ROSE CHALLIES

It has become common practice for people talking about social problems, especially in the charitable, social enterprise and non-profit sectors to say - 'it's about finding a solution to the problem'. Although this is arguably normal to say within business or a good catchphrase for a product, it is simply not appropriate for social need. If someone is saying they have a solution to a social problem, then they do not fully understand the need. First, calling social need a 'pr

There is a new surge of activism happening right now and it is stirring up the mix, challenging the propaganda and drawing attention of the many. But the question is, will it do anything? Will it inform people, will it raise awareness, will it empower democracy, will it change the minds of those in decision-making positions, will it help to change the way things are? Activism… is mostly seen as people protesting against something. It lends itself to a picture of activists as

There is a wind of change whipping up across the world and it's turning into one helluva gust, motivating and activating people. However, it's what comes next that is critical. People feel part of something big, something positive, so let's join forces - right? No - let's align our forces. A big and a very human mistake that is made with social change work is people go from inspiration, to action and then collaboration. At the point of collaboration, the action stalls, sta

The way that society predominantly responds to social issues is perhaps understandable but unbelievably illogical. Yet the 'brightest' minds continue to commit time and effort and resources to the same thing over and over - innovative ways to deal with the issue once it is there. Where is the action for prevention?! For example, I struggle to congratulate people who find ways to recycle plastic but in no way act to prevent the making of plastic, the choosing of plastic or t

Change is scary. It means letting go of the past and embracing new ways of doing things. It often means challenging current behaviour and venturing into the unknown. A strategic plan is the blueprint for how this can be achieved. When an organisation aiming to bring about social change creates a strategic plan, it can reinstate hope and bring to life possibility, real possibility of meaningful change. So what does it take? Well for one it takes a genuine commitment to r

It is common sense that says it's good to have a holiday but for many people a holiday doesn't end up being the relaxing chill time that the body is craving. Family responsibilities, friends' events, lack of money, moving house, you name it, there are a million things that can make your time off feel nothing like a getaway. However, your body does need it and when you're in the business of social change, odds are you need it more than most! Almost all of the leaders of soci