Activity

A social change agency is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information and guidance to people and institutions affected by behaviors related to poverty, drugs, crime, social justice, public health, and environmental issues. Most of them are funded through grant money from government or other sources. They have no employees and maintain no offices. However, they do have many counselors who have years of experience dealing with different situations.

A few traits of most social change agencies that I find most valuable are: thought leadership, technical expertise, advocacy, and cooperation. Thought leadership is what they emphasize in their communication with the public. There is an emphasis on listening and where possible, direct person-to-person contact. Agency conduct seminars, round tables, workshops, and training in all aspects of community development, focusing on issues that affect and need solutions for. They use what they learn to develop strategies and plans to promote policies that will affect people in the communities.

Technical expertise is very important in the work of a social change professional. They should have specific expertise in community organizing, working with governments and nonprofits on programs, and have worked with people experiencing the problem of poverty and other social problems. They need to be able to explain the history of the problem, analyze the data and information, and come up with realistic recommendations for change. They should be able to create and implement strategies and plans to address the problems. If you are a social change professional, you will be required to have a Master’s degree specializing in community development, as well as several years of experience in this field.

Advocacy is the third trait. A good social change advocate is not afraid to voice their opinion. They should be able to speak and write openly about social issues in the public arena with ease. They should be willing to stand up for things like affordable housing, racial or economic equality, or environmental protection. A good advocate will be willing to challenge others to do the right thing, even if they themselves may not fully understand the issue. They will be assertive without being obnoxious.

A fourth trait is adaptable. An advocate will work with anyone and in any situation. Agency will help you get your place of employment back if you lose your job, help you secure better educational opportunities, get you to safety, or find work in the community where you belong. They will advocate on your behalf at city hall, the local school board, and any other place where they feel that the law or public policies may be violated.

A fifth trait is focused. A change professional should be committed to their cause and willing to go the distance to make sure that they help you succeed. They will spend a lot of time talking with you and your family to find out your concerns and find ways to resolve them. Then they will implement proven strategies to make it happen.

Finally, an advocate for the cause they represent should have integrity. Agency should tell you the truth from the heart and be willing to explain why they are doing what they are doing. If they don’t do anything until you are completely satisfied with their work, then they aren’t doing their job properly. If they are only out there to make a buck, their goals will only be short-lived.

A social change agency can make a big difference in the world. Agency can help those who are struggling to get on their own, find employment and an affordable place to live, and improve the community in which they live and work. They do this with a sincere heart and with the best of intentions. With hard work and commitment, they can change lives.