How Can I Create a Better World?
Be a Changemaker.
Changemakers CARE. Changemakers ACT. Changemakers FAIL. Changemakers TRY AGAIN.
WHO I
www.mdc.edu/changemaking
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O IS A CHANGEMAKER? WE ARE ALL CALLED TO BE CHANGEMAKERS
A CHANGEMAKER possesses the EMPATHY to understand how circumstances and systems negatively affect a neighbor, a friend, or even a stranger - pauses to REFLECT on what needs to be changed and their role in bringing it about - calls upon the RESILIENCE needed to face the often-bumpy journey of creating change - and takes the ACTION needed to address the challenge head on.
YOU ARE A CHANGEMAKER.
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Let’s be Changemakers
Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek. - Former President Barack Obama
www.mdc.edu/changemaking
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO CHANGE? BEGIN with a belief in your own capacity to make a difference, contribute to new or existing solutions, and create a more just, peaceful, and equitable world for everyone.
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Next, ASK yourself these questions:
What makes me angry or sad about my WORLD?
Where do I SEE unfairness, hurt, injustice, lack of access, or limited opportunity?
What does my community NEED right now?
What issue inspires me so much that I want to take action NOW?
What will happen if I DO nothing?
What experiences have I had or witnessed that motivates me to make a CHANGE?
What strengths or abilities or solutions do I have to OFFER?
Would I prefer to GET INVOLVED in changemaking alone or with a group?
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Let’s be Changemakers
EMPATHY REFLECTION
RESILIENCE ACTION
www.mdc.edu/changemaking
WHERE DO I START? When you encounter an issue or system that needs to be changed, getting started is often the hardest part. We are all CHANGEMAKERS by nature, gifted with vision, values and voice, but it can still feel overwhelming when determining how to take that first step. While there’s no standard playbook, this checklist will help you on your journey.
COMMIT to getting involved. ASSESS your strengths and abilities. RESEARCH solutions in motion and determine if you want to join forces or chart a new path of your own. ASK your social network (friends, family, colleagues) for help. SEEK resources that will help advance your idea or effort. REFRAME setbacks or failures as valuable lessons that bring you get closer to your desired impact. CELEBRATE progress, not just the big wins but the small steps, too! SHARE your story far and wide - preach your purpose and invite others to join you - and don’t forget to tag us!
#changemakingMDC
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Let’s be Changemakers
www.mdc.edu/changemaking
The impact of changemaking on me: I developed a new way of thinking. I realized the intersection between what I learned in the classroom and how I took those lessons to impact my community. I discovered my passion. I found the issues that I cared about. I spent time volunteering with different organizations. I became more engaged in school. I realized that my education is not just for me but for my community as well. Fiorenza Herrera Diaz Associate in Arts, Miami Dade College, The Honors College, 2019 Bachelor of Arts Candidate, Economics and Peace & Conflict Studies, 2021 Swarthmore College
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Let’s be Changemakers
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it´s the only thing that ever has. -Margaret Mead
www.mdc.edu/changemaking
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HOW CAN I CONNECT WITH MDC TO MAKE CHANGE HAPPEN? As the only community college in the United States to be designated an Ashoka U Changemaker Campus, MDC is uniquely positioned to help you advance change here in Miami and beyond.
VISIT US ONLINE
For resources, events, and contacts to help www.mdc.edu/changemaking www.earthethicsinstitute.org www.mdc.edu/iced www.theideacenter.co www.mdc.edu/studentlife
CONTACT US: changemaking@mdc.edu
You Are A Changemaker.
Let’s Get Started.