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Being a 'changemaker'

What is ‘active citizenship’?

Active citizenship is the idea that someone can be an active political citizen; they can actively try and make change (or indeed prevent it). They can be a ‘changemaker’. To do so, they need to be motivated to participate as well as kept informed about politics, democracy, and the workings of society. There is also an element of personal responsibility, i.e. they need to make the effort to engage.

Find out more from Dr Donna Smith about how to be an active citizen or changemaker

What makes a changmaker?

  • Emotional awareness and empathy
  • Optimism
  • Realism
  • Listening and communication skills
  • Assertiveness
  • Strategic mind
  • Focus and self-motivation
  • Resilience
  • Organisation
  • Flexibility
  • Ability to work with others
  • Creativity

How to get started with making change

  1. Do your research: It’s important to gather all the facts, the names of key people and organisations, and information about the best approach to making change read the news and keep on top of the issue and different opinions surrounding it -try and understand the ‘other side’ of the argument as this will help you make your argument.
  2. Work out your aims: what are you trying to achieve? It is useful to have a limited number of clear objectives; focusing on informed solutions can be useful.
  3. Reach out to others: you may be able to join in with a pre-existing campaign or make your own campaign stronger by working with others.
  4. Identify your target: who is the best person or group to approach to make change? Who is the decision maker? Who is responsible? This could be an individual, multiple people, an organisation, council or parliament, or the general public – it depends on what your aims are.
  5. Think about timing: too early and you may not have an impact, too late and you may not be able to influence. Recognise the topicality of an issue, and when decision makers might be receptive to certain arguments.
  6. Think about mode: Should your focus be social media, a formal report, or speaking of public meetings? What are your skills? You will probably need to campaign in more than one mode.
  7. Think about accessibility: make sure as many people as possible are able to engage with your content (for instance, providing subtitles on videos, or the transcript of a speech).
  8. Contact your representatives: If you have to change the law, you my need to contact or lobby your elected representative; this could be a councillor or a member of a parliament or assembly.
  9. Publicise your campaign: think about the best way to promote your causes. Your could utilise social media, write letters to newspapers, and speak at meetings and events for instance.
  10. Finally: start small: small actions can lead to big change!

Getting your representative on board

Writing (by letter or email) can be best method for campaigning, contacting or persuading elected representatives, as it provides a written record that can be referred to at a later date.

DO…

Before writing

  • Finalise a clear description of what your campaign is trying to achieve.
  • Gather evidence supporting your campaign.
  • Consider how your issue fits with their policy interests.
  • Have a clear idea of why you want them to be involved.
  • Think about what action you would like them to take
  • Remember to include your contact details.

DON’T…

Rant! You may not agree with them on some issues, but they are your representative, so building a positive relationship is more likely to move your issue up the agenda.

Making change outside of parliamentary politics

  • Work with local councils
  • Work with the arts and music
  • Take part in media activism
  • Get involved in broadcasting
  • Write and publish thought pieces
  • Lobby those with influence
  • Take part in economic activism
  • Take part in peaceful protest
  • Focus on your local community