Be a Changemaker: How to Start Something That Matters

by Laurie Ann Thompson

* A Junior Library Guild selection
* Winner of a Parents' Choice Recommended Award
* Winner of the SCBWI Crystal Kite Members' Choice Award
* A 2014 Cybils Award finalist

We've had the civil rights movement and the women's movement—now it's time for the youth movement.

When Divine Bradley was seventeen, he just wanted a safe place to hang out away from gangs and violence, and Team Revolution was born. At age eleven, Jessica Markowitz learned that girls in Rwanda are often not allowed to attend school, and Richard's Rwanda took shape. During his sophomore year of high school, Zach Steinfeld put his love of baking to good use and started the Baking for Breast Cancer Club.

Gone are the days when kids were supposed to be "seen and not heard." Today, youth everywhere are rising up, building new organizations, and creating the changes they want to see in their communities and around the world. Be a Changemaker gives readers the tools and confidence they need to affect real change. Readers will learn how to:

- Research ideas
- Build a strong and passionate team
- Create a business plan
- Enlist a savvy adult
- Plan events
- Work with the media
- And more!

Plus, profiles of youth-led social organizations show readers that it's never too early to become a changemaker.

Genres: Nonfiction, Business, Self Help, Personal Development, Childrens, Social Justice, Politics

240 pages, Paperback

First published September 9, 2014

About the author

Laurie writes for children of all ages. She is dedicated to inspiring and empowering young readers through nonfiction and fiction that educates as well as entertains.

Reviews

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned so, so much from reading this book, and am absolutely of the amount of research and effort that Laurie Thompson clearly put into creating it!

This book is the perfect mix of nuts-and-bolts advice, profiles of successful teen changemakers, and personal anecdotes. I always felt engaged with the content, and finished every chapter feeling both inspired and enabled.

Any teen (or adult!) who feels the calling to make a difference in the world but isn't sure where to start will find the perfect roadmap in BE A CHANGEMAKER. The world is already a better place for having this book in it.

[Ana Calabresi · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s no time when we most want to change the world than in our youth years. Laurie Ann Thompson speaks clearly to young people who want to make a difference in their surroundings, doing their part to make the world a better place. Thompson explains that no matter how small a good idea may seem, it may be just a tiny seed for something that will grow and affect other people’s lives in a positive way.

What I most like about the book is that the author breaks down complex concepts of project management in a way that young people can understand. She gives us a simple recipe to create a project from scratch: from brainstorming an idea (matching your passion with your skills) and designing a business plan to recruiting staff, dealing with money (including bookkeeping) and marketing your venture. I would even suggest that the book is a great resource for adult entrepreneurs who might not have a clue how to start a business.

Each chapter explains one aspect of creating a venture and is very well structured. First, there are real life examples of young people’s projects that were successful across the United States. Then, the author explains the concept in clear language and easy-to-follow instructions and guidance. She finishes the chapter with her own experience related to that particular aspect in the chapter and summarizes the main points of each chapter at the end. Thompson provides useful links to resources that can help young people on their way to creating their ventures; those are specific to American laws. Although the specific legal and financial advices are specific to Americans, the overall guidelines on how to start a venture can apply for people all over the world.

Book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.

[The Styling Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

roud to be a stop on the book tour celebrating: Be A Changemaker: How to start something that matters by Laurie Ann Thompson – Release: Sept. 9th, 2014 – What an inspiring book! I’d already read through another book called The Teen Guide to Global Action- How to Connect with Others (Near and Far) to Create Social Change by Barbara A. Lewis. What I appreciated about Be A Changemaker was that Laurie Ann Thompson organized numerous things that were necessary for students who are serious about creating a new organization. The message to “find a mentor” resonated throughout the book. There are excellent examples throughout the book of many student changemakers that are incredibly inspiring. The issues of finance, creating ad campaigns, and fundraising were easy to understand with many insightful tips… also how to organize and manage your volunteers. There were practical practices introduced as well like how to make a mind map of issues, how to follow copyright law and how to sustain your organization. There were many quotes that I enjoyed. Here is one from a teen who learned what to do through experience, would have benefitted from reading this book!: “One thing I wish someone had told me,” Zach says, “is that people respond very positively to incentives!”

[Ricki · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite aspect of this book is the way it is organized. The chapters and headings are very clear, and it moves in a fluent, understandable manner. Thompson provides very informative, necessary lessons about honing and fine-tuning leadership skills. Some of the sections I liked most were the tips about leading meetings (from standard operating procedures to icebreaker activities), the sample business plan with budgetary advice, the ways to make money (with grants and marketing tips), and the speaking skills (particularly the section about elevator pitches). Across the country, more and more states are requiring the development of advisory groups for high school students to learn life skills. This text would be perfect for this setting. I can also see the text working well in a business or entrepreneurship class. The best part about the way this book is set up is the fact that teachers can assign chapters to groups or teach the portions of the text that matter most to their syllabi or curricula.

[Megan Shields]

This book dives into the ways that young people can make a big change in our world today. The one message is this: little voices can be powerful, if only they are used. While reading this book I would do multiple versions of the "Why" activity from Kelly Gallager. I would give students current statistics from every topic imaginable, and then have them pose the question, "Why is our world like this?" After journalling many days about trying to answer "why" our world looks the way it does, students will choose a statistic that bothers them or that they are curious about and research it further. Then, using the processes in the book and their own research, students will find a platform to present their ideas and try to make a change.

[Penny Klostermann · Rating 5 out of 5]

You may be wondering how one book can offer all this:
- Research ideas
- Build a strong and passionate team
- Create a business plan
- Enlist a savvy adult
- Plan events
- Work with the media
- And more!

Well, Laurie Thompson’s book does. I read it early on and was amazed, not only with the information, but with the way in which Laurie presented it.

When the publisher says, “You’ll find the tools you need right here—”, they mean it. And Laurie Thompson presents the information with a simplicity that isn’t overwhelming.

This book is a book that matters. This is a book that will make a difference.

[Joshua McCune · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the perfect book for anybody with even an inkling of an idea or desire to make their community and this world a better place. BE A CHANGEMAKER delineates numerous ways to effect change through numerous and varied real-world examples, team-building ideas, the author's personal experiences, and some very apt inspirational quotes by renowned politicians, philosophers, authors, etc.

BAC: HTSSTM is aimed at teens (and pre-teens), but most of the ideas and methods covered in this thorough compendium would be quite helpful to adults, too.

[Gina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was interested in this book upon hearing about a high school's policies that were not conducive to learning or the well-being of the students, and I thought this book might have ideas for the students to advocate for themselves: researching, presenting, petitioning.

That is not what this book does. It really focuses on setting up organizations following a venture capital model, but for doing good. It is not bad at doing that - though I don't love the writing style - but it kind of feels like this will help a lot of adolescents build great resumes and college applications and do some good, but largely leave the world as is. That may make the "changemaker" part of the title misleading.

[Kellee Moye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review at: http://www.unleashingreaders.com/?p=4124

I was blown away by how much this book impacted me as I read it. I want to do something right now, so I know that this book will impact young readers. Like Ricki, I was fond of how it was organized. It is ultimately a step-by-step book for leadership, planning, and making a difference in the world.

What I liked the most about the book, though, was the “Profile” sections where actual groups started by kids were highlighted. This really connected it to real life and showed the reader that being a changemaker is definitely something that anyone can do.

[Jennifer Bertman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of reading an advanced copy of BE A CHANGEMAKER. I wish this book existed when I was a teen. (Although I think it is a wonderful resource for anybody who wants to make a difference but isn't sure how to go about it, or where to start.) This book is inspirational and motivating without trying too hard to be that way. Lots of straightforward advice, and I love both the changemaker profiles and "In my experience" anecdotes from the author. Highly recommend.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was really excited by the premise and the promise of this book, and Laurie Ann Thompson absolutely delivered. I love the examples of teen changemakers presented, the author's own personal experiences, the quotes and advice from both teens and adults--the whole thing is just presented so carefully and practically, but also in such an engaging manner. What an important book for teens as well as those who seek to inspire them!

[K.L. Berger · Rating 4 out of 5]

The strength of this book is that it clearly communicates a positive message to youth. It was so inspiring to read about these young people changing their lives and do a difference in the world. Maybe not the biggest changes but even the small things counts and for anybody with even an inkling of an idea or desire to make their community a better place it was a great read!

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is written for teenagers who want to change the world for the better. It includes step by step ideas on how to organize and lead a social venture. It is kind of like How to Change the World: Social Entrepreneurs and the Power of New Ideas for kids. ;) It talks about finding your passion and identifying the problem you want to solve, building your team, finding a mentor, running meetings, creating a business plan, leading, managing finances, marketing, planning events, managing risks, and building partnerships - lots of good topics and ideas. I particularly liked (as you can see below) the inspirational quotes at the beginning of each chapter (although maybe we do need a more balanced approach as I note below, too).

One thing I kept thinking, though, the whole time I was reading this book was how one of my professors in graduate school (nonprofit management) always used to tell us: "Don't start a nonprofit." There are already so many that exist. Many end up competing with each other for resources. A better idea is to research carefully those that do exist and possibly help them, partner, combine forces. I don't know that the right solution is always to go out and start something new. Maybe we should be less set on starting our own venture and more focused on identifying and solving the problems. There may be some problems that haven't been addressed yet, but for the most part there is probably someone somewhere working on the same thing, so work together, collaborate, do it right.

I also worry that there may be a few too many people saying, "You can change the world. You're the answer." It may be giving children, teens, millennials an incorrect idea that inflates their confidence in themselves. Don't get me wrong - I think we need to be proactive and encourage each other in our worthwhile goals and ideas, but I think there may need to be a different balance. Maybe we should be encouraged to listen more, strive to understand others and what they're doing so that we can work together better....more about teamwork than our individual worth?

That being said, I enjoyed this book and I think it is well organized and includes some very important principles for any of us desiring to do some good. It's easy to understand and following things principles and ideas will help people be successful.

Here are a few quotes from the book that I liked:

"'Change will not come if we wait for some other person or if we wait for some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek (Barack Obama, p. 1).'"

"When you set your mind to it, you absolutely can do something that matters (p. 1)."

"Today's companies...are on the lookout for employees with proven problem-solving abilities, creativity, critical thinking skills, collaboration experience, and communication techniques. After becoming a changemaker, your resume will practically write itself (p. 5)."

"'It all begins when one person finds the courage to take action (p. 7).'"

"'How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world (Anne Frank, p. 9).'"

"Of course, you need more than passion to carry something through: you need skills (p. 21)!"

"Here's where you get the energy, plus the ability, plus the motivation to make a difference. PASSION + SKILL + PROBLEM = VENTURE (p. 27)."

"People love being asked about what they do and what they care about! They appreciate the fact that someone is taking an interest in them. It validates their efforts and tells them that what they're doing is important. Remember, it's not about you (p. 40)."

"People are the most important part of any organization....At the end of the day, leadership is getting people to use their full talents to support your shared objective (Colin Powell, p. 45)."

"Tell an engaging story that is relevant to your listener (p. 53)."

"To be a good leader, you just need to remember a few basic concepts: Listen.... Include others.... Stay passionate (p. 55)."

"'You need a mentor.... Be bold and brave and call (p. 60)!'"

"In my experience, when we want something badly enough to push ourselves outside our comfort zones and go for it, we are usually rewarded (p. 65)."

"Learning how to be a part of an effective team was one of the best things about launching a venture (p. 70)."

"In addition to helping you plan, sending the agenda out before the meeting will help your team members think about their roles and how they can contribute to the purpose at hand. It also allows your team members to point out things you might not have thought about so you can revise the agenda if necessary (p. 78)."

"'One of the most profound things I've learned as a Grown Up is how few people it takes to change the world forever (Maggie Stiefvater, p. 81).'"

"If we all did the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves (p. 83)."

"The first things people looking at your venture will want to know are:
* What is your idea?
* What problem is your venture trying to solve?
* Who will be your venture's customers or clients?
* What difference will your venture make?
* Why is your venture necessary (p. 88)?"

"There are a few things you can do to increase your odds of receiving a grant: Do your research.... Follow directions.... Show that you are already up and running, or at least are ready to be as soon as you receive the grant.... Lay out exactly what you will do with the money if you are selected.... Show that you've thought about the future.... Form a partnership.... Register as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (p. 119)."

"Every organization I've seen or been involved with has had its own unique approach to marketing, and that's just as it should be, since every business is unique. The only way to know what's going to work for you is to try something and measure your results (p. 135)."

"'Whoever controls the media controls the mind (Jim Morrison, p. 137).'"

"The key is to attract reporters' attention, and the main way to do that is by distributing a great press release. What's a press release?.... Headline.... Dateline.... Lead.... Body.... Quotes.... Boilerplate.... Contact information....### (p. 142)."

"Don't get so focused on your media strategy that you forget your goals and mission (p. 148)."

"'We must get the American public to look past the glitter, beyond the showmanship, to the reality, the hard substance of things. And we'll do it....not so much with speeches that will bring people to their feet as with speeches that bring people to their senses (Mario Cuomo, p. 149).'"

"If you're meeting someone new and there's no one to introduce you (or they forget), just introduce yourself--the sooner the better! And if you know other people in the crowd, do the introducing for them (p. 153)."

"No matter how well written a story is, if people can't relate to it personally they won't want to keep listening (p. 156)."

"Build a checklist of tasks that need to be done and the dates they need to be done by, and keep close track of the timeline. This is one of the most helpful things you can do to guarantee your event's success (p. 172)."

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed individuals can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has (Margaret Mead, p. 176)."

"'Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover (Mark Twain, p. 177).'"

"Everyone has a different concept of risk and a different level of comfort with it (p. 181)."

"'The biggest risk is not taking any risk...In a world that's changing really quickly, the only strategy where you're guaranteed to fail is not taking any risk and not changing anything (Mark Zuckerberg, p. 190).'"

"'Everyone you will ever meet knows something you don't (Bill Nye, p. 191).'"

"'Be of good cheer. Do not think of today's failures, but of the success that may come tomorrow. You have set yourself a difficult task, but you will succeed f you persevere; and you will find a joy in overcoming obstacles (Helen Keller, p. 201).'"

"Changemakers and social entrepreneurs build something that lasts. They aren't your typical one-time-only-do-gooders, and you're not either. You can stay at the helm and be effective for as long as you wish, as long as you take good care of yourself and your team (p. 210)."

"'A new type of thinking is essential if mankind is to survive and move toward higher levels (Albert Einstein, p. 213).'"

[Tina Hoggatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a sorely needed primer for young people who want to make a difference, to be change makers. With clearly stated outlines and tools for making plans and following through, this book can be used in a wide range of endeavors and lets the young reader know that they can realize the change they can envision.

[Aaron Maurer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great read. This is the book I have trying to write. She beat me to it and did a much better job than I would have done. What is so great about this book is not the message. Follow your passion is nothing new and often when reading this book I felt like she took a lot of stuff from Angela Maiers. However, what makes this book different is that it provides context in terms of how to actually act on your passion. It provides ideas, tips, reminders, and starting points to get going.

As an adult I took many useful tips to apply to things that I am trying to do as an educator to make change. So even though the book is designed for YA, anyone can benefit. I have many highlights and pages marked to go back to and process, use, and share with students. A really helpful book to read to learn how to get started.

[Lindsey Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

What's even more amazing than the book itself is the fact that no one had written such a book already. Thanks goodness Laurie Thompson had the gumption and vision and perseverance to sit down and get it done. I read it in nearly one sitting, captivated as much by the stories of the changemakers as well as Laurie's own personal experiences. Consider giving this book not only to young people with vision but parents who want to understand how to help their young people achieve their bid ideas. This book is a total wow. Big yes. Thumbs way up high.

I have only one negative note and that is to the publisher: change the cover. It is uninspiring. Really? A white girl lying on back staring a tablet. Come on, guys. Did anyone read this book?

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book takes you from the inspirational all the way down to the nitty-gritty of how to get things done! Perfect for both the kids who know they can change the world as well as kids who could use some very practical advice to show them what's possible. Easy to envision all sorts of clubs and organizations (Scouts, YMCA/YWCA, churches, etc...) turning to this as their how-to manual for making positive change in the world.

[Annie Oosterwyk · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book for young people who have an idea that will make a difference in the world. It has short, quick chapters with good advice about how to go about fundraising, generating interest, making the most of your skill set, finding mentors, creating a business plan and budget, giving speeches, etc. It is very comprehensive and invaluable for any school that requires a senior project.

[야일 · Rating 3 out of 5]

A resonating read...in that making a change kind of sense. Needs to be read gradually and re-read for more note taking and learning. Liked the quotes throughout the book and the stories.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great presentation on teen activism.

[Stavroula · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a Teen librarian interested in engaging teens in social justice activism, I have been on a mission to find resources that can guide teens in how to start their own campaign to make change in the world. So far, what I've found is that there are lots of books for inspiration for taking action but nothing really on how to take action. This book is one of the few books to attempt to give a how-to and it does so fairly successfully, in terms of laying out clear steps in a language accessible to teens. There is a lot of good advice in here. However, it steers teens toward becoming "social entrepreneurs" rather than grassroots activists. The author quotes Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher for inspiration, which is like a punch in the gut to read in this book. Reagan and Thatcher are the parents of neoliberalism whose economic and social policies are at the root of many problems we see in society today. This, and the overall "social entrepreneur" framing, makes me really leery of recommending the book and I initially wanted to give it 2 stars. But I give it 3 stars and I put it out on display for my teens because it is the best thing out there for the time being. I hope someone takes this idea and improves upon it by approaching activism from a grassroots, system-changing lens. Heck, maybe I'll do it myself one day...

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provides 18 chapters that profile how young people became change makers and made a difference. There are dozens of very practical strategies in this book that will be useful to individuals of any age whether you want to make positive change happen or not. What follows are two examples.

In the chapter titled Pairing Up for Perfect Partnerships, the mind mapping approach is described. It is a way to "organize your brainstorming and associate related ideas together." This technique is a powerful way to engage your creativity and then organize the ideas you have come up with in a way that increases the likelihood that you will move forward effectively. Another chapter deals with how to identify the difference you want to make. The exercise that you are taken through begins with identifying your passion, then your skills and ends with what needs to be done. Very logical, very helpful. Other topics that are covered are how to build your dream team, how to sell, how to work with the media and many more.

This valuable book ends with a resource section that provides website information for most of the chapters, additional resources by and for youth, and general business tips. Although the book tells stories about the success of young people, you do not have to be a young person to benefit from it since it touches on multiple topics about organizing an effort of personal interest, no matter what your age.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you can’t tell by the cover picture, this is written for teens who want to make change either through beginning a nonprofit service, club, or social profitable venture. The technical instructions are thorough and easy to digest, and it’s extremely motivating. When you read about elementary school executive directors who have already done something incredible in their sphere of influence, you begin to think any of your own ideas are possible. Highly recommend getting a physical copy for any youth with ideas to change the world.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unit 3 of our curriculum deals with changemakers. I found this book on Amazon and thought it fit the bill.

It does. I especially like the profiles. But the book is dry. I'm not sure how students will respond to it. I'm going to pass this along to other Unit 3 teachers.

[Natalie Veech · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I write this review in December, I read this book at the beginning of the year and though it didn’t have as much application to me and still doesn’t at this time in my life, the information is great.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

"So what can young people do? Anything they set their minds to. And if they can do it, so can you."

This is a great book for young adults who are looking for a way to make a difference in their community or the larger world. Each chapter covers different aspects of putting together a program or group to make a change. Steps are covered such as figuring out your skills, your passion, and how to put that together into a plan of action. Within every chapter there is also a profile of a group or individual that has successfully accomplished their plan. Chapters also include an "In My Experience"section that shares insights from the author's own life with tidbits about launching a startup business, serving as a volunteer with different organizations, and becoming a group leader.

For adults working with youth in student government or other clubs, or for teens/tweens looking for guidance because they do not have an adult mentor (yet), this is a very useful guide with practical advice for each stage of the process.

[Reese · Rating 3 out of 5]

it is about a care and helpfull things

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m three words: practical. Inspiring. Grounded.

[Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think About BE A CHANGEMAKER it was an amazing book and how you learn to do good or change your life.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has been a useful tool in my leadership skills! I have learned so much from this on how to properly start a project to help other all the while discover my passions!