The Social Change Model is a key concept in leadership to try to foster a positive social change. The three components work in tandem with one another: the individual, the group, and the community. Our project’s framework was inspired from six individual’s ideas against bigotry and hate groups especially at George Mason University. We created a group to take a more proactive approach and find a common goal to share with the community. The George Mason University Community is beginning to take a notice of what we are doing and creating solidarity within our efforts to celebrate diversity (1). According to the Social Change Model initially researched at the University of California Los Angeles in 1994, leaders can contribute in any aspect of the process of change. The “Seven ‘C’s’” as they are called, seen within the three aspects of social change (individual, group, and community/society) are all effective measurements of successful social movements(2):
The Individual: It begins with a person’s idea being brought to light for others to catch onto and join in, to which other people follow and thus create a movement.
- Consciousness of self: This relates to us having our idea of anti-bigotry and anti-hate and realizing we want to take a more proactive approach to find solidarity.
- Congruence: The freedoms we have in the USA are powerful and can be used in countless ways. We want to allow those who feel oppressed to realize their value and the differences in thoughts are worth evaluating.
- Commitment: The feeling of pride and integrity with supporting your decision to go ahead and attempt something that has never really been done before.
The Group: Although the catalyst was our class project, we decided to take on the challenge of opening it up to the entire Mason community.
- Collaboration: Alerting over three hundred student organizations of this cause and honoring the students who were already doing things to rectify discriminatory acts, while alerting other students that there is a group of us working to make things better for everyone.
- Common Purpose: We have a common purpose at the university level to do well, excel and attain a degree. Some students are also trying to enjoy college and the “college experience” without mindless bigots creating barriers. Overall we all want an environment to focus on our studies.
- Controversy with civility: The existence of hate groups, extremists and radical groups is inevitable and to an extent perfectly constitutional for them to express their opinions. It is until they cross the line of being offensive and demeaning toward someone else, the slander that occurs on our campus should not affect the daily lives of our students.
The Community:
- Citizenship: When there is war, famine, or other societal issues we need to be more supportive of one another, because in any other situation it could be you. That idea of unity is something that should bond us all. Taking a stand to speak for those who have lost their voice.
(1) "2010 Leadership Mason Conference." Leadership Education And Development. Web. 04 Apr. 2011. <http://lead.gmu.edu/leadershipmason2010/scm.html>.
(2) "What Is the SCM?" The Social Change Model. Web. 04 Apr. 2011. <http://socialchangemodel.ning.com/page/what-is-the-scm>.
Wow, umm...I guess I gotta change up on mine a little bit and focus on introducing some organizations within Mason and dig in. But this looks great! I'll try to fix it towards what organizations and how we will approach them kinda thing. Is that okay?
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