001. Advice to someone who wants to get started in the social change space
Why All Changemakers Should ‘Experience the World’...
After a hiatus due to fieldwork for my PhD, we are excited to bring the Changemaker Q&A podcast back. In our first episode, I want to discuss the advice that change the trajectory of my life and set me on my path as a changemaker. Long before I founded the Humanitarian Changemakers Network, I was a 17 year-old fresh out of high school, with dreams to one day change the world. A few weeks after graduating, I was sponsored to attend a conference in Hong Kong celebrating “Youth’s Determination to Transform the World.” I spent the week exploring Hong Kong, meeting young changemakers from around the world, and attending workshops and speeches from people who were already making a real impact in the world. There was a common theme that I noticed from all the speakers at the event… they all recommended we get out and travel as much as we could. As one speaker put it; "if you want to change the world, you’ll have to experience it first.” (I share more about this in our social change handbook, The Changemaker In You.)
Becoming a changemaker is not just about taking action; it's about understanding the world from a broader and more compassionate perspective. The more we enrich our lived experience through travel, immersion in diverse stories, and open dialogue, the better equipped we are to drive meaningful social change. By connecting with others at a deeper level and telling richer stories, we can build a world that is more inclusive and equitable for all. So, my advice to all new (and experienced) changemakers is to focus on experiencing the world in all its diversity.
How lived experience shapes reality
This idea of experiencing the world is not necessarily about traveling, but moreso about immersing oneself in different cultures and perspectives to broaden our experience. Our lived experience shapes our stories - the stories we tell ourselves about who we are, why we do what we do, how the world, and how the world should be - and these stories drive the actions that we take, ultimately shaping reality.
In my journey as a changemaker, I've come to appreciate the value of lived experience in shaping our perspectives and actions. Every person's story is influenced by their values, culture, upbringing, and individual experiences. Our actions and beliefs are founded on the stories we tell ourselves. The more diverse experiences and perspectives we encounter, the richer and more nuanced our stories become. Our stories are what drive us, from the causes we support to the choices we make in our daily lives. To become effective changemakers, we must enrich our own stories and understand the stories of others.
Travel broadens our lived experience
One of the most potent ways to enrich your lived experience is through travel. Traveling allows you to immerse yourself in different cultures, explore diverse worldviews, and understand various ways of life. It offers a unique opportunity to expand your horizons and learn from people whose stories differ from your own. By stepping out of your comfort zone and engaging with new perspectives, you gain a more nuanced understanding of the world.
Empathy and understanding are the cornerstones of effective social change. Through travel and experiencing the world, we connect with people on a deeper level. When we genuinely understand the stories of others, we can't harbor hate in our hearts. Instead, we can work towards solutions that benefit all parties involved. This empathetic approach transcends the "us versus them" mentality and paves the way for collaboration and co-creation.
Want to travel but feeling overwhelmed?
A big part of the reason I've been able to travel as much as I have is because over the years, is because I’ve learnt a lot about travel; the best apps and tools to plan your own trip, money-saving hacks, and when to DIY vs book a tour. Having the confidence to DIY a trip yourself makes travel more affordable and accessible, and I want to help more changemakers plan their own travel. SO, I put together a DIY Trip Planning Guide for our community of changemakers:
The online tool combines both the tools you need to compare and search your options, plus, we've put together an accompanying podcast where I share some background info, personal stories, and tips for planning your own travel!
Click here to listen to the travel guide podcast.
I hope this resource helps more of you to get out there and experience the world, because travel opens doors to new narratives and a deeper understanding of people, cultures, and issues. When we can tell richer stories about the world and the causes we care about, we can become more effective in advocating for change.
Listen to the full episode:
While travel is a powerful means of experiencing the world, there are alternative ways to expand your lived experience, like reading memoirs, watching documentaries, engaging in dialogues with individuals from diverse backgrounds, and continuously learning are all effective methods. The key is to remain open to new stories and perspectives, whether they come from a different country, a different culture, or even within your local community.
Click here to read the episode transcript.