Leadership and Civic Engagement

Social Change Model

OLCE uses the Social Change Model to inform our work, both in leadership and civic engagement. Established in 1994, the original version of the Social Change Model approaches leadership as a purposeful, collaborative, values-based process that results in positive social change.  The model was built upon the ideas that:

• Leadership is concerned with effecting change on behalf of others and society
• Leadership is collaborative
• Leadership is a process rather than a position
• Leadership should be value-based
• All students (not just those who hold formal leadership positions) are potential leaders
• Service is a powerful vehicle for developing students’ leadership skills

The Social Change Model, like all models, needs revision and reflection. In 2021, two Student Affairs practitioner-scholars, Jordan Harper & Adrianna Kezar, released the Leadership for Liberation framework, taking a critical look at the Social Change Model. Below, you’ll find seven values of leadership, incorporating components of both the Leadership for Liberation framework and the Social Change Model:

1. Consciousness of Self
2. Congruence
3. Commitment
4. Collaboration
5. Common Purpose
6. Controversy with Courage*
7. Community

*Adapted from the Leadership for Liberation framework by Harper & Kezar, 2021.

All of these values contribute to the ultimate goal: CHANGE.  Follow this link to find out more about how OLCE uses the Social Change Model of Leadership to inform our practice and programming.

We develop Change-Makers, students who are active participants in society accountable to and responsible for the common good.  Their willingness to act and ability to lead transforms visions into reality.  In doing so, they are able to negotiate diverse views and adapt behaviors to work with others as agents of positive and ethical change.