3 days ago
Green Shoots: Innovation and the imperative of action
In case you missed it on the socials, the organisation I work for is one of five recipients of the Nelson Mandela - Graça Machel Innovation Awards for 2024/25. The Awards recognise individuals and organisations around the world who are developing creative and impactful solutions to achieve a more just world. It is run by CIVICUS, a global alliance of civil society organisations and activists working to strengthen citizen action throughout the world. It's been great to be part of a convening this week that has been exploring what innovation looks like in our work, and how we can use the power of the awards to deepen the impact of these interventions wherever we are in the world.
The idea of innovation is often used in technology and in business settings. We love new gadgets that are supposed to make our lives easier, or entrepreneurs who conjure up new solutions to business problems. The Oxford definition describes innovation as the process through which new products, concepts, services, or techniques are developed. It's a word that originates from Latin references to renewal or to change. With the rise of the Industrial Revolution, it was associated with science and the manufacturing of machines and industrial products. There's even an equation for it that I quite like: Innovation = Creativity +Implementation.
In the conversations at the meeting this week, there's been lots of talk of technological and other innovations in responding to social problems. There are various apps that support communities at risk, or that collate and aggregate information that people might need to access services. There is even the exploration of using artificial intelligence in ways that are for the benefit of society.
I have found great stimulation in learning about new approaches to engagement with local communities and the issues they face. People involved in the meeting are from all over the world, and it's been fascinating to hear about the challenges that are faced in Indonesia and Philippines, Pakistan and India, Colombia and Brazil. There are struggles for identity in Uganda, and struggles for health in Kenya. South Africa has plenty in common with these countries, and it's been an excellent opportunity to learn about other innovations that could influence and enhance our own practice.
My organisation is currently in the process of making small grants to over fifty community organisations doing social justice work in Southern Africa. Many of the actions that will be supported are similar across these organisations. Most have asked for support to run workshops to raise awareness on a variety of issues that communities are battling with.
Climate change, domestic violence, human rights, and a host of other themes will be covered, but the type of action will be quite similar in different locations. Most of these interventions will not fit the definition of innovation mentioned above. But they do respond to a problem. They are an expression of agency – the preparedness of people to get up and do something. These people may not be creating something brand new, but they are creating new opportunities for affected people to become active in changing their conditions. And I've learnt a great lesson in processing these applications, that we cannot let the search for the elusive silver bullet that will solve all problems stop us from getting active. That is the innovation for me – the continued commitment to action and the refusal to simply accept injustice.
