Social Change Agents

What is a social change agent?

A change agent is an event, organization, material thing or, more usually, a person that acts as a catalyst for change.

Do  you want to be a change agent?

This post will discuss what qualities you must have in order to make an impact and to be a social change agent.

1. In order to be a successful sustainability change agent, an individual must have the following: 
2.                   Knowledge of the environmental, economic, and social issues related to sustainability (understanding);
3.                   A value system and self-concept to support the actions of a change agent (motivation); and change agent abilities (skills).

 Change agents are...

• Resilient
• Optimistic
• Tenacious
• Committed
•  Passionate
• Patient
• Emotionally intelligent
•  Assertive
• Persuasive
• Empathetic
•   Authentic
•  Ethical
• Self-Aware
•  Competent
• Curious

       They can...

• Communicate ideas clearly, concisely, and precisely both orally and in writing
• Listen to others and incorporate their ideas and perspectives
• Accommodate individual differences (cultural, socioeconomic, global, etc.) in your decisions and actions and be able to negotiate across these differences.
• Engage in self-assessment, self-reflection, and analysis
• Reflect on what is happening to make meaning, gain perspective and understanding
• Engage in civil discourse and debate
• Mediate and resolve conflicts
• Analyze power, structures of inequality, and social systems that govern individual and communal life
• Recognize the global implications of their actions
• Span boundaries
• Challenge the status quo effectively when appropriate
• Creatively and collaboratively solve problems using critical thinking skills; search for solutions for complex multi-faceted issues
• Collaborate, network, develop alliances and coalitions, build teams
• Involve others, inspire and excite participants, engender support and commitment
• See the big picture and the larger goal and understand the need for systemic change
• Adjust to the diverse and changing needs of both individuals and society as a whole
• Set realistic and clearly defined goals and objectives
• Be both a leader and a follower, as necessary
• Analyze and influence group dynamics
• Make ethical decisions which incorporate responsibility to self, community, and society
• Help envision, articulate and create positive scenarios for the future of society
• See the paths, small steps, for changes needed for a more sustainable future, convert it into a task list and timeline, and follow through effectively
• Tolerate ambiguity and cope effectively with change

They have...

• Insights into the functioning and interconnectedness of systems
• A commitment to finding solutions to societal problems
• Political efficacy, a belief that what they think and do civically and politically matters
• Integrity
• Courage
• An understanding of “organic” change

Astin, A. W., & Astin, H. S. (2000). Leadership reconsidered: Engaging higher education in social change. Battle Creek, MI: W. K. Kellogg Foundation.

Recklies, D. What Makes a Good Change Agent?   Retrieved December 19, 2006, from http://www.themanager.org/Strategy/change_agent.htm

True Confidence

Each year we learn different things and for all of us some years are more the reflecting type years than others.  For me the last few years since I have been out of high school have been the most reflective of all. Looking back into my high school years makes me think of how far I've gone as far as my confidence. I used to be very self-conscious, even though I would never allow people to see me in a vulnerable way. I cared SO MUCH about the way I looked, and felt as if that was the only thing that mattered. Although, the funny thing about confidence is that you know when someone has it and insecurities don't discriminate against what you look like. You could look like a super model to everyone else, but if you don't have confidence it will be apparent. Confident people are happier people and it's almost like they have this bright light around them at all times. And now that I am older, I believe I'm beginning to grow into my own skin. How did I start feeling confident? Well, the answer to this definitely cannot be simplified. It definitely has been a journey with a few different steps but it started the day where I realized that a woman's job in this world is not just to be a sex object. I realized that I was never going to be confident if I cared so much about my appearances. Who made this world where beauty meant only one thing and to be "beautiful" you had to fit into a cookie cutter image? Who ever said that we all need to look the same in order to be "attractive" and that standing out is not beauty? We did. And the only way things are going to change is we all realize that beauty has different definitions. Us, as women, need to understand that by caring about the way we look so much, we are in actuality contributing to perpetrate this idea that women are only good for one thing and that what we look like is more important then how we feel or what we have to say. Thus, for me confidence starts the day you stop caring about what you look like or what size clothes you wear. And please don't get it confused, I don't think that being able to take naked pictures of yourself and share it with the world makes you a truly confident person, actually I believe that makes you an enlightened sexist.

If you are a young woman and you are reading this you are probably thinking to your self that you've heard this all before. That this post is about clichés about how you should "never judge a book by the cover" or "beauty is skin deep." But I promise you, because I have been there, that no matter how good you try to look to impress that boy, at the end of the day you won't have true confidence if you care so much. We truly do have something special that we ought to contribute to this world, but I know that this something is never what we look like... We all have so much more to offer. 

I know this concept is hard to grasp, especially if you live in a place like Orange County like I do, but if you repeat this to yourself everyday, it does become easier. Just remember that you are so much more important for what you have to say, and that you do have a purpose in life. And it of course doesn't end with feeling secure about the way you look or not caring about what you look like. You also have to be confident with your abilities and have self-efficacy. I believe that’s; the next step  of growing into your own skin. 

I am writing this post, because the day I started to feel more confident, is the day I became a happier person and even a better person. I therefore feel some responsibility to share this, because I do feel lucky to have realized this important concept at an early age.

How to Help Japan After Tragedy...

I have created a list of organizations that are aiding Japan after the tragic crises. Sometimes after these types of incidents the hardest thing to do is to figure out how to help or what charities to donate to. Although it is important to donate, I believe it is also our responsibility to spread word about the tragedy and work to mobilize our community to help with relief efforts. 

Want to help with relief efforts for Japan?

Your donations are needed!

AmeriCares: AmeriCares, a nonprofit global health and disaster relief organization that delivers medical assistance, is on the ground in Japan assessing the health and medical needs of survivors, says spokeswoman Courtney Ellison. Since its founding in 1982, AmeriCares has distributed more than $10 billion in aid to 147 countries. To make a donation, go to Donate Here or call 1-800-486-HELP.

The American Red Cros: The American Red Cross is collecting text donations, according to Renee Kelly, an American Red Cross spokeswoman. To contribute, send a text with REDCROSS to 90999 and $10 will be donated to the relief efforts. Donate Here

U.S. Fund for UNICEF: The organization is raising funds to help children in Japan impacted by the recent earthquake and tsunami. These may include health, development, protection and other needs that may have been compromised or disrupted in the wake of the catastrophe.  To donate, text JAPAN to 864233 to donate $10 or visit Donate Here

World Visions:  World Vision plans to distribute relief supplies to meet the daily needs of quake and tsunami survivors. They will also be focusing their  efforts on responding to the emotional needs of children, who are the most impacted after such a traumatic event. Donate Here

GlobalGiving: This Washington, D.C.-based group has launched the Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund. According to the organization’s website it will disburse donations to groups providing relief and emergency services to victims of the earthquake and tsunami. GlobalGiving is working with International Medical Corps, Save the Children, and other organizations. Donate Here

Save the Children: Save the Children says it is mobilizing global resources to respond to the needs of children and families affected by the earthquake and its aftermath. Donate Here

ShelterBox: According to the organization’s website, Shelterbox is an organization that goes into areas of the world affected by disaster with large green boxes that contain shelters and the materials needed for people to restart their lives on some level. Donate Here

Convoy of Hope: Convoy of Hope, a global relief organization based in Washington, D.C., is accepting online donations. You can also text TSUNAMI to 50555 to donate $10 to the group’s disaster response efforts.Donate Here

International Medical Corps: International Medical Corps is mobilizing relief teams and supplies to respond to the tsunami and earthquake in Japan. Text MED to 80888 to donate $10 or Donate Here

Salvation Army: The Salvation Army has been in Japan since 1895 and is currently providing emergency assistance to those in need. Donate Here

Doctors Without Borders/MSF: MSF has sent medical teams to support the government-led earthquake and tsunami response in Japan.  Teams are running mobile clinics and conducting needs assessments, which will determine the full scope of MSF's response. Donate Here

JEN (Japan Emergency NGOs): Puts their efforts into restoring a self-supporting livelihood both economically and mentally to those people who have been stricken with hardship due to conflicts and disasters. They utilize local human and material resources, considering this the most promising way to revitalize a society. Donate Here

Second Harvest Japan: Distributes food to soup kitchens, orphanages, emergency shelters, the elderly, single mothers, the homeless, migrant workers, and many others in need. Donate Here

Peace Winds Japan (PWJ):  An organization dedicated to the support of people in distress, threatened by conflict, poverty, or other turmoil. The U.S. partner for Peace Winds Japan is Mercy Corps, and the two organizations previously collaborated after hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. Donate Here

Jewish Federation & Family Services: Accepting donations to help the victims and their families. You can donate online or donate by calling 949-435-3484. Donate Here

Are you looking for family members or loved ones in Japan?

Google has launched a people-finder service to assist in locating loved ones, and has also unveiled a page called Crisis Response listing donation information as well as phone numbers and websites with the newest information on the catastrophe.

Ways To Get Involved Locally

The International Student Program at Saddleback College

Currently working on putting together a charity campaign for Japan's earthquake and tsunami victims. They are planning to have tables set out so the Saddleback community can make donations to a relief organization. They will also be making origami cranes to give those who donate. Please email sc-iso@saddleback.edu if you would like to be involved. 

Japan Earthquake Benefit Concert

Sunday, April 3^rd

5:00pm-8:00pm

Barclay Theater

4242 Campus Drive, Irvine CA

 

Do you have ideas on how to fundraise for Japan?

Are you doing something to help in your community or on your campus?

E-mail mfenerci1@saddleback.edu to stay involved and to share ideas!

Reinventing Feminism

Things I Have Learned This Week...

1. It all gets better with time, and you’ll know when that time is.

2. Being happy is a choice.

3. Face your pain, don't get over it, get through it, and on the other side you'll find your joy

4. The most human thing we can do is to learn to speak our honest convictions and feelings, and live with the consequences. This is the first requirement of self-respect, dignity and honor and some people just don’t possess any of these qualities.

5. It takes no strength to pretend, it takes real strength to be vulnerable.

6. You are always on the right path, even when you think you have strayed completely off it

7. Love does make the world go round…

Two options...

When tragic events happen to you, you are always given an option to choose between being a victim or being a survivor. When these tragic events make you feel like your whole world is crumbling down, it’s difficult to pick the latter and to fall into a state of helplessness. However, the key to overcoming tragedy lies in seeking empowerment after its occurrence. If you do choose to be a survivor, I believe you also owe our society a great responsibility for raising awareness for these types of issues.

This is why I write this blog.

I know I will always be a survivor.  I may not be able to control the pain that others might try to inflict on me, but I can control my reactions to these situations. I will always turn my tragedies into positive experiences and I believe that is what makes me a survivor. 

After all, good and justice will prevail. Sometimes it just takes time J