The Tea Dances
Some people are worried that there is a split growing...
Read MoreResearch Finding – Social Entrepreneurship Is Infectious
Social Entrepreneurship Is Catching
There is nothing quite like a research finding that opens up a whole world of punning opportunities. When we first discussed this during one of our findings workshops, the possibilities were endless! But do not let this detract from what we discovered to be a crucial theme running right through this research project.
From our interviews with young people who had experience of running a social project or enterprise, we noticed a strong trend that the majority cited specific people or organisations that were a key source of support or inspiration. From family and friends, to schools and youth organisations, a whole host of people were credited with being important influences for the young people when starting out.
It was particularly pronounced when discussing skills necessary for social entrepreneurship. We asked those interviewed about how they learnt skills for social entrepreneurship. And their response? That they learnt these skills from those around them, be it a parent, teacher or a friend.
This gives us an interesting insight into how these young social entrepreneurs interact with others. It is not as if they exist in isolation, but quite the opposite as they are very much connected with the world around them.
So how does this link with infections? Well, if you ever spend time talking to these young people about their projects, then it is incredibly hard not to be inspired by what they are doing and what they have achieved. They themselves are a source of motivation for others and will in turn pass on their learning to other young people – spreading social entrepreneurship in the communities they create around them to achieve their aims.
And the circle is complete. Young social entrepreneurs, by their very nature are both sources inspiration and individuals who have been inspired and influenced by others.
Caroline Murray
