What is a social enterprise?

We hear these terms used loosely: ‘social enterprise’, ‘social economy’, ‘social enterpreneurship’, but does anyone agree on a definition? Can we come up with our own that resonates with us?

There are several definitions used to describe this highly versatile and multipurposed enterprise. We may consider the following:

'A social economy enterprise operates like a business, produces goods and services for the market, but manages its operations and redirects its surpluses in pursuit of social and environmental goals'-1.

1- Defining the Social Economy, by Fiona Salkie; Senior Policy Analyst, WD Headquarters, Edmonton

I particularly like this one:

‘Social enterprise applies an entrepreneurial approach to addressing social issues and creating positive community change’.

This one also resonates with me:

‘A social enterprise is a revenue-generating business with primarily social objectives whose surpluses are reinvested for that purpose in the business or in the community, rather than being driven by the need to deliver profit to shareholders and owners.’

http://www.centreforsocialenterprise.com/what.html

I think the important thing to remember here is not the words we use, but the meaning we are trying to convey. That is why I would like to go the root of the issue, and answer the following question:

Why is the social economy important? What’s it all about? ...

Why is the social economy important? What’s it all about?

In my view, the social economy represents a new way of considering the economy.

Traditionally, emphasis is put on money, numbers and quantitative aspects. We consider a country’s GDP, without considering the gap between the rich and the poor, or the social and environmental conditions the population may be living in. We consider a business’ overall revenue instead of its achievements in social inclusion or environmental preservation in order to evaluate success.

This needs to change. And it is changing. The simple fact that we are using the term ‘social enterprise’ is a refreshing step forward.

Human beings around the world are beginning to realize that there is more to life than money. Even the word economy has a whole new meaning when we begin to include social and environmental aspects. We cannot continue to measure our success with the amount of money we generate. With environmental catastrophe looming ahead, money will not buy you more oxygen, drinking water or uncontaminated land (although some may argue otherwise). There is a limit to how much we can pressure the economy until it burst. In other words, we begin to consider other elements in our equation.

For instance, Canadian Maritimers working in Fort MacMurray, Alberta (out West as we call it), may be making oodles of cash but are they better off? What about their health? If you get sick with cancer as a result of all the contamination you are exposed to while at work, what good is your precious savings if you don’t live to see your 50th birthday?

Money isn’t everything.

It is changing. Some are in denial. Some are apathetic. But there are countless of citizens around the world using social entrepreneurship to transform the economy. To make it something meaningful, something that benefits the masses, our neighbors, our teachers, our families; and not only the extremely rich and powerful whom we don’t even know their names.

The Social economy allows us to make money, to be successful, to provide for our families, but not to the detriment of others. It allows us to act with awareness and precision, to make our jobs and lives count. We relate to others. We are doing something good. We feel good about our work. We feel happier.

Then the domino effect rolls in and a nice wave of positive change is before us. Let’s give it momentum. Let’s consider social entrepreneurship as a realistic and definite way of transforming our economy, our environment, our society, our lives, and the lives of others across the globe. The social economy isn’t simply a term or a concept to learn about, it is a way of life and it has the power to transform the order of things as we know them, for the better.

The true nature of fear

Je tenais à partager ce passage d'un 'e-book' de Seth Godin qui est une compilation de textes d'auteurs divers. Ça vient chercher mes pensées sur le sujet, mais je n'aurais jamais pu le décrire aussi bien. Alors le voici :

“Have you ever wondered who’s behind that little voice in your head that tells you, ‘you’re in this by yourself, one person doesn’t make a difference, so why even try?’
His name is Fear. Fear plays of antagonist in the story of your life. You must rid yourself of him using all necessary means.

We’re often impressed by those who appear to be fearless. The people who fly to the moon. Chase tornadoes. Enter dangerous war zones. Skydive. Speak in front of thousands of people. Stand up to cancer. Raise money and adopt a child that isn’t their flesh and blood.

So, why are we so inspired by them?

Because deep down, we are them.

We all share the same characteristics.

We’re all divinely human.

Until Fear is gone, (and realize he may never completely leave) make the decision to be courageous. The world needs your story in order to be complete.”

-Anne Jackson

Voici le lien pour le livre au complet:
http://sethgodin.typepad.com/files/what-matters-now-2.pdf

Alors continuons à monter la montagne de notre vie et à profiter du trajet plutôt que de se concentrer sur le but à atteindre. A chacun son parcours!

The power of ideas

An idea is only an idea until someone else (usually someone prominent) thinks it’s a good idea. In other words, ALL ideas are good. It just depends on how you can SELL the idea, and most importantly, how much YOU believe in it.
Think of all the Best Sellers that were turned down 14 times before getting published (I’m thinking of The Four Day Work Week for example). It’s not that the book wasn’t good (obviously, it became a Best Seller!) but the author had not found the right Entrepreneur to validate the content and believe in it as much as the author did.

So get to it! Develop your idea, expand on it and most of all, believe in it! Sooner or later, somebody else will too!