Changemakers' Toolkit/Introduction to changemaking

Introduction

What does this module cover?

Social change doesn’t happen on its own. Behind all the big progressive changes in history, we find change-makers – the people, communities and organisations who achieve change.

This module focuses on how change happens. It offers free tools and techniques to help you understand how to use your power and influence. We'll help you analyse the bigger picture to inform your plans, and we'll outline examples of thinking and behaving that helped successful changemakers win their campaigns.

For all of us, there are things we care about, things we think should change or are wrong. Campaigning is about how to make change happen. To succeed, we need to understand what works and what doesn't, then make strategic decisions that give us the best chance of success.

This module draws on Sheila McKechnie Foundation (SMK) research involving hundreds of campaigners and campaigning organisations. SMK is a UK-based charity, which informs the approaches taken in this toolkit. The toolkit will help you to understand the different ways change happens, and to think about the tactics and behaviours you need to win.

Learning Outcomes

In this module, you will:

gain insights into how impactful change happens;
explore the basics of analysing influence and mapping allies; and
understand how effective change-makers think and behave.

Thought Provoker

What does social change mean to you? Choose up to three options from the list below.

Empowering people to act differently
Changing behaviours and attitudes
Transforming big institutions like government and businesses
Changing policies and laws
Acting with others towards a bigger goal
Making the world a better place

The Social Change Grid →