Why Become a Social Innovator

If Not You Then Who?

When thinking about the importance of social innovators in our world today, let’s consider the following story titled “Whose Job Is It, Anyway?” (an oldie but a goodie!)

This is a story about four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody. There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it. Somebody got angry about that, because it was Everybody’s job. Everybody thought Anybody could do it, but Nobody realised that Everybody wouldn’t do it. It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done.

A funny story (and maybe a bit confusing) but the message is clear: if every one of us assumes that someone else will address the problems we see in the world around us, nothing will ever get done and nothing will change as a result.

Social innovators do not make such assumptions! Social innovators are drivers of change actively seeking out and creating new ideas to tackle issues impacting people, communities and the environment.

Every generation has faced their own unique set of challenges however today’s young people are being faced with ever more complex challenges on a global scale (mass migration and displacement, climate crisis, wars, global pandemics etc). 

Commenting on research carried by Young Social Innovators into Generation Z (2022), Dr Colman Noctor said; 

Young people in Ireland have spent more of their lives in unprecedented times than precedented times over the last number of years…. Between global pandemics, climate crises and global conflicts, they have witnessed three 'one in 100-year events' in the space of just two years.

When problems appear so large and insurmountable, it’s easy to assume that that nothing can be done anyway to fix them so there’s no point in trying (surrender); that they are issues for other people to deal with (the somebody, anybody, nobody and everybody story), or maybe just maybe, they can be seen as opportunities to create something new that can lead to a brighter outcome (social innovation)!

Now more than ever, the world needs creative and courageous leaders and problem solvers who see what needs to be done and who are not afraid to take on the challenge. They don’t always get it right, but the not-getting-it-right can often lead to even better ideas and even brighter outcomes.

So what makes a great social innovator?

• Someone who is empathetic and cares about other people and the world around them.
• Someone who sees the problems in the world around them and wants things to be better
• Someone who is not afraid to try new things
• Someone who is not afraid to fail and sees failure as a stepping step in the journey to something better
• Someone creative who likes coming up with new ideas
• Someone who likes working with others and can inspire others to action
• Someone just like you!

The best thing about social innovation is that it always works better when it’s done in a team. That way, everyone’s unique skills and talents are put to use and combined in the best way to bring about the positive change you are hoping to create.

And the best news of all? Young people make the best social innovators!