“You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” – Ghandi

This program gives people inspiration to be the change they wish to see in the world. We go beyond talking about it and actually provide a tool participants can use to take action toward changing their world.

In an interactive, experiential setting, participants are introduced to the power of acknowledgment, and learn how a simple blue ribbon changes lives and communities. They’ll discover the impact of negative and positive words; have an opportunity to share dreams and goals; visualize a world and community where people are accepted with understanding instead of apathy; experience how it feels to give and receive acknowledgment and create a strong, bonded community.

Decrease apathy and increase involvement

Apathy is a problem on almost every campus we visit. Students go to class and then go home; they don’t get involved or participate in any campus functions or organizations. These students are missing out on a world of opportunities: educationally, professionally, and personally.

We believe one of the main causes of apathy on campus stems from when a student doesn’t feel like they belong. Why should they do anything more than just “put in their time” at a place where they feel no connection; where they don’t feel supported, appreciated, or acknowledged?

Humans are social creatures. The need for belonging and acceptance comes just after the need for health and safety on Maslow’s hierarchy. Humans have a fundamental need to be a part of a connected community. When that need is not met, we revert to survival mode, and do only what we have to do. Be the Change encourages participants to take the first steps toward breaking through that and begin to create communities of belonging and acceptance; through the power of acknowledgement.

Be the Change is based on the Who I Am Makes a Difference™ acknowledgment program, which has been featured in Chicken Soup for the Soul™. Over 30 million people worldwide have been acknowledged by the Who I Am Makes a Difference™ blue ribbon, which has been translated into thirteen different languages.

In addition to exchanging blue ribbons with each other during the program, participants are given additional blue ribbons they’ll use to acknowledge people on campus and throughout the community, creating ripples of change that extend far beyond the keynote.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will learn the importance of creating a sense of connection and community on their campus.
• Participants will experience the power of giving and receiving acknowledgments.
• Participants will discover ways to create a connected campus community through the power of acknowledgment.
• Participants will discover specific events and occasions during orientation activities in which to incorporate the blue ribbon or other acknowledgment programs.

Program Formats:

• Keynote – 40-90 minutes
• Workshop or Breakout Session (90 min. to 3 hrs)
• As part of Customized Retreat or Training (40 min. – 3 days)