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Why do changemakers play an important role in democracy?

Lesson details

Learning outcome

I can explain the role of a changemaker in a democracy and give examples of what changemakers have achieved globally.

Key learning points

  1. A changemaker is someone who sees a problem in the world and works to fix it by using resources and taking action.
  2. Changemakers imagine a better future, take steps to make it happen, and work with others to create positive change.
  3. Changemakers are important in democracy because they push for policy changes and hold those in power to account.
  4. Inspiring others to get involved, changemakers raise awareness about issues like human rights and the environment.

Keywords

  • Changemaker - someone who wants change in the world and, by gathering knowledge and resources, makes that change happen

  • Democracy - a system of government in which citizens vote in regular, fair elections for representatives who then make laws and decisions on their behalf

Common misconception

Very few changemakers make lasting change.

There are many examples, both throughout history and modern-day society, where changemakers have made a positive impact and lasting change.

Teacher tip

Include local changemakers to make the lesson more relatable for your pupils or give them a challenge to try to become a changemaker focusing on an issue they feel strongly about in their local, national or global community.

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Depiction or discussion of sexual violence

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
(Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

6 Questions

Q1.
What is the process called that persuades people to support a cause?

abstaining
Correct answer: campaigning
raising

Q2.
Active citizens can lobby their Member of ...

school
Courts
family
Correct answer: Parliament

Q3.
Match the start of the sentence with its ending.

Correct Answer:Lobbying targets,decision-makers

decision-makers

Correct Answer:Lobbying advocates,for action

for action

Correct Answer:Lobbying can result,in policy changes

in policy changes

Correct Answer:Lobbying can advance,the whole of society

the whole of society

Q4.
If we try to change someone's mind, we are trying to them.

Correct answer: influence
damage
corrupt
protest

Q5.
Order the name of this group of NGOs.

1 - Stop
2 - Climate
3 - Chaos

Q6.
What does Liverpool City Council's 24 Magic Months initiative focus on?

teenage development
Correct answer: child development
physical development

6 Questions

Q1.
Match the word with its correct definition.

Correct Answer:changemaker,someone who works to fix problems and bring positive change

someone who works to fix problems and bring positive change

Correct Answer:democracy,a system where people vote for representatives to make decisions

a system where people vote for representatives to make decisions

Correct Answer:Parliament,made up of the House of Lords, the House of Commons and the monarchy

made up of the House of Lords, the House of Commons and the monarchy

Q2.
A changemaker imagines a better , takes action to create it and works with others to bring about positive change.

Correct Answer: future, reality, world, system

Q3.
Which of the following is something a changemaker does?

focuses only on themselves
stays silent about issues
Correct answer: pushes for policy changes
avoids working with others

Q4.
Changemakers raise about important issues like human rights and the environment, helping others understand the need for change.

Correct Answer: awareness, understanding

Q5.
Why are changemakers important in a democracy?

They force people to agree with them.
Correct answer: They give people a voice and hold leaders accountable.
They always work alone.
They ignore important issues.

Q6.
Changemakers often make lasting changes and make a impact on communities.

Correct answer: positive
negative
neutral

To help you plan your 8 citizenship lesson on: Why do changemakers play an important role in democracy?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...