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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...