Changemaking for the Common Good
Changemaking is positive social impact that can be achieved in many ways by students, faculty and staff to ignite positive social change in our ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½.
At St. ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½, the Center for the Common Good facilitates how we can connect across the university and in the ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ to catalyze positive social change. We help individuals and groups; students, faculty, staff, and alumni; and campus and ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ organizations to build networks and grow relationships to solve today's most pressing problems in our neighborhoods, nation and world.
At St. ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½, we have a long tradition of working for the common good as it relates to the Catholic Intellectual Tradition. Distinguishing Changemaking as encompassing ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ engagement allows us to focus our energy and resources on developing solutions that transform the systems that perpetuate inequities and injustices, leveraging ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ engagement as a vital means to drive positive social change. Join us in walking alongside others, discovering new perspectives, and making a lasting impact.
Get Involved
Get started with Changemaking for the Common Good at St. ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ by participating in one of our events.
Levels of Changemaking
The Center for the Common Good has identified four different levels of changemaking in which anyone can participate. They are all shaping change in our world, and we celebrate all changemaking efforts on campus and in our ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½.
Level 1: Personal Changemaking
Practicing Personal Changemaking allows our ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ members to explore their own selves. At this level, changemaking focuses on actions that each person can control and choose to advance the common good. It helps us confront and challenge ourselves, explore our identities, and work to be change agents that value diverse perspectives and new experiences.
Examples:
- Learning about and choosing to recycle/compost
- Building a mindful practice such as meditation, contemplation, or a moment of focus on your breath
- Engaging in dialogue with others different from you that allows you to step outside of your comfort zone
Level 2: Local Changemaking
Practicing Local Changemaking focuses on the collective of our St. ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½, both on campus and in the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota. It aims to develop sustainable collective solutions to social and environmental problems affecting us all, especially those with the most pressing challenges.
Examples:
- Volunteering regularly with a local non-profit, school or government agency
- Engaging in local projects with ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ to eradicate isms
- Identifying and working collaboratively to address university structures and processes that perpetuate inequity
Level 3: National Changemaking
Practicing National Changemaking involves civic engagement in the life and government of our nation. It aims to focus our ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ members in advocacy, voter engagement, and mindful and respectful dialogue.
Examples:- Engaging in democracy by:
- Voting in elections (local/national)
- (calling/writing/visiting an elected official, participating in a caucus)
Level 4: Global Changemaking
Practicing Global Changemaking connects us with the needs and realities of the world. It recognizes that many personal, local, and national challenges are also experienced by others around the world and that solutions can be scaled and shared across borders.
Examples:- Bringing awareness of global issues to the St. ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ Community
- Volunteering with a non-governmental organization while traveling, participating in VISION or studying abroad
- Starting a social enterprise that connects global suppliers with local customers to address an important market need
- Understanding the consequences of foreign policy and advocating for just policies
Level 1: Personal
Level 1: Personal Changemaking
Practicing Personal Changemaking allows our ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ members to explore their own selves. At this level, changemaking focuses on actions that each person can control and choose to advance the common good. It helps us confront and challenge ourselves, explore our identities, and work to be change agents that value diverse perspectives and new experiences.
Examples:
- Learning about and choosing to recycle/compost
- Building a mindful practice such as meditation, contemplation, or a moment of focus on your breath
- Engaging in dialogue with others different from you that allows you to step outside of your comfort zone
Level 2: Local
Level 2: Local Changemaking
Practicing Local Changemaking focuses on the collective of our St. ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½, both on campus and in the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota. It aims to develop sustainable collective solutions to social and environmental problems affecting us all, especially those with the most pressing challenges.
Examples:
- Volunteering regularly with a local non-profit, school or government agency
- Engaging in local projects with ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ to eradicate isms
- Identifying and working collaboratively to address university structures and processes that perpetuate inequity
Level 3: National
Level 3: National Changemaking
Practicing National Changemaking involves civic engagement in the life and government of our nation. It aims to focus our ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ members in advocacy, voter engagement, and mindful and respectful dialogue.
Examples:- Engaging in democracy by:
- Voting in elections (local/national)
- (calling/writing/visiting an elected official, participating in a caucus)
Level 4: Global
Level 4: Global Changemaking
Practicing Global Changemaking connects us with the needs and realities of the world. It recognizes that many personal, local, and national challenges are also experienced by others around the world and that solutions can be scaled and shared across borders.
Examples:- Bringing awareness of global issues to the St. ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ Community
- Volunteering with a non-governmental organization while traveling, participating in VISION or studying abroad
- Starting a social enterprise that connects global suppliers with local customers to address an important market need
- Understanding the consequences of foreign policy and advocating for just policies