Becoming a changemaker: Introduction to Social Innovation from Coursera

This course is for anyone who wants to make a difference. Whether you are already familiar with the field of social innovation or social entrepreneurship, working for an organization that wants to increase its social impact, or just starting out, this course will take you on a journey of exploring the complex problems that surround us and how to start thinking about solutions.

We will debunk common assumptions around what resources are needed to begin acting as a social innovator. We will learn from the numerous examples of social innovations happening all over the world. You will be challenged to get out of your comfort zone and start engaging with the diverse spaces around you. By the end of the course, you will have formed your own approach to social innovation, and you will have begun to develop the concepts, mindset, skills, and relationships that will enable you to start and evolve as a changemaker.

The Bertha Centre for Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship co-created this course with RLabs, a social movement ‘born-and-bred’ in Bridgetown, Cape Town that is now active in 22 countries. The movement empowers youth through innovative and disruptive technology by teaching them vital skills and providing much needed support and a sense of community. Advocating and supporting initiatives such as RLabs forms part of the Bertha Centre’s mandate. The Centre is a specialised unit at University of Cape Town’s Graduate School of Business, and is the first academic centre in Africa dedicated to advancing social innovation and entrepreneurship.

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.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

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

Introduction to social innovation concepts

According to learners, this course provides a solid introduction to social innovation, covering key concepts like understanding complex problems, identifying resources, and using frameworks such as Design Thinking. Many appreciate the focus on developing a 'changemaker' mindset and the encouragement to step out of their comfort zone. While effective in laying a theoretical foundation and offering a broad overview, some students note it offers less in the way of practical, step-by-step guidance for implementing or scaling social innovations. Overall, it is seen as a valuable starting point for those new to the field, though those seeking deep practical skills may need supplementary resources.

May need additional learning for full application.

"This course is a fantastic foundation, but you'll need other resources for practical application."

"Think of it as a great first step; subsequent courses or personal research are needed for depth."

"It opens your eyes to the field but doesn't make you a 'changemaker' expert overnight."

"Good overview, but you'll likely seek out more specific resources after completing it."

"Sets the stage well, but further learning is necessary for real-world implementation."

Accessible starting point for newcomers.

"Perfect for someone like me who was completely new to the social innovation space."

"The language and concepts were explained clearly, making it easy for a beginner to follow."

"A very accessible entry point into a complex topic."

"Doesn't assume prior knowledge, which was great."

"If you're just starting to explore this area, this course is ideal."

Challenges thinking and encourages a new perspective.

"The most impactful part was the focus on mindset, especially seeing resources where others see needs."

"It really pushed me to think differently about problems and my own role in creating change."

"Getting out of your comfort zone section was very insightful and encouraging."

"The emphasis on appreciative inquiry and strength-based approaches was very empowering."

"Shifted my perspective on what's possible with limited resources."

Provides a strong introduction to core concepts.

"The course gave me a great overview of what social innovation is all about."

"I really appreciated the exploration of complex problems and systems thinking."

"Learned about several useful frameworks, like Design Thinking, which I hadn't fully grasped before."

"It covered the fundamental ideas very clearly and concisely for a beginner."

"Excellent introduction to the theoretical underpinnings of changemaking."

More theory than hands-on implementation guidance.

"While great conceptually, I wish there was more practical 'how-to' on starting and scaling a social venture."

"It felt a bit high-level; concrete steps for implementation were not deeply covered."

"The course is excellent for understanding the 'why' and 'what' but less so for the 'how'."

"Could benefit from more case studies showing the gritty details of overcoming challenges."

"I was hoping for more tools and techniques for actual project execution."

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.

Browse courses on Sociology

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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.

Browse courses on Social Innovation

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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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