When I’m taking action, I don’t feel like I am helpless and that things are hopeless, because then I feel like I’m doing everything I can... And that gives me very much hope, especially to see all the other people all around the world...who are taking action and who are fighting for their present and for their future.
– Greta Thunberg in an interview with Earth.org October 2021
Come and spend a week building transformational leadership, skills, and networks crucial for shifting the dial in our world. Changemakers’ Annual Residential is an intensive, immersive & multidisciplinary programme, focused on helping you develop a toolkit for life - your purpose and motivation; understanding power and how it works; ethical, justice-focused practical tools; and the ability to get things done and be truly impactful.
About
During the week you’ll deep dive into knowing yourself; build gritty tools for getting things done in complex contexts; and explore the dynamics of global geopolical realities - you’ll do this through a curated programme of plenaries, workshops, parallel sessions, peer-coaching groups, 1:1 mentoring, discussions, artistic performances, a field trip, access to a co-working/quiet space, and plenty of good food and coffee in the mix. There’ll be evening sessions with world-leading changemakers, and the chance to network with them. At every step of the way you’ll be invited to reflect on the skills you’re building and the insights you’re developing, layering up the learning as you go. And the experience is supported by a fulsome set of ‘‘Sources for Thinking’ & extensive readings.
This year guest faculty include:
- Cindy Forde climate activist, education pioneer and founder of Planetari
- Coreene Archer Principal Leadership Coach at the Tavistock Institute of Human Relations
- Johnnie Moore author of Unhurried Conversations
- Dr Kevin Powell consumer centric innovator and strategist focused on climate change
- Pooya Kamvari Founder and CEO of the HomeRun App
- Dr Samara Linton writer, editor, producer
- Lord Simon Woolley Principal of Homerton College
- Dr Una McCormack New York Times bestselling science fiction and script writer
- other, activists, academics, artists, innovators, entrepreneurs, investors & policy-makers
- and members of the Changemakers’ home-team
We’ll also be joined by special guests from the UK innovation ecosystem including Abhi Naha PwC; Rupert Baines serial entrepreneur and CEO; Jason Mellad Co-Founder Start Codon; Lucy Jung CEO at Charco; Ed Klinger CEO at Flock; & Jerry Wu Head of Investments Tus Park.
The schedule is organised around three strands:
Self: changemaking begins with you
- Self-awareness
- Motivation
- Being in the Embattled Present
- Values, Intersectionality, mindset
Society: the tools you need to make a mark
- Deep Listening
- Collaboration
- How power works
- Thinking styles
- The transformative effects of imagination
- Rhetoric and the art of speaking
- Ethics & justice in complexiity
- Creativity, art and mindful practices
- Entrepreneurship
World: levers for change
- An introduction to change models
- Systems Thinking & Futures Thinking
- Innovation Loops and Frugal Innovation
- Case Study Field Trip: Art & Social Change
- Case Study Theory to Practice: the Inner Development Goals
You’ll come away with a clearer sense of your strengths and ambitions; tools to help build impactful action right away; and a cohort of fellow-students intent on not only doing something great in the world, but in ways that are genuinely collaborative to build a common good. Come prepared to build inner wisdom & skills for fearless action!
The Residential is open to all current Homerton students - whatever your discipline or year - and alumni (up to 5 years out).
Programme @ Homerton College
The Residential begins at 3pm Sunday September 29 and culminates in a celebration dinner on Friday October 4.
Most days will start with breakfast and run until dinner. On Day 3 (October 1) we will be hosting a special evening conversation; and on Day 5 (October 3) we’ll be joined by winners of the inaugural Changemakers Seed Fund and Cambridge entrepreneurs, investors & CEOs for a showcase of inspiring projects.
This programme from 2023 gives you an idea of what the week will be like.
A Sample Day
- Optional Yoga
- Breakfast
- Plenary Sessions (with coffee break)
- Counter Lunch
- Coaching Circles & Parallel Sessions (with tea break)
- Informal Dinner
- Evening Conversations
From students at previous Changemakers residentials:
“Excellent. Every student at Cambridge should be given the option to do this…it should be part of their 'integration' into the Cambridge community.”
“…Mind blowing, cathartic, and allows me to reflect in a way I have never had before.”
“I will leave feeling inspired, motivated and connected to this incredible community.”
“It was a great experience, peer encounters were definitely a highlight while given materials presented many insights and knowledge.”
Process & How to Apply
Apply using this form by July 17 including 150-200 words on why you’d like to participate and what you hope to learn.
Places are limited and awarded on a first-come basis. If you’ve already attended an annual residential you’re very welcome to register again.
All expenses are covered – including 6 nights accommodation in College for students continuing in College accommodation for the academic year*; all meals including a buffet supper on Oct 3 and formal feast on Oct 4; access to the Residential breakout space and quiet room; refreshments; a mentoring session; materials; a field trip; evening events & peer-coaching support.
*For students not continuing in College accommodation, £100 towards accommodation costs for the week will be offered. If you are alumni, you are very welcome to come for the week! All meals and event costs will be covered by Changemakers, but you’ll need to fund your own accommodation.
--
Confirmation of places will be sent the week of July 22.
Early September: Pre-reading: 1 core short piece and 2 from a collection of 10 others to choose from (pick the things you find interesting)
During: A journal, either video or written. Contribution to activities throughout the week. A self-assessment survey beginning and end
You’ll also be asked to come with a degree of openness to blending your intellectual and personal life.
Afterwards
- Access to the Residential materials - readings, prompts, slide decks - for the coming academic year
- Priority access to the Changemakers Mentoring scheme, connecting you with a leading figure for mentoring on career, job applications, purpose (the scheme runs twice each academic year)
- Eligibility to apply for the Changemakers Catalyst Fund 2025 for up to £2000 to pursue your own changemaking initiative (applications will open in Lent term 2025 for projects over the summer)
- Eligibility to become a Changemakers Ambassador