Change Agents

I think the most important C to keep in mind when acting as a change agent is Collaboration.  This is with the assumption that a change agent already has the commitment necessary to make social happen occur.  Simply put, relationships and networks are vital to success in the real world, especially when striving to achieve social change which is so vast in it's nature.  As a change agent, focusing on collaboration puts you in win-win scenarios and allows others to become personally vested in your common goal because you have put personal agendas aside and people will recognize that.  Collaboration also implies openness and trusting relationships, which are again important for others to buy into the common purpose.  Last, collaboration creates an environment where a diverse set of ideas are discussed and implemented.

I also believe that Commitment is the biggest challenge to becoming a change agent.  By definition of "doing what you say you will do", it sounds like the simplest C in nature to perform, but is most often not upheld.  This fact of life is true because commitment takes a devotion of time and energy, which are a limited resource especially in the life of a college student.  We are constantly bombarded by friends, professors, parents, and classmates with new plans, ideas, and demands.  And as someone who strives to be a change agent, it is often hard to say "no", but sometimes it is beneficial to step back and think about what commitments you have made so far and how you can manage them.  It is important to note that this is a fine line though because sometimes you have to fail and learn from of it.  One should never be afraid to take on new challenges, but they just need to make sure that they stay committed to goals already made.

I believe that anyone can become a change agent as long as they commit to lifelong learning of the social change model.