Christopher Michaelson
Professor of Business Ethics and Social Responsibility
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 community.
At St. Thomas, the Center for the Common Good facilitates how we can connect across the university and in the community to catalyze social innovation. We help individuals and groups; students, faculty, staff, and alumni; and campus and community organizations to build networks and grow relationships to solve today's most pressing problems in our neighborhoods and world.
At St. Thomas, we have a long tradition of working for the common good as it relates to the Catholic Intellectual Tradition. Distinguishing Changemaking from service allows us to focus our energy and resources on developing solutions that change the systems that perpetuate inequities and injustices that have been influenced by service.
Get Involved
Get started with Changemaking for the Common Good at St. Thomas by participating in one of our events.
Changemaking at St. Thomas
Changemaking involves using empathy, thoughtfulness, creativity, taking action, and collaborative leadership to work toward solving a social problem. Learn how we are engaged in these practices at St. Thomas.
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 community.
Level 1: Personal Changemaking
Practicing Personal Changemaking allows our community 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. Thomas community, 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 community 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 community members in advocacy, voter engagement, and mindful and respectful dialogue.
Examples:- Voter registration
- Voting in elections (local/national)
- Participating in advocacy (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. Thomas Community
- Volunteering with a non-governmental organization while traveling 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 community 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. Thomas community, 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 community 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 community members in advocacy, voter engagement, and mindful and respectful dialogue.
Examples:- Voter registration
- Voting in elections (local/national)
- Participating in advocacy (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. Thomas Community
- Volunteering with a non-governmental organization while traveling 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
Our Changemaking Team
Jessica Hodge
Change Leader
Associate Professor of Criminal Justice and Sociology
Manuela Hill-Muñoz
Change Leader
Director of Innovation and Changemaking