3 Practical Ways You Can Spark Social Change
Nkiru Olumide-Ojo (Ph.D)
Impact Story Teller I Capacity Builder I Social Impact I Founder the LightHouseNetwork I Head Africa Regions & Offshore - Marketing, Communications & CSI @Standard Bank Group
Social change is not some abstract concept that involves you mandatorily running for office or starting up an NGO. Sure, those are some vital measures needed to make positive social impact. However, you don’t necessarily have to do all of that to make an impact in society.
There are simpler steps you could fit into your daily, weekly or monthly routine to champion social change. And they include these three actions: Volunteer, Donate, and Amplify.
1. Volunteer
I know this one sounds pretty obvious, but it’s one simple way you can add value to society. And you don’t have to wait for vacancies at or outreach programmes by NGOs to do it.
What problem have you noticed in your immediate environment that you can fix? You don’t have to wait for anyone to ask. Step up and fill in the gap.
2. Donate
When you think “donate”, what comes to your mind? Giving out money? That’s justified. Financial resources are necessary in driving social change. However, that connotation can be limiting.
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Donating goes beyond monetary contributions. What other resources can you donate? Can you give books to your local library? Can you empower someone with your former computer? Can you use your network to uplift someone?
Don’t get me wrong; donating money is very important. I’m just suggesting other ways you can donate.
3. Amplify
Change may begin with you, but you can’t do it all by yourself. Social change is a collaborative effort. You do your part, and I do mine.
What causes are you passionate about? Use your voice to amplify them. That voice could be your social media, position, network, blog, art, or just any channel you can use to drive awareness and start conversations about societal issues.
Educate your coworkers, post a tweet, share flyers, or start a movement; there’s a wide variety of options. It’s up to you to decide which works for you.
In conclusion, change begins with your conscious, deliberate efforts to make a difference, no matter how big or small. So, just do what you can; other things will fall into place.