In this blog series, we’ll dive into the 22 changemaker roles. Each of these roles plays a part in driving transformation and working towards a just world in their unique way. We share them to help you discover your own role as a changemaker because supporting changemakers around the globe means creating a more whole, beautiful, and just world.
In a world where compassion can often feel scarce, there are those who embody it and use it as a force for positive change.
These individuals understand that compassion isn’t just a feeling—but a call to action. As they answer that call and nurture those around them, they pave the way for a more resilient, sustainable future—making their role essential in change work.
These dedicated, empathetic changemakers are known as carers.
About the Carer
Carers dedicate their lives to providing comfort, assistance, and unwavering support to those in need. Their role ranges across diverse fields, from healthcare and education to law and technology. Whether they're school counselors nurturing young minds, nurses providing care with patience, or digital wellness coaches promoting mental health online, carers infuse every aspect of their work with warmth and empathy.
Carers play an important role in change work because they understand that for any societal transformation to be long-lasting, it must be rooted in the holistic health of its community members. They pay attention to those around them, often recognizing when someone is struggling, and go above and beyond to provide them with comfort and aid. They help create supportive spaces where mental, emotional, and physical well-being are prioritized—shaping a future where everyone thrives.
In addition to encouraging the well-being of others, carers emphasize the importance of self-care. In order for transformative social change to happen, everyone—including carers—must take care of themselves.
Carers show us that the power of caring can transform lives and the world. By centering well-being in activism and organizational efforts, we create stronger, more resilient communities that are better equipped to navigate any challenges and complexities. When we address burnout and promote collective well-being, we ensure sustainable progress and growth. It's easy to neglect our needs when fighting for change, but carers remind us that our well-being will always lay the foundation for a sustainable future.
Inner Work for the Carer
Just like all changemakers, carers must focus on their inner work over time to be effective.
Carers often pour from their own cup so much that they risk running dry. Though admirable, this can lead to compassion fatigue, leaving them feeling emotionally sapped and, at times, underappreciated. It’s essential for carers to remember that they best serve others when they are in a state of well-being. As mentioned earlier, carers need to prioritize self-care.
Self-care is the act or practice individuals engage in to take care of their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It involves intentionally setting aside time to prioritize activities that promote health, relaxation, and personal growth. Self-care is essential for maintaining overall well-being and preventing burnout, stress, and mental health issues. It’s important to prioritize self-care and incorporate it into daily routines to live healthier, happier lives.
Prioritizing self-care is not an act of selfishness but a necessary practice to sustain the carer’s giving nature. By engaging in regular self-care practices, carers ensure they replenish their emotional and physical reservoirs, allowing them to continue their valuable work with vigor and passion.
Conclusion
Let’s recognize, celebrate, and support the carers among us because they are the changemakers who remind us of the importance of collective care in the greater journey towards societal change.
Want to learn more about the carer? Read their full profile here!
Want to discover what kind of changemaker you are? Head to our website to take the changemaker assessment!