Why be socially conscious?

I’ve finally finished editing the video featuring interviews with Social Venture Network members and other memorable moments at their spring gathering for my work at Conscious Planet Media. What I really loved about editing this was watching all the footage recorded at the plenary and breakout sessions. I got to learn so much from pioneers of socially responsible business and was truly inspired to believe that we can indeed change the world.

I was reading David C. Korten’s Agenda for a New Economy where he explains why the steps being taken to address today’s economic crisis are as ineffective as treating cancer with a bandage. Simply pouring trillions of dollars into bailing out Wall Street institutions ain’t gonna help. Business needs to be redefined. What we really need are locally based, community oriented businesses devoted to creating a better life for all, not simply increasing profits.

My friend Eu-wen shares a similar interest for social entrepreneurship as i do. I think what he’s doing and learning at his internship at Embrace istremendously inspiring. They’ve found a way to produce an affordable infant incubator for just US$25. Compared to traditional incubators that cost $20,000, this one is far more affordable. It looks just like a sleeping bag for babies, is easy to heat up (just boil a pouch & insert!) and very portable… it’s going to save the lives of many babies born premature in countries like India where they may not have access to good healthcare facilities.

A few weeks ago, he posted the following video on facebook along with the following note.

Transactions made freely by customer and seller on equal terms, leads to higher welfare of all parties involved, unlike in traditional models of plain charity. If you are marginally interested in social enterprise or are intrigued by the idea but dont know all that much about it, watch this video. Have Seth Godin explain to you in 7 minutes why working on, developing, and/or creating social enterprise is possibly the most rewarding thing you can do with your life.

I soaked up all 7 minutes of it. Take the signal from Obama’s decision to create the Office of Social Innovation in the White House and the growing number of business schools offering a focus on civic engagement and social entrepreneurship. Something big is brewing. It’s a growing movement that you should be a part of. It’s time to realize that the world is bigger than yourself.