Change Agents

"Change agents are already helping to shape their landscape simply by (a) being aware of how their actions impact others, by (b) including others in the process of change, (c) setting a direction and defining responsibilities, by (d) helping people develop the skills or attain the knowledge they need, by (e) embracing the process of working with others, and by (f) validating the importance of the change project."

This quote from the reading, in my opinion, sums up the entire purpose of a change agent and what it takes to be one. Each of these six pieces are integral to making a change, being a change agent and a leader.

"Being aware of how their actions impact others" To me, this means that change agents recognize and take advantage of the fact that people are affected by what we do, whether this is seeing or even just hearing about our actions. Change agents lead through their actions, not just through their words. The boundaries of our actions are much broader than we think, and I think we often fail to recognize how much of an impact our behavior has on others, both good and bad.


"Including others in the process of change" This goes back to the general idea that "two brains are better than one," and three are better than two, and so forth. In order to make a significant change, it takes the efforts of multiple people, personalities, and talents. This should also include multiple change agents, too. However, a real change agent realizes that he/she cannot accomplish much alone, and must embrace the power of a group working towards a united goal. This applies to the greek community and fraternal movement as well; while one fraternity or sorority can try and change the impression of Greek Life, no real change will take place without a united effort. Change agents recognize this.


"Setting a direction and defining responsibilities" Once a group forms to work towards social change, a change agent must emerge as the leader and set a unified direction and distribute responsibilities for each contributor. Change agents, in this regard, promote collaboration while preventing chaos. A group can have the most talented people in the world, but without direction and organization, they accomplish little if anything. This is where the change agent comes into play.


"Helping people develop the skills or attain the knowledge they need" Even if people are given responsibilities catered to their individual skills and interests, we are all only human and cannot expect perfection from one another. Change agents understand this, and do the best they can to help others develop their abilities and learn what is necessary to make a change. Additionally, change agents also recognize that when they don't have the expertise to help out in a given situation, they must find someone else who can. Change agents, while acting as leaders and directors, must act as facilitators and networkers as well.


"Embracing the process of working with others" and "Validating the importance of the change project" To me, these two parts go hand in hand, and are the ultimate goal of any social change project. While it is always great to make social change, the process in getting there must never be overlooked. Each time we are put in a position in which we work towards change, we must learn from these experiences. That way, the next time a project comes up, it can be tackled more efficiently. This demonstrates the common notion that "success is a journey, not a destination." Social change is a great journey, and change agents treat it as this each time they work towards social change.


This chapter really hit home for me, for it brought together all of the aspects of social change to demonstrate what it really means to be a change agent. In closing,  I leave you with a song by a man who knows all about change, or can at least sing about it.