Does a focus on social change stop social change?

Michael Henderson
Most not-for-profit organisations want social change. But what often stands in their way of achieving social change, is that they only want social change.

Effective social change is built on relationships, and relationships are built on trust. In other words, without building trust first there are no healthy relationships. And without building healthy relationships there is no lasting social change.

This is the place of disconnect for many churches, charities, and not-for-profit organisations. They focus on social change because that is why they exist, but they do it without the preparation work of healthy relationships and trust building, and in the end, they often fail to achieve the social change they set out to produce.

Many of us need to reset, especially after Covid. Trust is low, relationships are broken, and social change feels almost impossible. But, things can change very fast if relationships and trust are present.

Here are my tips:

  • Don’t assume everyone trusts you. Work on proving you are trustworthy. Everything starts with people trusting each other, once this is true things can grow fast.
  • Just because you trust each other a little, doesn’t mean either of you wants a relationship. Spend some time exploring it. Genuinely. But remember, a little bit of trust builds the beginnings of healthy relationships. Relationships can also develop fast, just ask a young couple dating or two old boys playing golf.
  • When growing trust is present, and a relationship knows it is safe no matter what, now there is the possibility for social change.

I have regularly had all these elements happen in one conversation.

If you feel this is something you need to apply, start with building trust with one person. It is easier than you think, provided you genuinely listen and invest. See how that relationship develops. If they don’t trust you, or you don’t trust them, name it. Perhaps you will both change, and the relationship will be stronger and healthier for it. Perhaps you will both share some values. Now you have the potential for social change. All this can happen during your first meeting.

Just don’t mention the social change you want as you put the first coffees on the table.

If you try this, let me know where it goes. 

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