Ways to Social Change

The Social Change Wheel

The Social Change Wheel is a model used at the University of Minnesota to explore the many ways individuals and groups can work toward social change. It recognizes that community engagement takes many forms and that no single approach is sufficient on its own. All of the strategies described below can contribute to social change. Together, they reflect the diverse ways people work to strengthen communities and advance equity. At the center of the wheel are anti-racism, equity, and co-creation, which guide how engagement is understood and practiced across campus and in partnership with communities. CCEL uses the Social Change Wheel as a reflective framework to support equity-centered community engagement and explore multiple approaches to social change.

 

Circular diagram of the Social Change Wheel showing multiple approaches to social change, centered on anti-racism, equity, and co-creation, with strategies such as direct service, community organizing, advocacy, dialogue, and civic participation.

 

Ways to Work Toward Social Change

Community Building

Strengthening the capacity of people and associations to work together by creating opportunities for connection and collaboration.

Examples include:

  • Organizing neighborhood events or clean-ups

  • Creating projects that highlight community history or stories

  • Working with residents to identify shared priorities

Protests & Demonstrations

Expressing public and visible disagreement with policies or conditions in order to draw attention to injustice.

Examples include:

  • Participating in marches, protests, or resistance efforts

  • Creating public art or performances to raise awareness

  • Supporting labor actions such as strikes

Voting & Formal Political Activity

Participating in political processes and encouraging others to engage in civic life.

Examples include:

  • Voting and sharing voting resources

  • Working or volunteering for political campaigns

  • Contacting elected officials or lobbying on issues of concern

Community Organizing

Building collective action by identifying allies, surfacing shared interests, and working toward common goals.

Examples include:

  • Developing issue-based campaigns

  • Gathering community input through outreach or asset mapping

  • Using storytelling to build commitment and momentum

Community Capacity & Economic Development

Supporting sustainable economic opportunities and improving social conditions.

Examples include:

  • Supporting small or community-owned businesses

  • Offering leadership development or training

  • Partnering with community business leaders

Direct Service

Addressing immediate needs by providing hands-on assistance through organizations and institutions.

Examples include:

  • Tutoring or mentoring

  • Distributing food or supplies

  • Environmental restoration or disaster response

Advocacy & Raising Awareness

Supporting causes through communication, education, and evidence-building.

Examples include:

  • Speaking or writing on behalf of an issue

  • Sharing research or stories that highlight inequities

  • Participating in public education or outreach efforts

Social Innovation & Enterprise

Developing creative and sustainable solutions to social challenges, often through market-based approaches.

Examples include:

  • Launching social enterprises

  • Designing products or services with social benefit

  • Generating revenue to support nonprofit or community work

Mutual Aid & Informal Associations

Working collaboratively and sharing resources to improve collective well-being.

Examples include:

  • Participating in community barter or support networks

  • Organizing emergency relief or mutual aid efforts

Deliberative & Reflective Dialogue

Creating spaces for learning, listening, and exchanging perspectives on public issues.

Examples include:

  • Facilitating dialogues or story circles

  • Hosting forums that encourage inclusive participation

Fundraising, Giving, & Philanthropy

Raising or donating resources to support social good and community organizations.

Examples include:

  • Hosting or participating in fundraisers

  • Writing grant proposals

  • Donating money or goods

Socially Responsible Daily Behavior

Living out civic values through everyday actions and choices.

Examples include:

  • Making environmentally responsible choices

  • Staying informed about local and global issues

  • Noticing and addressing harmful language or behavior

  • Learning about the history and context of your community

What Does Community Engagement Mean to You?

People define community engagement in different ways. The Social Change Wheel invites reflection on how your values, strengths, and interests shape the ways you engage with your community.

Questions to consider:

  • Which approaches resonate most with you?

  • Which feel most challenging or unfamiliar?

  • How might combining multiple strategies lead to deeper impact?

  • Do you tend to engage as a leader, participant, or supporter?

There is no single “right” way to engage. Social change often requires a mix of approaches, working together over time.

About This Model

This Social Change Wheel has been adapted by the Center for Community-Engaged Learning (CCEL) from earlier models developed by Minnesota Campus Compact, Iowa & Minnesota Campus Compact, and the Stanford Pathways of Public Service and Civic Engagement.