This past Monday, we presented our proposal to our social innovation class - hosting a forum on open drug policy aimed at business students. Overall, it seemed that the idea was well accepted. One of the students asked why would business students want to attend. Our response was that students are learning about real issues in the community, with the opportunity to potential earn academics credits or an equivalent certificate. In addition, the group of students that presents the best solution (on alternative drug policies and how business students can apply their skills and education to such issues) has a chance to present it at the Blueprint For Beyond Prohibition, a large 3 day conference in late October that also focuses on alternate drug policies. Some die-hard business students gravitate towards such events, but it will be a friendly competition.
In attendance was our guest speaker Nicola Hall, founder of From Grief to Action, and was named a Woman of Distinction by YWCA in 2003. FGTA’s goals are to provide support for family and friends of drug users, while promoting awareness of drug use as a health issue. Nicola shared with us how she got involved in the community after family members started using drugs. She spent many years in social planning and decided to shed light on drug usage in middle to upper class neighbourhoods – something that was considered taboo.
Nicola told us that was our proposal was very feasible, but that we should find an economic hook – a way to lower cost while effectively combating drug addiction. She also mentioned that media coverage was an important aspect for informing people of what is being done. With that said, we need to finalize details on the nitty-gritty stuff such as cost breakdown structure and detailed event planning. Its going to be a busy time, especially with all of us juggling deliverables for other classes. But being able to actually bring our idea to life would be truly rewarding.
BWiles
sunnyhoshingchan
changmai
mattbaril
Hi Ben, Thanks for the interview the other day – and the link to the blog.
Looks really good. I hope you continue to work on this and focus on the economic costs of our current drug laws that cause so much harm.
Best Wishes,
Libby
Thanks Libby for all your input and advice. We are very appreciative and will keep you posted as the event develops!
Hey guys,
I really like this idea of providing a forum for open discussion and the generation of new ideas from business students. It is definitely feasible and with the support from SFU I hope to see you guys’ project fly!
One suggestion (maybe you guys already addressed this during your presentation but please refresh my memory) have you thought of including students from other faculties as well such as political science, criminology, sociology students?
I am glad you liked our idea, Helen!
We have originally considered on students in general but decided to specifically target those in business. Students from those faculties you mentioned, most likely already have dealt with the issue on drug policies in an academic setting. Business students, on the other hand do not. Accounting, finance, HR or MIS – these are completely isolated from the world of drug policies. We want a unique business perspective, with ideas that make sense to business students.