Leadership for Social Change and Development

The book offers perspectives from change makers. It is intended to inspire readers to get involved in the pursuit of social transformation. The objective of is to make the causes and consequences, and the added value, of inclusive social change tangible. Using real life stories that draw on the power of the human being to inspire by example, BeingChange shows that ‘purpose for power’ is not a platitude, but a principle that favors both subjective wellbeing and social progress. The selected of formal and informal agents of change show why meaning is the undercurrent of genuine empowerment, and the main ingredient of sustainable development. The goal in sharing these stories is twofold, 1) Illustrate that no matter WHO and WHERE you are, and what you have, it is possible to align your life-long aspirations and every-day actions, and 2) Inspire readers to get started (or accelerate) their quest for purpose by identifying and pursuing what matters most to them. A network of likeminded thinkers and doers, connected by the shared belief that the World must not be accepted as a given, is growing around the world. Everyone is welcome to shift their perspective from passive to active and join.

“This is a must read for anyone seeking to explore their true purpose in life, or wishing to discover from within the multiple dynamics that have shaped their individual experience. With practical guidance and illuminating case studies, the book offers a unique journey of personal discovery that will guide readers on a path towards greater inner peace.” (Gareth Owen OBE, Humanitarian Director, Save the Children UK International, London)

“This new book by Cornelia Walther invites us to travel the path to change in our own lives and that of the communities and societies in which we live, considering the aspirational, emotional, cognitive, and physiological dimensions. Those who work with people, as well as who teach and study this topic need to read this book!” (Graciela Tonon, Professor of Quality of Life and Research Methodology, Universidad de Palermo, Argentina. Buenos Aires, Argentina)

“This book is a gift, because it is a reminder that no matter how small the step forward, if done mindfully, deliberately nurturing a compassion for self and others, we can model a way of being in relation to our surroundings that will nurture in others a respect for the collective good. Our journey begins and ends alone, but we influence and are influenced by our environment, why not then, take every opportunity to shape it in such a way that it feeds the soul. Apparently, there are many of us out there that have the same idea. What fun it would be to meet up!” (Marielle Sander, UNFPA Representative, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea)

“Holding this book in my hand, it is like having found not one, but many friends that I have yet to meet. Life is such a gift but oftentimes we become bogged down in the daily struggle of daily deadlines and deliverables that we forget the promise we made to ourselves to affect a positive change in the world. This toil gradually extends into years and decades until suddenly we are jolted back (if we are lucky) to the possibility that indeed there is more, and that the change is not outside of ourselves but in how we relate to ourselves and the world around us. That ember of hope is a spark, that if nurtured, can allow us to evolve into our highest selves and thereby become the change we thought could only be found externally, either through our vocation or by seeking inspiration from others.” (Marielle Sander, UNFPA Representative, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea)

Cornelia C. Walther combines praxis and research. She worked for nearly two decades with the United Nations in large scale emergencies in West Africa, Asia, and Latin America. As coach, lecturer, and researcher, she collaborates with various universities worldwide.