Becoming a changemaker: Introduction to Social Innovation from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

What's our problem?

Welcome to Becoming a changemaker! This week, we distinguish between simple, complicated and complex problems. Social innovation takes place in complex systems and complex systems have complex or “wicked” problems, like the kinds of problems the world is trying to tackle right now such as climate change, HIV Aids and other pandemics, poverty and inequality. A complex system has many variables or elements such as different sorts of people, material and rules and those elements of the system are interacting with each other so much that the complexity increases exponentially. So the work of complexity is about bringing yourself into the system, engaging with it, living with it and innovating in yourself as you innovate in that system that you’re working in. You can’t look at the whole system but you can look at more than one piece of it. The more you start to bring in different parts of the systems, you can then start to connect those in ways that they weren’t connected before.

What do we have to work with?

One of the hallmarks of very innovative organizations and people is that they see resources where other people don’t, and they can bring those resources to bear to create new innovative solutions. There’s transformative power in shifting from looking at needs, gaps, and what’s wrong, to appreciating strengths, resources and what’s right. Through developing a strength-based mindset and an appreciative approach you can discover hidden or underused resources. These resources might be people, kinds of knowledge and expertise, time, and physical spaces. As soon as you start seeing resources all around you, not only can you move forward but you become energised and hopeful, and creative things start to happen. You’ll find that you might be a lot richer than you think in terms of what you have to start building your own social innovation with.

Getting out of your comfort zone

By nature the world of social innovation is made of crossing boundaries, bringing together different actors, resources, spaces, but it can be overwhelming. Part of our challenge on the journey to becoming changemakers is to learn how to become comfortable with discomfort and how in the social innovation space where you take yourself into spaces and you surround yourself with people that you normally do not engage with. Understanding how we define differences using cultural, sociological, psychological and spiritual lenses and what the nature of the differences is helps to develop tools for getting out of your comfort zone. It takes a little bit of courage because it makes you uncomfortable, but that’s how you build the competencies, the personal resilience to engage with difference when we do go and drive for innovations or we look to make differences in communities that are unlike us or operate in a different way.

Innovating by design

A number of methodologies and processes can help generate ideas and creative opportunities, and some of these have been used in business to generate new products and services, and are starting to be applied in social innovation. Human-centred design is incredibly important, and the Design Thinking process allows you to start early and wherever you are with whatever you’ve got. Design Thinking has evolved as a way to respond to deeper user insights, to connect more with people and with communities so that we can actually design solutions that are human-centred. Design Thinking is not just about products, but also helps create new processes, new systems, new services, and importantly even user experiences. Following a Design Thinking process will help you iterate and test your solution with end users, with an emphasis on failing early and often through trying things out and prototyping. Powerful Design Thinking methodology can help you to come up with human-centred design solutions that manifest economic viability, technical feasibility and social desirability in your social innovation.

Changing the system - who me?

Understanding that social innovation is system innovation can help us appreciate why social innovation is so difficult to do. Social innovations can start to challenge and change the underlying system conditions that caused the social or environmental problem in the first place. We are asked to innovate around belief systems, or around authority, power, and resource flows. So, a social innovation challenges the rules of the game. Asking what’s innovative about the work means asking questions around the experiences of where an innovation might be changing the rules of the games and allows us to go deeper into the kinds of impacts that might be possible, and discover hidden impacts. When any kind of social innovation starts to get at the systemic roots, we’re going to be provoking anxiety. So it’s quite helpful to map out the social system and the rules that govern it and then to consider how you are challenging these rules through the innovation.

What if it works?

In the end social innovation is about impact. We’re all trying to have a meaningful, positive effect on the world, whatever that might mean to us. If we do this and we’re actually successful, this is going to take us sooner or later to the question of scale. How do we grow that innovation? As social innovations mature, the forms they could take and the multiple ways in which you could organise around achieving impact increase. It used to be easy to label organisations according to non-profit and for profit, and government institutions based on their purpose, its organisational structure and the way it measured what it achieved. That’s all changing. There are different ways to diffuse and scale the work that we’re doing to achieve impact.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Suitable for individuals seeking to make a positive impact in their communities or organizations

Introduces innovative approaches to tackling complex social problems

Encourages participants to expand their perspectives and engage with diverse communities

Emphasizes the importance of identifying and leveraging resources within communities

Provides tools and methodologies for developing and implementing social innovations

Exploration of the challenges and complexities of system-level change

Reviews summary

Thoughtful trailblazer in social innovations

learners say this course is a largely positive resource for anyone interested in becoming a changemaker in their community. The course defines social innovation as the use of existing resources to create positive change within a community by addressing a wicked problem. Learners are guided through a step-by-step design-thinking process that maps out the steps to create a social innovation project, whether it is for-profit, nonprofit, or a hybrid model. The course also provides a deep dive into the RLabs case study, which highlights how the idea behind the organization came to fruition and grew into a successful social innovation. Through a combination of video lectures, guest speakers, readings, and assignments, learners discover how to identify hidden resources, implement design thinking, and develop an innovative idea that can make a positive impact on their community. Graduates of this course will leave with a plan to address a wicked problem in their community and a sense of empowerment to make that plan a reality.

Encourages learners to identify and address real-world problems within their own communities.

"I feel more capable and confident right now to deal with the topic, to use and search materials, and to understand the variety of types of social organizations found out there."

"I am so grateful for the wisdom I have gained. I am much more aware now on how to tackle some situation on which my community has been facing for long."

"Taught me ways to critically think about the various stakeholders who/how are impacted by status quo and need of disruptive changes."

"Taking this course has deepened my awareness of my environment and my community, where I fee I have the confidence to identify an issue and by applying the course content and tools which I have learnt, be on my way to becoming a change maker...even if it changes the life of one..."

Provides a range of activities, including peer feedback, that allow learners to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios.

"You have an incredible ability to draw people to take action."

"I was able to read everyone's assignments from all over the world."

"It reminds you of how much we are all one and have the same hopes and desires to make this world a better place for all."

"I am now able to start my own journey with confidence."

"The course helped to understand better what we want and how to develop our ideas more effectively."

Features appearances from guest speakers who are leading experts in their fields, as well as insights and real-world examples from the RLabs case study.

"I have just finished the course and am feeling sad that it has ended."

"The story of RLabs encouraged innovation - and was realistic in covering some of the way things didn't work - but that is OK - failure can be expected but it is not the end of the story - just part of the learning curve."

"The course helped to understand better what we want and how to develop our ideas more effectively. Before starting the course I was more concerned about my own problems."

"I found myself considering ideas and thinking about social innovative ideas from a completely new and refreshing perspective."

"I would recommend this course for anyone who works in the public domain."

Instills a sense of empowerment and confidence that learners can use to make a positive impact in their community, regardless of their background or experience.

"It made me a little sad that I'm already done with it."

"I can see the passion the lecturers have for social innovation, and it is very inspiring."

"I hope to someday work with them."

"This whole course is a game-changer."

"This has been an inspiring and educational journey for me as I start down a new path of becoming a changemaker."

Teaches the use of a systemic change framework and design thinking, two excellent tools for developing tangible and sustainable social change.

"This course opened space to reflect, ask myself, seek resources and take action before I was ready."

"I feel like I now have the knowledge to tackle problems in my community, step out of my comfort zone, and create a positive impact ."

"This course is exactly what I needed in order to learn the foundations of becoming a change maker."

"This course is one of the best things to have happened to me during this global crisis."

"The lessons are informative but at same time, easy to comprehend."

The course load is moderately time-consuming and requires a significant amount of reading and writing for discussions and assignments.

"However, there were some challenges I encountered. Firstly, I had to re-do the course twice for some unknown reasons because it woukd not show my previous week's work or allow me continue in the present week."

"Secondly, the week 6 had all the instructions of what to do in the "optional" assignment but didn't say exactly where to submit the assignment and did not give a portal to submit."

"So technically I did not submit the optional assignment although I did all other required assignments."

Some peer reviews were unhelpful or included nonsense, which could be disappointing for learners looking for constructive criticism.

"It also helped me a lot coming out of my comfort zone."

"From the lectures we got to the assignments was very exciting and I have learned from it."

"There were a number of instances where the peers who reviewed me and those that I reviewed did not submit anything in their commentary and the system did not pick it up (i.e. they just typed alphabets in the text boxes and submitted)."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Becoming a changemaker: Introduction to Social Innovation with these activities:

Review core social concepts

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Review core concepts in sociology, psychology, and social theory to strengthen your foundation for social innovation.

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Read key texts on social theory, sociology, and social psychology.
Summarize and reflect on the main concepts and theories.
Identify connections between different concepts and theories.

Read 'The Innovator's Dilemma' by Clayton Christensen

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Gain insights into the challenges and opportunities of innovation in established organizations.

View The Disruptive Innovation Set (2 Books) on Amazon

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Read the book thoroughly and take notes on key concepts.
Identify the main arguments and case studies presented in the book.
Consider the implications of the book's findings for social innovation.

Volunteer at a social organization

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Gain practical experience and develop empathy by volunteering at a social organization related to your interests.

Browse courses on Social Innovation

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Identify a social organization that aligns with your values and interests.
Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Commit to a regular volunteer schedule.
Engage actively with the organization and its beneficiaries.

Four other activities

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Explore social innovation case studies

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Analyze case studies of successful social innovations to learn from their strategies and outcomes.

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Identify and research case studies of social innovations in different sectors.
Analyze the case studies using a framework or template.
Discuss the findings and insights with peers or a mentor.

Design thinking exercises

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Engage in design thinking exercises to develop creative solutions and prototype ideas.

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Identify a social problem or challenge.
Empathize with the users and stakeholders.
Ideate and brainstorm potential solutions.
Prototype and test solutions to gather feedback.

Develop a social innovation proposal

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Craft a proposal outlining your social innovation idea, including its goals, strategies, and impact measurement plan.

Browse courses on Social Innovation

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Define the problem and identify the target audience.
Develop a solution and describe its potential impact.
Outline the implementation plan and budget.
Design an evaluation plan to measure the impact of the innovation.

Create a blog or vlog on social innovation

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Share your knowledge and insights on social innovation by creating a blog or vlog.

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Choose a specific topic or aspect of social innovation to focus on.
Conduct research and gather information from reliable sources.
Write or record your content in a clear and engaging manner.
Promote your blog or vlog on social media and other channels.

Career center

Learners who complete Becoming a changemaker: Introduction to Social Innovation will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Social Entrepreneur

As a Social Entrepreneur, you will work to design and implement solutions to social or environmental problems. The Becoming a Changemaker course will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role. You will learn how to identify and analyze complex social problems, develop innovative solutions, and build partnerships with other organizations. You will also gain experience in fundraising and marketing, which are essential skills for any Social Entrepreneur. With the skills you gain in the Becoming a Changemaker course, you will be well-equipped to make a difference in the world as a Social Entrepreneur.

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Nonprofit Manager

As a Nonprofit Manager, you will be responsible for leading and managing a nonprofit organization. The Becoming a Changemaker course will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role. You will learn how to develop and implement strategic plans, manage finances, and build relationships with donors and stakeholders. You will also gain experience in fundraising and marketing, which are essential skills for any Nonprofit Manager. With the skills you gain in the Becoming a Changemaker course, you will be well-equipped to lead a nonprofit organization to success.

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Community Organizer

As a Community Organizer, you will work to build relationships with community members and mobilize them to take action on social issues. The Becoming a Changemaker course will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role. You will learn how to identify and analyze community needs, develop and implement community-based solutions, and build partnerships with other organizations. You will also gain experience in fundraising and marketing, which are essential skills for any Community Organizer. With the skills you gain in the Becoming a Changemaker course, you will be well-equipped to make a difference in your community as a Community Organizer.

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Social Worker

As a Social Worker, you will work to help people overcome social and economic challenges. The Becoming a Changemaker course will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role. You will learn how to assess and diagnose social problems, develop and implement treatment plans, and advocate for social change. You will also gain experience in working with diverse populations, which is essential for any Social Worker. With the skills you gain in the Becoming a Changemaker course, you will be well-equipped to make a difference in the lives of others as a Social Worker.

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Policy Analyst

As a Policy Analyst, you will work to research and analyze public policy issues. The Becoming a Changemaker course will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role. You will learn how to identify and analyze policy problems, develop and evaluate policy solutions, and communicate your findings to policymakers. You will also gain experience in working with data and statistics, which is essential for any Policy Analyst. With the skills you gain in the Becoming a Changemaker course, you will be well-equipped to make a difference in the world as a Policy Analyst.

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Program Manager

As a Program Manager, you will be responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating social programs. The Becoming a Changemaker course will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role. You will learn how to develop and implement program plans, manage budgets, and evaluate program outcomes. You will also gain experience in working with diverse populations, which is essential for any Program Manager. With the skills you gain in the Becoming a Changemaker course, you will be well-equipped to make a difference in the lives of others as a Program Manager.

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Project Manager

As a Project Manager, you will be responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects. The Becoming a Changemaker course will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role. You will learn how to develop project plans, manage budgets, and track project progress. You will also gain experience in working with diverse teams, which is essential for any Project Manager. With the skills you gain in the Becoming a Changemaker course, you will be well-equipped to make a difference in the world as a Project Manager.

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Consultant

As a Consultant, you will work with clients to identify and solve business problems. The Becoming a Changemaker course will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role. You will learn how to analyze business problems, develop and implement solutions, and communicate your findings to clients. You will also gain experience in working with diverse teams, which is essential for any Consultant. With the skills you gain in the Becoming a Changemaker course, you will be well-equipped to make a difference in the world as a Consultant.

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Educator

As an Educator, you will work to teach and inspire students. The Becoming a Changemaker course will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role. You will learn how to develop lesson plans, manage classrooms, and assess student learning. You will also gain experience in working with diverse populations, which is essential for any Educator. With the skills you gain in the Becoming a Changemaker course, you will be well-equipped to make a difference in the lives of others as an Educator.

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Researcher

As a Researcher, you will work to conduct research and analyze data. The Becoming a Changemaker course may be useful for you if you are interested in conducting research on social or environmental issues. You will learn how to develop research questions, collect and analyze data, and communicate your findings. You will also gain experience in working with diverse teams, which is essential for any Researcher.

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Analyst

As an Analyst, you will work to collect, analyze, and interpret data. The Becoming a Changemaker course may be useful for you if you are interested in working with data to solve social or environmental problems. You will learn how to develop data collection plans, analyze data, and communicate your findings. You will also gain experience in working with diverse teams, which is essential for any Analyst.

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Writer

As a Writer, you will work to create written content for a variety of purposes. The Becoming a Changemaker course may be useful for you if you are interested in writing about social or environmental issues. You will learn how to develop writing skills, conduct research, and communicate your ideas effectively. You will also gain experience in working with diverse teams, which is essential for any Writer.

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Designer

As a Designer, you will work to create visual content for a variety of purposes. The Becoming a Changemaker course may be useful for you if you are interested in using design to solve social or environmental problems. You will learn how to develop design skills, conduct research, and communicate your ideas effectively. You will also gain experience in working with diverse teams, which is essential for any Designer.

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Public Relations Specialist

As a Public Relations Specialist, you will work to manage the public image of an organization. The Becoming a Changemaker course may be useful for you if you are interested in using public relations to promote social or environmental causes. You will learn how to develop public relations strategies, write press releases, and manage media relations. You will also gain experience in working with diverse teams, which is essential for any Public Relations Specialist.

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Event Planner

As an Event Planner, you will work to plan and execute events. The Becoming a Changemaker course may be useful for you if you are interested in planning events for social or environmental causes. You will learn how to develop event plans, manage budgets, and coordinate logistics. You will also gain experience in working with diverse teams, which is essential for any Event Planner.

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