What are agents of change?
From individuals through to organisations and communities, an agent of change is someone, or a group of people, influencing change for the greater good and wellbeing of all – through actions, volunteering, inspiring policy change, or providing a platform for change, voices to be heard.
Some changes can bring instant transformation, like litter picking and planting to improve your local area, many are changes working for long term value creation, there will be many small wins along the way, but the vision will take longer to come into full fruition.
Individual actions matter greatly and can inspire others around you to start taking action and changing behaviours to live more sustainable lives. It can build momentum like the positive stories shared on Antidote; initiatives started by one or two people, building into communities working together for powerful change that transform lives.
Imagine the power possible when everyone part of a brand is living and breathing the brand values.
How brands can become agents of change
When a brand clearly defines and communicates what they stand for, there is a natural focused awareness towards other changemakers – people and organisations who are also part of the bigger vision for change. The shared values attract and resonate, like a yellow buttercup attracting short-tongued pollinators.
I found this resonance with my local Cotswolds People Planet Pint meet ups. A group of people with very different skillsets and industry backgrounds, but a shared passion and purpose for a thriving planet. (There will be some exciting news to update you on this in the future).
Your brand mission – how you are working towards your brand vision – will likely be different to one another, but here in lies the beauty of collaboration; utilising and bringing together your unique perspectives and skillsets to scale up impact.
Proud to be an agent of change with charitable trusts
Charities and not for profits are special ways to further your purpose and live your values. And, are just one way you can visually show your values and amplify your impact.
This could look like:
- Sales related pledged donations
- Corporate partnerships and memberships
- Volunteer trustee
- Community project funding
- Volunteering
- Sponsorship
- Habitat restoration impact projects
- Tree planting initiatives
- Planting community spaces
One of my corporate memberships is with the Earth Trust in Oxfordshire. They sum up the partnership beautifully:
‘Together we are guardians of some extremely special and inspiring places rich in nature and heritage, through which we are able to inspire and influence others with the power of nature based solutions to climate change, biodiversity loss and human health.’
The vision for Earth Trust is exciting, bold and challenging. Ultimately creating and championing a gateway to nature for all:
‘We want a society where everyone has access to nature-filled green spaces close to where they live, work and play. Where we all have a deep understanding of our ecosystem, our place in it and our role caring for it.’
I love seeing and hearing how the projects are progressing and the positive impacts it’s making to lives and the environment:
- From the traditional craftsmanship of creating living fences in The Broad Arboretum.
- The establishment of new habitats and filtering out river pollutants through the River of life project along the River Thames.
- Collaborating with farmers to create rich wildlife habitats and care regeneratively for the land.
- Through to the kitchen garden and educational zones – providing safe spaces for children with special educational needs and disabilities – to explore and learn in the great outdoors.
- As well as bringing nature into schools by developing the projects the children have designed.
- And so much more…
When you get the opportunity, I highly recommend visiting the Earth Trust , you’ll receive a fulfilling dose of engagement with nature.
They have lots of seasonal events planned throughout the year to enjoy:
- With your family.
- Team volunteer days.
- Educational days.
- Work and meeting spaces for hire.
- Walking routes to inspire.
- Venue hire for special occasions.
- Tree dedication.
- Projects you can support and get involved in.
- Plus a quiet place to reflect and connect with the great outdoors…
Three key brand benefits of corporate partnerships:
- Being a part of something bigger, that’s inspiring and regenerative.
- A way to visibly show your values.
- Connective, supportive space with likeminded people from different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives sharing ideas and actions to overcome business sustainability challenges, and to celebrate the wins.
Be a brand agent of change. Always be guided by your brand purpose to identify the actions, affiliations, actors and amplifiers to collaborate with.
