Disinformation causes harm. To help the media recognise and challenge it, Raised Voices CIC has produced useful guidelines for journalists reporting on asylum seekers, refugees and migration in Northern Ireland. Read & share the guidelines via www.raised-voices.co.uk/reporting-guidelines
Social Change Initiative
@sci-belfast.bsky.social
We collaborate with activists, policy makers and funders to deliver lasting social change. socialchangeinitiative.com
During his visit to Northern Ireland, john a. powell from @obi-belonging.bsky.social shared how individuals and communities can go about building bridges. Read more about john's visit and work here: www.socialchangeinitiative.com/from-otherin...
Attitudes towards immigration, trans rights, class, wealth and public housing are more progressive than the narrative of polarisation dominating debate in the Republic of Ireland, according to a Hope and Courage Collective report. Read more here: www.socialchangeinitiative.com/republic-of-...
We invited Chrisann Jarrett from the youth migrant-led We Belong organisation to Northern Ireland to meet practitioners and community leaders. After two days of listening and sharing we asked Chrisann to reflect on the visit and share her observations @webelonguk.bsky.social
john a. powell from @obi-belonging.bsky.social spoke to changemakers in the Republic and in Northern Ireland about belonging and the need to eradicate othering. Read more about his visit and work here: www.socialchangeinitiative.com/from-otherin...
US academic john powell says in order to create a world where everyone truly belongs, we must stop ‘othering’. Building bridges with individuals and communities requires active listening and from there everyone can participate in creating the very thing they belong to. @bulldogshadow.bsky.social
‘We must listen to everyone’s concerns and reassure them that a shared future is being built, whether they are aggressor or victim, where one person’s gain is not offset by another’s loss.’ That was the message from @obi-belonging.bsky.social 's john a. powell following this month’s racist violence
john a. powell from Othering & Belonging Institute at UC Berkeley visited a church helping those displaced by racist violence during his visit to Belfast and he wrote about it for The Independent. Read his article here: www.independent.co.uk/voices/belfa... (£)
‘When people stand up for each other something magical happens’ That was john a. powell's message to change makers during an Ulster University talk set against the backdrop of racist violence in Belfast. He's director of the Othering & Belonging Institute at UC Berkeley @obi-belonging.bsky.social
Pivotal has released an interesting new report on the need to reform our political institutions. Suggested reforms include: 1 Resourcing the Official Opposition 2 Changes to the D’Hondt process Full @pivotalpolicy.bsky.social report: www.pivotalpolicy.org/assets/files...
A report from Belfast-based human rights activist Sipho Sibanda captures the experiences of 20 young migrants exploring their sense of belonging in Northern Ireland. Read the full report 👉 socialchangeinitiative.com/through-the-eyes-of-young-migrants @queensips.bsky.social
One year ago, we brought activists and funders from around the world to Istanbul to share lessons on countering authoritarianism and building resilient movements. Click here to read the key takeaways from this convening 👉 www.socialchangeinitiative.com/new-report-c...
We hosted a panel of international changemakers who shared their insights on building collective leadership at grassroots and global levels - offering practical lessons on sustaining movements, navigating complexity and caring for ourselves while fighting for change. 🔗▶️ buff.ly/8BfuiDY
Explore the 'Resources for Change' section on our website, offering a diverse toolkit for activists and funders on topics like tackling extremism, narrative change, strategic litigation, campaigning, peacebuilding, among others. 🔗 socialchangeinitiative.com/resources-for-change
Last weekend we welcomed the new cohort of our Black Activist Leadership Initiative for their first residential. During the weekend, new participants had the chance to meet each other and kick-start their journey of empowerment and collective leadership.
At SCI we work to secure progressive social change so that communities become fairer, more inclusive and peaceful. 🔗 Find out more about what we do, visit socialchangeinitiative.com/what-we-do
"The far right doesn't define how communities move forward. Moving forward is about bringing as many people together as you can, building trust, and delivering real, tangible change." @bulldogshadow.bsky.social 🎙️ Full conversation coming soon - stay tuned!
SCI's Participatory Journalism Fellowship supports independent journalists, filmmakers and storytellers to share impactful stories that might otherwise go untold. We're delighted that a new cohort will be starting soon. www.socialchangeinitiative.com/sci-launches... #ParticipatoryJournalism
During his SCI Participatory Journalism Fellowship, filmmaker and activist Colm Teague created a documentary examining how big tech exploits people's attention, fuelling division and spreading misinformation. ▶️ Watch the full documentary: www.youtube.com/watch?v=aN5e...
Last Saturday, we welcomed our newest cohort to the Black Activist Leadership programme. ✊️ We spent time together getting to know one another and introducing the programme. Welcome, everyone.👏 Find out more about the programme 👉 buff.ly/VzfV2st
In December 2025, Eric K. Ward visited Ireland and Northern Ireland, he met with community leaders and activists on the front lines of countering hate and far-right extremism. He shared key insights for philanthropy on supporting this critical work. 🔗 socialchangeinitiative.com/a-note-for-f...
🔁 Throwback: Tackling Disinformation Disinformation continues to threaten lives and democracy - and the conversation remains urgent. In this past SCI-hosted discussion, Mike Posner, Aoife Gallagher and Kavisha Pillay explored practical strategies to respond. ▶️ Watch highlights in this video.
A new study by Inter Alia co-funded by Social Change Initiative explores how Greek society has split into five distinct "tribes" with very different takes on democracy, immigration and identity. 🔗 Read it now 👉 socialchangeinitiative.com/hidden-tribes-mapping-social-perceptions-in-modern-greece
Changing the government's approach isn't easy, but it's essential for lasting impact. Our partnership with Northern Ireland's government showcases how philanthropy can drive meaningful reform. Check out the lessons learned 👉 lnkd.in/d-madT6a
Discover how a values-led approach is opening new pathways for community dialogue. Read our World Values Survey - Lessons Learned report: buff.ly/MzRjIkw
The stories we tell shape how we understand the world - what feels possible, fair and worth fighting for. At SCI, we support narrative change that centres lived experience, amplifies marginalised voices and connects storytelling to strategy.
In this short video, our Director @mobrienbelfast.bsky.social reflects on his journey through activism, human rights and philanthropy, and how this experience shaped the work of the SCI. ▶️ Watch the video to learn more about our approach and values. 🔗 socialchangeinitiative.com
Last Saturday, we hosted the first 2026 convening of members of our Black Leadership Programme.
▶️ Northern Ireland is changing, and diverse voices must be at the forefront of social change. SCI's Black Activist Leadership Initiative supports people of African origin and descent to connect, share strategies, build leadership and strengthen their collective impact. 🔗 buff.ly/fMQdynH