What makes someone a change agent? Could anyone become a change agent? Does a change agent have to be elected, appointed or somehow need to meet some criteria such as qualifications, social status, well connected, know the right people? Major positive change is not only possible but inevitable when the thing that needs changing meets the power of an informed change agent. Right now here in Ireland we need lots of powerful and informed change agents to step forward, and do so sooner rather than later. I think this is a quality (informed) and attribute that will help identify potentially powerful change agents. But what does it mean to ‘be informed’?
There are many levels of ‘informed’. What lacks power are levels that are mistaken for ‘well informed. An example would be a Psychologist who’s PhD, education and experience marks their level of potential professionalism, but many psychologists may have limited personal experience of the issues that they deal with on a daily basis with clients. Their clients make up the spectrum of firsthand experience, the client who may be the second or third generation of their family to live in poor economic circumstances; this is the ‘informed’ that makes for a powerful change agent. The highly competent psychologist deals with what is, the change agent is one fully informed and driven by their experience to bring about a better reality, a society that isn’t blindly creating poverty, pain and disadvantage. Having the skill and ability to deliver a message are of course vital. For another example we could look at politics. One would expect this to be an environment rich with change agents, not quite. Social issues, equality, economic development, whatever the area is, it is an ever compromising tool of political position and self interest, what is in the best interest of the collective is neutered by party interests and professional preservation concerns.
In recent weeks I have heard many mothers speak on radio of difficulties and issues concerning the care of their children with Autism. Supports being taken away, claims for benefits getting lost in the system, decisions being made on disability claims by medical assessors that no-one knows if they understand anything about autism are qualified in this area of have ever spent time in the company of a person with autism. A senior role in civil service, regardless of qualifications does not compare to the real life direct experience that those mothers and fathers have of caring for their Autistic child. To have someone sat at a desk deciding how disabled or not your child is and then yah or nah a disability allowance claim, is offensive. I could be wrong, but how would I know, I know nothing about the expert that decided my child doesn't have needs greater than a child of similar age without autism.
How could a change agent help?
I believe that only a change agent can make a difference, we mistakenly assume that the political arena should act to improve things. The change you will get will reflect dept of understanding, social awareness and values of the government. The change agent by contrast will have years of hands on experience, daily lived experience of caring for their child with Autism, a broad awareness of the current reality of services and support and most importantly; the change agent will have a vision for what could be. Technology and the internet provide a great platform for spreading informative news and challenging obstacles to positive change. It is also an environment of valuable resources for the budding change agent.
Everywhere that change and development is needed, change agents are needed. There could be many career opportunities waiting to be realised. There are lots of skilled, experienced and informed people around that just need to get involved and speak out.
To get you started have a listen to Nancy Duarte. ( on presentations)
for education you might like Sir Ken Robinson.