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.
- In order to be a successful sustainability change agent, an individual must have the following:
- Knowledge of the environmental, economic, and social issues related to sustainability (understanding);
- 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
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