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Civic Engagement

Marissa, the author and creator of the blog Food in Jars, talked to our class, along with another Food Writering class, to discuss the importance of writing online - focusing on blogs. She made some very interesting points about engaging with people online, and how someone can form their own reputation online, focusing on their favorite hobby or past time.

A lot of what Marissa was talking about was relevant to the project Chris and I are working on - the restaurant Avril. Christian, the owner of Avril, needs a little.. okay a lot.. of help with his social media. Starting with a Facebook. Although it is shocking as to how social media - something so simple such as creating a fan page for your company on Facebook as well as a Twitter account can improve the company, it must be done.



As Clara Shih explains in her book, The Facebook Era, "However, most people wouldn't feel entirely comfortable calling the list of contacts in their phone book. Fortunately, as we talked about in the previous chapter, online social networks have created a new set of interaction modes and relationship types, such as Facebook friends and Linkedin connections, that make it less invasive, more comfortable, and easier to ask favors of your network" (72). Christian may feel uncomfortable going through his phone book, calling his friends and telling them about his 'upcoming deals' for his restaurant. That is exactly where Facebook and other social media outlets come into play. Shih's novel explains the importance, as well as vital ways, to incorporate Facebook and other Social Media aspects into personal life as well as into a company.

Social Entrepreneurship

The book, Social Entrepreneurship written by David Bornstein and Susan Davis, makes crucial points about the evolution of social entrepreneurship. The first being the 'personality' of a social entrepreneur: one must have a passionate interest in simple questions, such as why can't we extend loans to villagers? and the like. The second must be to question one's society, such as the way inner city schools teach, and why they do. The third is to have a persistent outlook and determination to go to the source (such as the villages or inner city schools) and gain an understanding of the problems at hand(78).

However, the question of 'How can I make money being a social entrepreneur' still exists, and the perfect solution would be a company like TOMS Shoes. Blake Mycoskie, the owner and founder of TOMS Shoes, is the perfect example of a business that makes a profit, as well as helps those in need. If anyone has a personal interest and wants to help others, form a business around that idea, and put food on the table - that dream is more of a reality, especially in this generation - Generation Y.

"Philanthropists could use their influence with universities to encourage education and research focused on social entrepreneurship" (112). Colleges, as well as high schools, can have an underlying focus on helping others and forming a business plan as well. Making the world become aware of a problem is best done when it is in their face - such as when someone sees their classmate wearing a pair of TOMS Shoes, or wearing a Charity:Water t-shirt (http://www.charitywater.org/shop/) can make a huge difference.

TOMS shoes Prezi

TOMS shoes on Prezi

Learning about TOMS Shoes was not only interesting, but inspiring. I personally worked on who the company is upsetting, as well as who they are leading. It seems weird to say that some people are not happy with TOMS Shoes, however, some believe that instead of someone buying a pair of shoes to help the people in the impoverished countries, they wear them as a fashion statement that says "Look at me - I'm a good person." Although there can be some truth to this, nevertheless, the shoes do help other people. It is more beneficial to buy a pair of TOMS instead of a pair of converse.

TOMS is mostly leading Generation Y - our generation. He offers internships, as well as 'parties' to spread awareness on college campuses. Also, fashion is a great way to connect our generation, and not to mention our generation seems to have a greater desire to help others in third world countries, or those less fortunate down the street.

Civic Action

The above photo is a good way to convey important messages... if this was 1970. Now, we have a plethora of technology, social media sites, social networking and other ways to convey an important message not only to our community or people who happen to be walking by, but to the world. Yes, signs and protests illustrating an important message have always been widely used and I still think it is vital and imperative in order to form change and still must be used - but there are more ways to show the world.

For example, if I am at a protest, I can take a video of it, interview people, and take pictures all on my cell phone, upload it to Facebook with a caption, and within 5 minutes people who are not with me can see what I am doing, what cause I feel passionately for, and hopefully join me.

It is great that we have these forms of communication, and it can only get better. Even though we still keep certain action alive that were used in the 60's and 70's for change, we now have other forms to conveying a message faster, better, and to more people.

A Coffee Shop to Rejuvenate your mind and... Community?

A Coffee Shop to Rejuvenate your mind and... Community?

The Village Coffee Shop on Prezi

Kim Starr TED Talk

In her Ted Talk, Kim Starr describes the past of an area we are familiar with, 63rd Street, and how it has changed - for the worse - today. The solution: The Village Coffee House on 63rd Street. With the help of the owner, Stevie Cunningham, Kim sets the scene and shows a beacon of light for the sad city.