Social impacts have been making waves and changes in many parts of our lives. From the way we evaluate how businesses conduct their operations to the things we choose to purchase, social impacts are becoming more and more important to many people.

There is no doubt that how we manage Diversity and inclusion or other topics such as Social Impact Theory will impact social impact as well.

While there is no easy way for businesses and organisations to reduce social costs, there are many ways to achieve social impacts. Many businesses, organisations, and foundations are making conscious efforts towards achieving greater and better social impact.

What is social impact?

Generally speaking, social impact is how organizations, businesses or individuals’ actions affect the surrounding community. It may be the result of an activity, project, program or policy and the impact can be both  positive or negative.

The social impact can be felt by people directly associated with that organisation or individual, or have a more far-reaching people in different communities and even countries. But more commonly, the term “social impact” is used to define actions which have a positive impact on communities.

As individuals, we can make a positive social impact through many aspects of life . It might be starting up your own idea with a positive social impact, joining an already existing idea or even just engaging / sharing your knowledge.

In essence it’s like planting a seed and watching it grow into a big, beautiful tree that provides shade and shelter for the long term — helping solve or at least address social injustice and challenges many people might face.

Why is social impact important?

Making a difference in the world is always important. No matter how small the effort is, social impact impacts everyone in many ways we may not realise. It’s not just about providing equality at the workplace or creating sustainable products to reduce waste. 

When one component of society thrives, many other aspects of their lives will flourish. This can lead to bigger and better changes. And it doesn’t just help people. When businesses and organisations consciously choose sustainable ways to operate, other lifeforms on earth can also have the chance to thrive. Many businesses in the past have caused significant damage to the environment.

It’s a way of life and a great opportunity to create opportunities that are otherwise unavailable to the minorities or underprivileged. These groups can get access to quality education, clean water, gender equality, or able to obtain decent work and thus gain economic growth, etc.

How can you get involved..

A good place to start is by finding out what your passionate about and educate yourself

Find a cause close to your heart and start researching it. Stay informed about social issues relative to your surroundings. The deeper you dig, the more you will be surprised at how linked they are to the global picture. But don’t let that scare you.

On the contrary, it will become clearer now that if a seemingly harmless behaviour negatively impacts the bigger picture, it is also true that you can reverse it from the very same place.

Attend workshops, participate in local events, and talk to people about causes that matter to them or you and get a better understanding on how get involved...

Advocate for change

Now that you are have outlined what you are passionate about, you can start to speak up against or for them. Once reliable information tramps ignorance, issues become recognisable, and you can shine a light on them by raising your voice for those that you deem worthwhile.

No need to overdo it, though. Stick with what resonates with you and advocate for it, engaging in conversations and start a positive discussion. Or start mentoring and coaching others to get involved in positive social action. Spread the word and lead the way by example.

Support your local community or environment

One active way of driving social change lies in where you literally put your money. Educating yourself also entails understanding where you choose to spend. It can range from shopping to activities, from supporting organizations to avoiding businesses that aren’t sustainable or that prioritise their earnings over social responsibility. You can also donate and support charities whose focus is addressing social challenges.

Practice kindness and compassion

Probably easier said than done. Being kind requires more of a conscious effort than you might think. Be present in social interactions, actively listen and observe. At times, seemingly innocent gestures such as holding a door open or smiling at a stranger deeply impact the outcome of that person’s day. Plus, positivity is contagious, and it might inspire the receiver of a gentle act to do the same to someone else.

Be the trigger to social change

Social impact is not a spectator sport; it requires active participation and a commitment to making a difference. More importantly, it stems from daily acts of consciousness.

By taking even small steps, you can create a ripple effect that positively impacts your community and the world around you. Whether you have been part of our community for years or just joined us, learn more about how our organisation welcomes social change as a means of creating a positive contribution to our community here.