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Social Change Initiative

@sci-belfast.bsky.social
491 followers 596 following 206 posts

Belfast, Northern Ireland. We collaborate with activists, policy makers and funders to deliver lasting social change. socialchangeinitiative.com

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Social Change Initiative @sci-belfast.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Teresa Buczkowska is Immigrant Council Ireland's CEO & one of those who spoke to our Black Activist Leadership group during their residential. Her message? Building leadership is crucial and the lived experience of leaders, coupled with access to structures of power, will be what delivers change.
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Social Change Initiative @sci-belfast.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Members of our Black Activist Leadership Initiative gathered under the Tree of Peace and Unity following their residential at Dunadry Hotel. It was a fitting way to end two days of deep thought, lively discussion and a renewed commitment to creating social change.
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Social Change Initiative @sci-belfast.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
In its latest tracker report on the effectiveness of the Northern Ireland Executive so far this year, independent think tank @pivotalpolicy.bsky.social urges the parties to "stop blaming others for problems and take responsibility for decision-making" www.pivotalpolicy.org/assets/files...
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Social Change Initiative @sci-belfast.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
We hosted delegates from the Global Community Foundation Leaders’ Summit and shared how philanthropy has contributed to building and sustaining peace in Northern Ireland. With thanks to our friends at @communityfound517.bsky.social for bringing these international change makers to Belfast
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Social Change Initiative @sci-belfast.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
- @smkcampaigners.bsky.social is offering a 10% early bird discount to the SCI network for its autumn training programme. Use booking code smkearlybird2026 until Sunday September 13 - smk.org.uk/what-we-do/s...
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Social Change Initiative @sci-belfast.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
Find out more about our new research into social attitudes in Northern Ireland: www.socialchangeinitiative.com/research
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Social Change Initiative @sci-belfast.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
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
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Social Change Initiative @sci-belfast.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
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...
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Social Change Initiative @sci-belfast.bsky.social · 12/07/2026
Our 2026, so far...
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Social Change Initiative @sci-belfast.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
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-...
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Social Change Initiative @sci-belfast.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
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
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Social Change Initiative @sci-belfast.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
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...
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Social Change Initiative @sci-belfast.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
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
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Social Change Initiative @sci-belfast.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
‘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
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Social Change Initiative @sci-belfast.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
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... (£)
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Social Change Initiative @sci-belfast.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
‘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
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Social Change Initiative @sci-belfast.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
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...
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Social Change Initiative @sci-belfast.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
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
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Social Change Initiative @sci-belfast.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
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...
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Social Change Initiative @sci-belfast.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
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
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Social Change Initiative @sci-belfast.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
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
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Social Change Initiative @sci-belfast.bsky.social · 21/04/2026
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.
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Social Change Initiative @sci-belfast.bsky.social · 03/04/2026
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
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Social Change Initiative @sci-belfast.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
"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!
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Social Change Initiative @sci-belfast.bsky.social · 27/03/2026
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
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Social Change Initiative @sci-belfast.bsky.social · 23/03/2026
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...
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Social Change Initiative @sci-belfast.bsky.social · 11/03/2026
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
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Social Change Initiative @sci-belfast.bsky.social · 05/03/2026
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...
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Social Change Initiative @sci-belfast.bsky.social · 19/02/2026
🔁 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.
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Social Change Initiative @sci-belfast.bsky.social · 16/02/2026
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
Social media post featuring the Social Change Initiative logo and promoting a new report titled "The Hidden Tribes." The main text reads "New report explores how different values and perspectives in Greek society shape democratic participation and political representation." The post includes a QR code and website URL (socialchangeinitiative.com/hidden-tribes-mapping-social-perceptions-in-modern-greece) for accessing the full report. On the right side is the report cover showing a stylized 3D geometric design with "HIDDEN TRIBES" text and subtitle "of a homogeneous society" along with Inter Alia and SCI logos.
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Social Change Initiative @sci-belfast.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
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
How can philanthropy and government work together to transform public services?
visit: socialchangeinitiative.com/making-change-with-government-page
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Social Change Initiative @sci-belfast.bsky.social · 27/01/2026
Discover how a values-led approach is opening new pathways for community dialogue. Read our World Values Survey - Lessons Learned report: buff.ly/MzRjIkw
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Social Change Initiative @sci-belfast.bsky.social · 22/01/2026
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.
Yellow-toned image of Martin Luther King Jr speaking at a podium to a large crowd. Overlaid text reads: “Narrative Change: Harnessing the power of storytelling to support progressive change.” The Social Change Initiative logo appears in the top left, with the website link socialchangeinitiative.com/narrative-change at the bottom.
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Social Change Initiative @sci-belfast.bsky.social · 19/01/2026
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
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Social Change Initiative @sci-belfast.bsky.social · 12/01/2026
Last Saturday, we hosted the first 2026 convening of members of our Black Leadership Programme.
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Social Change Initiative @sci-belfast.bsky.social · 08/01/2026
▶️ 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
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Social Change Initiative @sci-belfast.bsky.social · 05/01/2026
Our report examines how the UK government has attempted to walk back commitments made to ensure Brexit wouldn't diminish Good Friday Agreement rights and equality protections. 🔗 Read the full report: buff.ly/iFDYjaT
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Donncha O’Connell @donnchalaw.bsky.social · 20/12/2025
Excellent piece by Professor Cathryn Costello @profccostello.bsky.social of @ucdschooloflaw.bsky.social in today’s Irish Times: Ireland should resist cheap and tough talk on migration…
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Donncha O’Connell @donnchalaw.bsky.social · 20/12/2025
Brian Feeney highlighting a serious and potentially very damaging misstep by the Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan, in relation to the ECHR - this can be corrected ahead of the meeting of Council of Europe foreign ministers in May 2026…
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Donncha O’Connell @donnchalaw.bsky.social · 20/12/2025
I have a letter in today’s Irish Times about Ireland and the ECHR and the apparent shift in the Irish government’s position towards reform of the Convention signalled recently by the Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan TD #ECHR
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Social Change Initiative @sci-belfast.bsky.social · 19/12/2025
To all those dedicated to building a better world - thank you for your continued commitment this year. In times of challenge, it's the connections we build, the communities we support and the solidarity we share that sustain our work and give us hope.
Image shows a close up of a Christmas tree with the message 'Merry Christmas and Happy New Year' followed by SCI's logo.
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Social Change Initiative @sci-belfast.bsky.social · 09/12/2025
🌍 Social Change Initiative's Latest Newsletter 🌍 Grounding Social Change in Shared Values – our newest issue explores how we can build movements and drive meaningful transformation by focusing our work on principles that unite rather than divide us. 🔗 Read and subscribe: mailchi.mp/socialchange...
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Social Change Initiative @sci-belfast.bsky.social · 05/12/2025
Yesterday we attended the launch of @jrf-uk.bsky.social's new report on poverty in NI. An important piece of work with a clear message: change is possible, but only if political leaders act now. From childcare to rural inequality, we can’t afford to wait. www.jrf.org.uk/poverty-in-n...
A split-screen design featuring the title ‘Poverty in Northern Ireland 2025’ on a dark blue background, with navigation tags reading ‘Report’, ‘Child Poverty’, ‘Work’, ‘Social Security’, and ‘Care’. Below the title is a short description about stalled progress on reducing child poverty. On the right side, against a light background, is an illustrative collage showing a young girl with red hair crouching down to touch the ground, layered over images of Northern Irish terraced houses, mountains, and a blue sky, encircled by abstract line art.
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Social Change Initiative @sci-belfast.bsky.social · 03/12/2025
We’re excited to share that the Social Change Initiative is now on Instagram! 🤳 🌍 🔗 www.instagram.com/SCIBelfast
Graphic titled ‘Follow us’ featuring two speech bubble icons. Below are social media platforms and handles for the Social Change Initiative: Instagram @SCIBelfast (labelled ‘NEW’), Bluesky @SCI-Belfast.bsky.social, LinkedIn – Social Change Initiative, X (Former Twitter) @SCI_Belfast, and Facebook – Social Change Initiative.
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Social Change Initiative @sci-belfast.bsky.social · 24/11/2025
Discover how a values-led approach is opening new pathways for community dialogue. Read our World Values Survey - Lessons Learned report: buff.ly/MzRjIkw
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Social Change Initiative @sci-belfast.bsky.social · 17/11/2025
Last week we welcomed 28 Community and Youth Work students from Maynooth University. SCI's Director, Martin O'Brien, was delighted to meet them and talk about working for social change and the current situation in Belfast.
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Martin O’Brien @mobrienbelfast.bsky.social · 05/11/2025
Great to be back again in South Africa to mark 10 years of the Constitutionalism Fund an initiative of @atlantic, @FordFoundation & @OpenSociety. $29m of grant awards made to advance the realisation of the rights provided for in the South African Constitution
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The Policy Institute @policyatkings.bsky.social · 20/10/2025
🌐 The last wave of WVS was the first time the study had been run in NI, and with @sci-belfast.bsky.social we have been using the findings to provide insights into how different groups in NI are aligned in terms of their values and attitudes, beyond community background or constitutional position
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The Policy Institute @policyatkings.bsky.social · 20/10/2025
🤝 Delighted to see our partners @sci-belfast.bsky.social using findings from our work on the World Values Survey to engage community leaders in Northern Ireland in conversations on attitudes, values and how to tackle division in the country ➡️ www.socialchangeinitiative.com/values-lesso...
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Social Change Initiative @sci-belfast.bsky.social · 20/10/2025
Over two years, 170 people from diverse communities across Northern Ireland took part in our values-led workshops, exploring what we share and what divides us through World Values Survey data. 🔗 socialchangeinitiative.com/values-lessons-learned
socialchangeinitiative.com
Using Values to Build Understanding in Northern Ireland - A Report on Lessons Learned | Social Change Initiative
Published on 9th Oct, 2025
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