The United Nations can only go so far as to facilitate and aid those who are in need. United Nations, Arc and social enterprise embody the basic principal of assisting the less fortunate, but they are unique in their missions. While the United Nations works on a broad mission statement, they are best known for their humanitarian assistances based on encouraging peace and security. Arc, on the other hand, is focused on local business management and leadership. They have a more specific goal of fuelling entrepreneurship and producing long-term sustainability in local communities. Social enterprises focuses more towards improving human and environmental well-being rather than maximizing profits.

The fact of the matter is, there is too many people placed in unfortunate situations in the world, that it is necessary for more than one organization to assist these people. Sometimes, we feel as though we are helpless to the circumstances of people in less fortunate areas, however, Arc provides a place in which students are given the opportunity to use what they learn in the classroom to make a difference in someone’s life. Unless directly involved in the United Nations, it is hard to feel as though you have made a difference in someone’s life. Arc works by sharing ideas and knowledge between different communities. As mentioned in a previous blog-post about the Osoyoos Indian Band in the Okanagan, it is sometimes necessary for external parties (in this case UBC) to assist those who are less knowledgable about business management and entrepreneurship. This is beneficial in the long-run as it provides long-term jobs and, more importantly, knowledge that can be passed down to future generations.

References:

Upward Arc

http://www.sauder.ubc.ca/Global_Reach/ARC_Initiative/Programs

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/small-business/sb-growth/day-to-day/can-fair-trade-boutique-expand-without-alienating-customers/article4405520/

http://skollworldforum.org/about/what-is-social-entrepreneurship/