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What is an "Agent of Change?"

An “Agent of Change” is an individual or group, who attempts to bring about change, aid in its accomplishment, or helps to cope with change. You and your family or friends can make a positive difference in the world.

First, you must arm yourself with knowledge. What cause are you passionate about and willing to work hard at educating yourself and others?  Identify the problem. Do you want to help the environment? Stomp out racism? Fight for human rights? Feed the poor? Stop bullying?  

Second, you have to create a plan of action. You can join global, national, state, church, or community groups that support your cause. You might even want to come up with a plan of your own. Find out what others are doing to help make the world a better place.  

Next, it takes dedication and good communication skills to inspire others. Oftentimes you might be misunderstood and will have to find new ways to communicate your message of change in a positive manner. Are you willing to contact the appropriate officials to affect the necessary change? 

Lastly, remember change takes time and is hard for some people. “Agents of Change” are dissatisfied with the way things are today and are willing to work for a better future. No action is too big or small to make an impact on your community and the world. Are you ready to take action? Be empowered with the skills you need to impact the future as an “Agent of Change.”

What Can I Do? Healing the Legacy

You may be asking yourself, “What can I do to help heal the legacy of the American Indian Boarding School era and prevent this injustice from ever happening again?” There are a number of things that you can do to help including educating yourself, helping to spread the word, and taking action to help heal the wounds.

Educate Yourself

The first thing you can do is learn all that you can about the impact of the Boarding/Residential  Schools around the world and similar acts of global ethnic and cultural cleansing (genocide). You may want to find out how many people were affected, or how they still suffer from the trauma. Conduct your own research.

Help Spread the Word

Help spread the word and raise awareness at the local, national, or global level. You may do a presentation at your school to help educate others or create a poster about what you have learned. You may want to organize a group of people around your cause by utilizing social media and networking sites. You could partner with existing sites, such as the Boarding School Healing Project on Facebook, or you may want to start your own group. 

Take Action - Helping to Heal the Wounds

Once you have a group of informed, like-minded people organized, you are ready to take action. Encourage your local politician to support a National Apology to the American Indian people. You and your group might volunteer at a local Tribe or reservation. For example, you might help organize a virtual or actual field trip to a former Boarding School site. You may want to host a film screening in your community on a film that focuses on the topic of cultural genocide.

Whatever you choose to do will make an impact. No issue/action is too big or too small! A'yaangwamazin. Be determined.