Social Change Initiative

Over the past two years, SCI has been using data from the World Values Survey to conduct values-led workshops with diverse groups and communities across Northern Ireland. Findings from these gatherings are now available in our Lessons Learned report – from how data can transform difficult conversations to young people's appetite for dialogue about difference and the role of narrative strategies in peacebuilding. Discover how a values-led approach is opening new pathways for community dialogue. Read the full report: socialchangeinitiative.com/values-lessons…

▶️ Northern Ireland is changing, and diverse voices must be at the forefront of social change. SCI's Black Activist Leadership Initiative supports people of African origin and descent to connect, share strategies, build leadership and strengthen their collective impact. Through learning, collaboration and solidarity, the initiative helps amplify voices working for equality and justice. 🔗 To learn more, click here: socialchangeinitiative.com/sci-supports-b…

Our report with @qubhrc and @UMHumanRights examines how the UK government has attempted to walk back commitments made to ensure Brexit wouldn't diminish Good Friday Agreement rights and equality protections. The government challenged a NI Court of Appeal judgment that used these commitments to disapply parts of the controversial Legacy Act. While a Supreme Court ruling would typically be final, the Brexit arrangements include international enforcement mechanisms that could ultimately have the final say. We've created a short animation to break down the key issues. ▶️ This case highlights how international safeguards may prove crucial in protecting rights in Northern Ireland - even when domestic courts have spoken. 🔗 Read the full report: socialchangeinitiative.com/human-rights-a…

To all those dedicated to building a better world - thank you for your continued commitment this year. In times of challenge, it's the connections we build, the communities we support and the solidarity we share that sustain our work and give us hope. Wishing you rest, renewal and moments of joy this holiday season from all of us at Social Change Initiative.

We are delighted to be hosting our friend Eric Ward for a series of conversations with changemakers across Northern Ireland and Ireland. Since arriving, Eric, Executive Vice President of @RaceForward and one of America's leading voices on civil rights and countering authoritarianism, has been engaging with communities across the region. Among many conversations, Eric: ✅ Met with Black activists and ethnic minority leaders ✅ Spoke at a convening on tackling hate and violent extremism ✅ Spent time with community grassroots leaders ✅ Had lunch with women from the @FallsWomens ✅ Spoke with school leaders and young people at St Dominic's Grammar about US politics and the rise of authoritarianism (hosted by @politicsinacti1) ✅ Provided a masterclass on narrative to leading civil society leaders 💡 Key messages from Eric: Small acts of resistance are more powerful than we think. In a climate of disinformation and fear, it's everyday actions that hold communities together: a quiet warning, a neighbour stepping in, a teacher creating space for honest questions, a young person refusing to look away. Much of the backlash we see is a response to progress won over generations – progress that can feel threatening to those who benefit from division. Resistance is the ongoing choice to stand by one another and keep showing up. The stories we tell about who belongs and who is valued shape this moment as much as policy. Reclaiming those stories with fairness and dignity is how communities build resilience. Thank you to everyone who has taken part. Conversations continue across the island, and we look forward to sharing more soon.

Important read here. irishtimes.com/opinion/2025/1…

Congratulations to Louise and Charmain @nirwnnews on the continued success of their report. 👏 We’re delighted to see their research reaching wider audiences and gaining the attention it deserves. Read the full report here 👉socialchangeinitiative.com/the-future-of-…

Important new report here. Well worth a look.

Today, we stand with people, groups and communities worldwide who are working for dignity, equality and justice. 🌍 🕊️ This year’s World Human Rights Day theme, Our Everyday Essentials, reminds us that human rights are not abstract principles - they are the foundations of daily life. They shape our safety, our freedom, our ability to speak, participate and belong. Human rights are not just something we defend in moments of crisis. They are the basis for building fairer, more inclusive and more peaceful communities for all. #HumanRightsDay #OurEverydayEssentials

“Small acts of resistance are more powerful than we think.” Eric K. Ward

🌍 Social Change Initiative's Latest Newsletter 🌍 Grounding Social Change in Shared Values – our newest issue explores how we can build movements and drive meaningful transformation by focusing our work on principles that unite rather than divide us. In this edition, we examine the power of shared values in creating lasting social change and offer practical insights for activists, organisers and changemakers. 🔗 Read and subscribe: mailchi.mp/socialchangein…

We’re at the @UNISONNI offices for our event ‘Tackling Hate and Violent Extremism - Insights from the United States.’ We invited local changemakers to hear from American Civil Rights Organiser and Executive VP of @RaceForward Eric K. Ward, who is sharing reflections and learnings from the US context. Following up, we’ll have a panel with local activists who will discuss the NI response. Thank you to all colleagues that are joining us today - this is an important conversation aimed at sharing knowledge and building collective responses as hate and extremism continue to rise in NI and beyond.

Yesterday we attended the launch of @JRF_UK's new report on poverty in Northern Ireland. The report highlights the scale of the challenge and the urgent need for action, with clear evidence that structural barriers are preventing too many people from affording life’s essentials. An important piece of work with a clear message: change is possible, but only if political leaders act now. From childcare to rural inequality, we can’t afford to wait. We’re proud to support JRF’s anti-poverty work and look forward to keep working together in this crucial cause. ➡ Full report: jrf.org.uk/poverty-in-nor…

We’re excited to share that the Social Change Initiative is now on Instagram! 🤳 🌍 🔗 instagram.com/SCIBelfast Follow us to stay connected with our work supporting social change in Northern Ireland and around the world. From peacebuilding and human rights to global solidarity and strategic collaboration, we’re here to highlight the ideas and people driving meaningful change. We are also on Bluesky, LinkedIn and Facebook - join our community and follow along for updates, insights, opportunities and stories from changemakers everywhere.

25 years after UN Resolution 1325, Northern Ireland still struggles with gender inequality. Women remain underrepresented in decision-making and the region ranks among Europe's most dangerous for women. Iceland - a small island nation with clear parallels to NI - has led the world in gender equality for 15 consecutive years. How did they do it? A new report by Charmain JONES and Louise Coyle from @nirwnnews examines exactly that. Lasting peace requires an intentional plan to embed gender equality at all levels of society. 🔗 Read the report: socialchangeinitiative.com/the-future-of-…

Over the past two years, SCI has been using data from the World Values Survey to conduct values-led workshops with diverse groups and communities across Northern Ireland. Findings from these gatherings are now available in our Lessons Learned report – from how data can transform difficult conversations to young people's appetite for dialogue about difference and the role of narrative strategies in peacebuilding. Discover how a values-led approach is opening new pathways for community dialogue. Read the full report: socialchangeinitiative.com/values-lessons…

🧱 Borders are worshipped like gods, protected by walls, laws and technology. Rooted in #racism, supremacy and colonisation, they decide who belongs and who is cast out. BORDER GOD: launching on 24 Nov, 3–4:30pm UK time 👉 bit.ly/4nUin8i

Recently we hosted 'Tackling Hate & Violent Extremism – What Works?' – an event that brought together practitioners, policymakers and community leaders from across Britain, Ireland and Northern Ireland to discuss practical strategies for countering rising hate and violent extremism. ▶️ In the lead-up to the event, we spoke with one of our guests, Joe Mulhall from @hopenothate. He shared his impressions from meeting with local NI activists and discussed the work HOPE not hate is doing on the ground. 🔗 Read the full article and watch Joe's video here: socialchangeinitiative.com/tackling-hate-…

Last week we welcomed 28 Community and Youth Work students from @MaynoothUni. SCI's Director, @MartinOBrien17, was delighted to meet them and talk about working for social change and the current situation in Belfast.