What is social innovation?

We often discuss this very question at our unconferences and other events, but here is what Wikipedia has to say:

The world and our society has experienced unprecedented growth in the last 100 years. While we have marvelled at our progress we are only now starting to realise the impact on ourselves, on community and on our earth.

Social Innovation challenges these notions. It asks us to look outside the systems that are now such a part of our lives, to challenge our unquenchable desire to consume, our sometimes limiting education systems, our population explosion and it’s impact, the damage to our environment, social justice  and our often crumbling health systems.

This emerging segment provides all with a chance to improve one’s quality of life, understanding and perhaps altering of our impact.

It often pushes for a reconnection to our community, it offers us the opportunity to make a difference in our lives, the lives of those around us, of our global village and, of course, our precious planet.

Social innovation refers to new strategies, concepts, ideas and organizations that meet social needs of all kinds – from working conditions and education to community development and health – and that extend and strengthen civil society. (Source: Wikipedia)