You’re ready for change. You care about an issue, you want to make a difference – but where do you start?
Creating change doesn’t have to be overwhelming. What if we told you that you don’t need a big organisation, a detailed plan, or even a massive following. Change starts with the power of one small action and a small group of people willing to take that step with you.
Here’s a simple framework: Choose one action and gather seven people.
Step 1: Choose one simple action
Big change starts with a small, intentional step. Rather than getting caught up in all of the things that need fixing, ask yourself:
What is one thing I can do today?
Let’s explore two examples: one at a community level and one at a professional/ industry level.
Example 1: Responsible dog ownership in your community
You want to see better pet ownership in your local area. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the scale of the issue, you could start with:
- Talking to seven dog owners about responsible pet care.
- Ordering a t-shirt with a catchy message.
- Setting a weekly time for group dog walks and inviting others to join.
By focusing on one small, doable action, you create a starting point for change. If you get stuck, read more about why taking the first step can feel so difficult.
Example 2: Encouraging innovation and risk-taking in your organisation or industry
You want to your organisation or industry group to be more innovative and open to taking risks. Instead of waiting for the “formal” leadership team to drive this change, start with:
- Forming an innovation circle with seven colleagues who are open to new ideas.
- Organising monthly sessions where you discuss creative approaches, case studies, or industry trends.
- Running a small experiment – a low-risk pilot project that tests a fresh idea in your workplace or industry group. Present your findings to the formal leadership team, making the case for larger-scale innovation.
By taking small, visible risks, you build a culture where others feel safe to experiment and innovate.
Step 2: Gather your seven
Why seven? Because a small group of people can create a ripple effect. Movements don’t begin with thousands of people – they start with a handful of committed individuals who care.
Look for people who already have a stake in the issue, whether it’s pet owners in your community or professionals in your industry.
When approaching people:
- Keep it simple: “I’m organising a chat about [topic]. Want to join?”
- Make it easy to say yes – frame it as an informal conversation or fun activity.
- Ask for input – people love to feel like they’re contributing.
Once you have your seven, you’re not alone. Change becomes a shared effort.
Step 3: Make it visible and consistent
People join movements they can see. The more you put your action into the world, the more likely it is to grow.
Here’s how to keep momentum:
- Be consistent – Set a regular time for your dog walks or industry meetups.
- Wear it – A simple t-shirt, badge, or branding can start conversations.
- Share it – Post updates on social media or within your industry network.
When people see something happening regularly, they start to believe in it. More importantly, they start to see themselves as part of it.
Step 4: Build momentum and create a ripple effect
Once you’ve started, the impact begins to grow. You’ll notice:
- More people wanting to join.
- Conversations shifting.
- A sense of community forming.
This is how movements grow: One step at a time, with a small committed group, leading to bigger change.
Ready to start?
If you’re ready for change, don’t wait for the perfect plan – just take the first step. What’s the one step you can take today?
PS: Leadership is hard. And while we can’t do it for you, ARLF can support you with tools and self-awareness to step into leadership with courage, regardless of where you’re at.
