10 DOS & DON'TS FOR SOCIAL INNOVATORS

1. Do give it a go –make a start on fixing an identified need. 2. Do build a team – most creativity is collaborative. 3. Do remember the answers are in the community – listen, network and learn. 4. Do build trust by being honest, committed and hanging in there. 5. Do form diverse partnerships – with others in the community, especially service users, with organisations with similar goals, with funding bodies, government agencies, non-profits and private enterprise – all sectors play a part in sustained change. 6. Don’t waste time reinventing the wheel – research may unearth possible solutions, often interstate or in another country. 7. Don’t impose top-down solutions in a spirit of experts-know-best. 8. Don’t get so wrapped up in the cause that you neglect your own relationships or well-being. 9. Do be aware of and test emerging technologies. 10. Don’t lose your sense of humour.