Creating Social Change

Watch the video below which introduces what social change is. Once you have watched the video define social change.

To understand what Social Change is and how young people can be active changemakers

For the first activity we will explore different levels of social change. This can be at an international, national or local level.

Start by watching the video below before reading through some of the examples underneath.

An example of an international social change is the Black Lives Matter campaign. This began in America as a response to police violence to the black community. This movement is now widespread. The death of George Floyd in America caused international outrage, especially in Britain in 2020 causing the British people to protest during the Covid-19 pandemic to highlight that even though we were going through a global health crisis, we needed to come together for social change. A national example of social change is the decolonisation of statues in England. Sixty-nine tributes to slave traders, colonialists and racists have been removed across the UK. 

Take a few minutes to discuss in groups or brainstorm individually all the examples of social change campaigns you can think of and discuss how important you think they are.

Now is a chance to think about the fire in your belly and what truly matters to you. Reflect on issues such as age discrimination, mental health, racism, wealth inequality, gender inequality, LGBTQ+ rights, disability rights and the refugee crisis. 

Are you particularly passionate about changing any of these issues? What specifically do you want to change?

You will have 10 minutes to reflect on these issues and write down what social change you would like to see. You could do this by drawing a heart on a piece of paper and using it to brainstorm what issues are ‘close to your heart’.

A campaign is to organise a series of activities to try to achieve something (a goal). Think again about what you are passionate about and the list that you created in the previous activity. 

Things to consider:
–  Are you truly passionate about this topic?
–  What needs to change?

This doesn’t have to be revolutionary. Think about what’s possible and what could really make a difference. You can use the SMART framework to help you construct your goals.

One example of a movement that is gaining momentum is the push for anti-racism, a step beyond being non-racist. Watch the video below to learn more. Such videos can be a great way to get a message across.

Now it’s time to start your own campaign.

Potential methods of planning include:

– Letter writing
– Social media campaign
– Leveraging influence of those with large followings/ popularity
– Lobbying decision makers
– Petitions
– Demonstrations/ rallies/ protests
– Creative expressions
– Meetings
– Fundraising
– Events
– Blogging/ vlogging/ writing articles
– Mobilising volunteer campaign activists to influence peer groups
– Distribution of campaign merch e.g. wristbands/ stickers/ hats
– Speaking at conferences
– Attracting media attention
– Advertising (posters/ TV or radio announcements)

You can use the SWOT method to review the effectiveness of your campaign plan. GOOD LUCK!

Use the Teams form for this tutorial session to answer the questions below:

– What is social change?
– What is one thing you commit to doing after today?
– Who can help you achieve your goals?