School of Social Impact

When we think about social change, research might not be the first thing that comes to mind. Movements are often associated with protests, petitions, or grassroots organizing. But behind many of these efforts lies an often invisible engine: research. In the latest episode of Changemaker Q&A, I explore the role research plays in activism, policy, […]

When many people think about peace, they picture a world without war. But peace is more than the absence of violence. It is the presence of justice, resilience, and human flourishing. This richer understanding is captured in the concept of Positive Peace, a framework developed and popularized by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP).

In today’s political climate, the word justice is everywhere—splashed across campaign speeches, grassroots banners, and social media feeds. But what do we actually mean when we talk about justice? Is it about fairness in the courts, equality in schools, accountability in politics, or something broader still? In the latest episode of Change Maker Q&A, host

In the latest episode of Changemaker Q&A, host Tiyana J pulls back the curtain on a problem that too often goes unspoken: the systemic devaluation and commodification of care. While the conversation began with a listener’s question about burnout in the social change space, the discussion quickly broadened to the root causes of the crisis—why

In the latest episode of Changemaker Q&A, host Tiyana J explores a force as old as humanity itself: storytelling. Far more than entertainment, stories shape how people see themselves, understand the world, and imagine the future — making them a powerful engine for social transformation. “Storytelling is at the heart of the human experience,” Tiyana

Social movements rarely grow overnight. More often, they spread conversation by conversation—one seed planted at a time. In the latest episode of Changemaker Q and A, host Tiyana J explores how activists, campaigners, and community organizers can build broader support for their causes using the spectrum of allies framework. The episode begins with a listener’s

In a world increasingly fraught with natural disasters, conflict, and emergent crises, the humanitarian and development sectors play pivotal — but often misunderstood — roles in shaping resilience and social change. In the latest Changemaker Q&A, host Tiyana J delves into how disaster preparedness, humanitarian relief, development, and stabilization interconnect within the broader ecosystem of

Natural disasters are no longer rare shocks to the system — they’re a recurring feature of our climate-altered world. In Australia and beyond, storms, bushfires, floods, and cyclones are striking with increasing intensity and frequency. For changemakers — people committed to driving social and environmental transformation — disaster preparedness is not just about personal safety.

Protests are among the most visible expressions of activism. Whether it’s thousands gathering in city streets or smaller groups holding vigils outside government buildings, collective action is often the first image that comes to mind when we think about social change. But do protests actually work? That was the question posed by a listener to

When it comes to tackling the world’s biggest challenges—from inequality to climate change—good intentions alone aren’t enough. Social changemakers must also contend with a quieter, less visible obstacle: the way our own brains can trick us. In a recent episode of the Changemaker Q&A podcast, host Tiyana J explored the role of cognitive biases—the mental