Who We Are
Changemakers® is a community of action where we all collaborate on solutions. We know we have the power to solve the world’s most pressing social problems. We’re already doing it, one project, one idea at a time.
How do we do it? We talk about the issues, share stories and mentor, advise, and encourage each other in group forums, even engage in friendly competition. We form surprising connections and unexpected partnerships across the globe that turn the old ways of problem solving upside down. We try things that have never been tried before.
Our mantra is “Everyone a Changemaker.”™ Whatever your passions, however you want to make a difference, you’ll find a way to make it happen it here. Changemakers® connects you to action because we’re on the ground, making changes every day.
The solutions are all around us. Join us. And be at the center of change.
Join the Changemakers Group, a collaborative space for the whole community to stay connected, share opportunities and reach our goals.
Please contact us at connect@changemakers.com if you have any questions about Changemakers.
- Changemakers is an initiative of Ashoka: Innovators for the Public
Here are some examples of how Changemakers members take action and how you can become involved:
 | An idea Krista Cameron knew she wanted to be a Changemaker. “I was on a bus going through the downtown eastside (of Vancouver) and was engulfed by the hardship faced in the area,” she recalled. “I felt like my plans to work in impoverished areas in Africa and India were somewhat naïve if I could not even help those in my own city.” She put her newfound desire to act locally together with her passion for dance, and came up with an idea. Changemakers helped her make the Heart Source Dance Program a reality. |
 | A mentor Charles Tsai is a member of our sister organization, Youth Venture. He showed Krista how to get her idea for free dance classes for underprivileged kids off the ground quickly – by partnering with an existing service organization and by encouraging her to enter a Changemakers competition with cash prizes. Charles’ mentorship has been a powerful force in Krista’s life plan. “This whole experience has helped her on a completely different path,” said Charles. “Now, she is committing her whole life to this. It’s no longer simply a side project, it’s her calling.” |
 | A supporter Financial supporters, like Staples, look to the Changemakers community for great ideas to invest in and help grow. Sometimes they do this through competitions, such as the Staples Youth competition that Krista Cameron entered. Krista was among the 515 entrants from 60 countries who introduced their ideas—from projects aimed at supporting local biofuel use to assisting wheelchair users in poor countries. She was one of 32 that received a $1,000 seed grant to get her Heart Source Dance program off the ground. It now offers seven free dance classes a week, serving 55 underprivileged kids from her hometown of Vancouver. |
 | A network Krista’s journey at Changemakers inspired her college professor, Cam Sylvester, and her dynamic class for budding social entrepreneurs to start a Changemakers group called Global Stewardship. The group’s members aim to find “creative solutions to the global problems identified in the Millennium Development goals”. They do this with the goal of becoming Changemakers while pursuing careers in international development. The “Global Stew” wants to know, “Do you want to join our group as we strive to change our world, and change ourselves?” |