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.