Social change is often decades in the making, acquired through the gradual and sustained efforts of dedicated advocates. At other times, change sweeps irresistibly across whole systems, transforming practices and policies in a matter of days.

External shocks and crises can pave the way to lasting change, by exposing flaws in the status quo, invoking new patterns of behaviour and necessitating previously unimaginable choices. Yet, our desire for change is often tempered by the understandable need to cling to normal behaviours and processes in times of upheaval. As we live through the Covid19 crisis, it is important to reflect on how social change happens, so that we can resist this impulse and make good on our desire to ‘build back better’.

In this interactive workshop, we will investigate how short-term upheaval can be converted to long-term progress, how social movements can play a unique role in challenging the status quo, and how nuts-and-bolts pragmatism can be combined with visionary idealism to build bridges towards a better future.

Taking Part in RSA Online Events

For our interactive online events, the RSA uses the platform Zoom. We have found it simple for participants to use while also providing the necessary functionality for an engaging online event.

To participate in the event, you will need to register for a ticket to receive the bespoke link to join. You will be sent detailed instructions via email closer to the event. Attendees will need to register for a free Zoom account and download their software. To understand more about how Zoom uses your data, please read their Privacy Policy in advance.

We record many of our online events. By attending this online event you accept that you may appear in RSA videos as a participant. Our intention is to use any recording of this event for learning purposes and to document the content of the discussion. Currently we do not have plans to share this recording publicly but may do so in the future.

If you have any access requirements or require any reasonable adjustments, please let the team know: networks@rsa.org.uk.

On the day of the event, you will receive the bespoke Zoom link via email. Please note that latecomers will not be admitted 15mins after the start time of the event for security purposes.

By registering for this event you consent to receiving communications about this event, both before and after, and you agree to the sharing of your name, organisation & title with the Fellow(s) and/or partner organisation(s) hosting this event. Attendees also agree to the sharing of your name and organisation with other delegates at the event so that they might contact you through MyRSA. If you do not wish this information to be shared, please let us know by emailing: networks@rsa.org.uk.

The information you provide when registering for an event will be retained by the RSA and will be used to record attendance at the event. To understand more about how the RSA uses your data, please see our Privacy Policy.

Art of Change