Belmont University’s Office of Leadership Development (BOLD), in partnership with 13 faculty and staff members from across campus, recently guided more than 100 students through understanding and applying the 7 Cs of the Social Change Model. Hosted through “Social Change & ME,” an interactive overview of socially responsible leadership through the framework of the Social Change Model, the team provided sessions for students to complete in January and February.
The model’s 7 Cs include consciousness of self, congruence, commitment, collaboration, controversy with civility and citizenship. During SC&ME, students rotated through stations titled “I Change” (individual values), “We Change” (group values) and “World Change” (societal/global values). Each station included interactive activities that challenged students to learn and practice implementing behaviors related to each of the 7 Cs while collaborating and engaging with each other.
The sessions’ purpose was to help students realize that they can begin being socially responsible leaders now, both on and off campus. Students should use the tools they’ve learned during Bruin Lead, an in-depth review of practices of exemplary leadership from the fall 2018, and skills learned during SC&ME to increase leadership behaviors that can bring about positive change.
When asked what was the biggest take away from this experience one student stated, “I believe the activities really helped cement the idea that everyone has different opinions, but there are ways to go about discussing them openly.” Another said, “I learned how you can be a good leader, but you have to take that out in the world to affect positive change. You have to bring self, group and citizenship to make a real difference.”
Students most appreciated open conversations, new ways to talk about leadership, diversity of the presenters and activities and being able to put their learning into practice.
Dr. Adrianne Archie, assistant dean and director of leadership development said, “It’s incredible to watch these students realize that they are leaders now. We will continue to work to prepare them with the toolbox of skills and experiences they will need to be socially responsible leaders here on campus and anywhere else they may go.”
SC&ME is a program in the Believing Emergent Leader Level of Engagement in BOLD. Next, students will participate in Belmont Homecoming activities and Leadership Lately with Ms. Nikki Campbell, President Bob Fisher and Dr. Wayne Barnard. Learn more here.
