Great campaigning isn’t just about having a powerful cause. It’s about developing the habits that help people turn ideas into lasting change. At the Sheila McKechnie Foundation, we’ve spent years learning from campaigners, activists, community leaders, and changemakers, and developed the 12 Habits of Successful Changemakers.
If you’re looking to create change in your organisation, community, or wider society, these habits offer a practical roadmap. They’re also at the heart of what participants explore in SMK’s Introduction to Campaigning and Social Change workshop.
- Put the mission first
While it may seem obvious to be mission-led, it is easy to get blown off course. There is pressure to secure income, to grow, or even just to survive. Organisations can become more focused on securing money, or maintaining the model, than pursuing their mission.
- See the bigger picture
Change rarely happens because of a single campaign, organisation, or action. Successful campaigners understand the wider system they are operating within. They constantly ask: Where does power sit? Who can influence outcomes? Who should we be working with? By understanding the bigger picture, they can spot new opportunities and respond more effectively.
That’s something you can learn in SMK’s Introduction to Campaigning and Social Change workshop.
- Be adaptive and responsive
Campaigning is always changing. Public attitudes shift, political priorities change, and unexpected events can create moments of opportunity. Effective changemakers stay alert and flexible, adjusting their strategies as circumstances evolve rather than rigidly sticking to a plan.
Our expert Associate, Lucy Brisbane McKay, who faciliates the Introduction to Campaigning and Social Change workshop, is always up to date on the latest developments in campaigning.
- Practice persistence and resilience
Meaningful change often takes years rather than months. Setbacks, disappointments, and barriers are inevitable. Successful changemakers understand that progress is rarely linear and develop the resilience needed to keep going when challenges arise. That’s why at SMK, we’re determined to be fueled by the hope that change is possible.
- Centre the people with lived experience
The Disability justice principle of “nothing about us without us” sits at the heart of effective social change. Successful changemakers work alongside the people affected by an issue, valuing their expertise, experiences, and leadership. They don’t just consult people, they share power with them.
- Invest in relationships
Change happens through people. Whether influencing decision-makers, mobilising supporters, or working within communities, strong and trusting relationships are essential. Successful campaigners understand that genuine connection is often one of the most powerful tools they have.
Our Introduction to Campaigning and Social Change workshop talks in depth about how to connect with others.
- Understand other people’s motivations
Even when they disagree with someone, effective changemakers seek to understand what drives them. By stepping into other people’s shoes, they can communicate more effectively, build unlikely alliances, and create opportunities for influence where others might see only opposition.
- Radical listening
Successful changemakers don’t arrive with all the answers. They practice radical listening, approaching communities and individuals with openness and curiosity. They recognise that people often understand their own challenges and solutions better than anyone else.
- Collaborate, don’t compete
The biggest social challenges cannot be solved by one organisation alone. Successful changemakers build coalitions, share expertise, and work across boundaries. They recognise that collaboration can achieve far more than individual efforts.
- Know your tools
Campaigning and social change require a range of skills, tactics, and approaches. The Introduction to Campaigning and Social Change workshop explains several tools in depth, including the Social Change Grid, Power Map, and more.
- Learn from evaluation
The best changemakers are curious learners. They reflect on what is working, what isn’t, and why. Rather than seeing evaluation as a reporting exercise, they use it as a tool for improvement and learning.
- Take responsible risks
Every campaign involves uncertainty. Successful changemakers understand that playing it safe is not always the safest option. They take thoughtful, calculated risks, learn from mistakes, and create environments where innovation can flourish.
The encouraging news is that these habits aren’t reserved for a select few. They can be learned, strengthened, and applied by anyone who wants to make a difference.
SMK’s Introduction to Campaigning and Social Change workshop is designed to help participants develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to create meaningful change. Drawing on SMK’s decades of experience and insights such as the 12 Habits, the workshop explores how change happens, how to influence decision-makers, and how to build effective campaigns that achieve results.
If you’re ready to turn your passion into action, this workshop is the perfect place to start.
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