What is a Changemaker? Who is a Changemaker?
If you have made it this far, you are probably wondering, what exactly is a changemaker? We invite you to stop and consider what bubbles up for you when you consider changemaking.
For Phills et. al (2008), changemaking is
Social innovation . . . defined as a novel solution to a social problem that is more effective, efficient, sustainable, or just than existing solutions and for which the value created accrues primarily to society as a whole rather than private individuals.
As an active process, changemaking happens from the agency and intentionality of people who seek to make change – to question, to disrupt, to shift, and to engage with the process of changemaking.
According to Ashoka, a changemaker is …
“… one who desires change in the world and, by gathering knowledge and resources, makes that change happen.”
Based on almost four decades of work with the world’s leading social entrepreneurs championing systems-level social change, Ashoka noticed a common set of skills among effective changemakers:
- Conscious Empathy
- Collaborative Teamwork
- New or Shared Leadership
- Practicing Changemaking
Check out the following slides to learn more about each skill. To advance through the slides, click the arrow or progress bar at the bottom of the slide deck.
According to Ashoka (n.d.), these skills “enable young people to bring about lasting, positive change, not only in their own lives but also in the lives of others in their communities, organizations, and across society” (para. 3). Moreover, they are essential for anyone wanting to create positive change in their communities and beyond. In our rapidly changing world, learning these four skills will empower young people to lead and become effective and lifelong changemakers.
Ashoka’s (2020) video, The Everyone is a Changemaker Movement: Narrated by a Young Changemaker, explains the four skill sets while simultaneously reinforcing their belief that everyone is a changemaker.
Ashoka’s (2020) video, What it Means to be a Changemaker, demonstrates how young people are taking up the challenge of changemaking in different contexts.
Do You Have A Changemaker Mindset?
In an effort to move folks toward changemaking, Ashoka created a self-assessment tool that maps where you are on your Changemaker Journey. The goal is to provide you with insight on both the strengths and areas of growth that will support your Changemaking Skills. When you are ready, check out the free Changemaker Index to see how you align with these skills and mindsets.
