of God, and as such, each of us are entitled to the “exceeding great and precious promises” given to disciples of Christ. (2 Peter 1-4) If we are Christ's disciples, we strive to become like him, by serving, loving, uplifting, and having charity for others.

We have each been given unique talents and gifts that we can use to bless others, and it is up to us to determine how best to use those gifts. For some, they will have brilliant ideas of ways that can change the world, or systems in our society, to improve the lives of many. They have the fortitude and drive to see their idea through (social entrepreneurs). Others may have the abilities that create change through organizations, seeing ways to change existing processes and change existing entities (social Intrapreneurs/Implementers). Still others are blessed with time, resources, or energy to contribute (Volunteers/donors). Regardless of what each of us has been blessed with, there is a place for everyone in social innovation, and it is up to us to find that place, add our gift, and build each other up. 

I have discovered some of the unique gifts I've been given, and I hope that as I go through this semester and this course I'll discover new ones that I can use to serve and love through innovative ideas.