You're overwhelmed with societal issues to address. How do you choose where to make an impact?

I find it easier to address a topic when I'm genuinely passionate about it: the research and preparation needed doesn't feel as much like work, because I care about what I'm planning to address. Further, my message is more likely to resonate with my audience, because we as humans are feeling creatures, and passion is something that can be felt. It conveys a sense of authenticity that people can respect and be drawn to. So determine what fires you up - housing insecurity, food insecurity, comprehensive sex ed - and see how that guides you.

In my experience, its feels so much more meaningful and sustainable when I can contribute to social impact work that align with my personal values and that I have the capacity to contribute. With so many societal issues in the world, it's tempting to feel the urge to help make a change in all of them but unfortunately that can easily end up running you dry especially mentally and emotionally, and leading to demotivation altogether. Spend some time reflecting on the top 3 things you value most, then it will become much easier to identify a societal issue that aligns with those values.

When overwhelmed by numerous societal issues, identifying strengths becomes a vital strategy for making an impact. By assessing your organization's unique skills, resources, and expertise, you can focus on areas where you can be most effective. Prioritize issues that align with your mission and where your team has a proven track record or innovative solutions. This targeted approach ensures that your efforts are concentrated on making a meaningful difference, rather than being spread too thin. By leveraging your strengths, you can tackle the most pressing challenges with confidence and efficiency, ultimately creating a more significant and lasting impact.

Identify areas that resonate with your values and passions. Understand the root causes, key challenges, and potential solutions for each issue. Leverage data, expert opinions, and community feedback to evaluate the effectiveness of various initiatives. Prioritize causes where you can leverage your skills, resources, and network for meaningful change. By conducting comprehensive research, you can focus your efforts on areas where your impact will be most significant, ensuring that your contributions are both impactful and aligned with your mission.

Defining what you hope to achieve and aligning it with your values and strengths can be a good start. Set measurable, achievable, and time-bound goals to guide your efforts. Prioritize issues based on urgency, potential for impact, and your ability to contribute effectively. It would make sense to break down larger goals into smaller, actionable steps to make progress manageable. By setting clear goals, you can focus your energy on areas where you can create the most meaningful change, making your efforts more strategic and impactful.

Leverage collaborative ideation with customers and colleagues to identify and prioritise societal challenges of greatest concern. Through a co-creation process, pinpoint opportunities to create meaningful impact and address these issues effectively.

Connect with local organizations, activists, and community members to understand their most pressing needs. Attend forums, workshops, and discussions to gather diverse perspectives and identify gaps where your contributions could be most effective. By actively listening and collaborating with those directly affected, you ensure that your efforts are aligned with the community’s priorities and can drive meaningful change.

Evaluate your interests, strengths, and the effectiveness of your current efforts. Reflect on the challenges you’re passionate about and assess where your skills and resources can make the most difference. Consider the feedback and outcomes from your previous initiatives to guide your focus. Regular reflection helps you prioritize and adjust your approach.