The future needs its makers – who are the Finnish changemakers? 

The future does not happen; it is made. For change to happen, someone has to see the problem, develop a solution and get others involved. But who is that someone? The Finnish Changemaker map survey will identify Finnish changemakers and put them on one map, find connections between them and evaluate trends. In addition to a digital map, the survey will produce recommendations on how to enhance the impact of the work done by the changemakers. 

“There is a lot of talk about societal change and how necessary it is, but not as much talk about its makers. Ashoka Changemaker mapping is an important initiative that will stimulate discussion on being a changemaker. Building an even better understanding of the field will enable us to take more effective action for it. That is why it is important for us to participate in funding this changemaker mapping project,” says Kalle Nieminen from Sitra Lab. 

The changemaker mapping process starts now and it will be carried out by Ashoka Nordic. Established in 1980, Ashoka is the world’s largest network of social entrepreneurs and changemakers.  

Ashoka Changemaker mapping seeks to identify changemakers in three categories: 

1. Social entrepreneur or changemaker. A social entrepreneur or changemaker is someone who has started a company or organisation that aims to find an innovative and entrepreneurial solution to a social problem. A social entrepreneur or changemaker also inspires and links other people to the change that is being pursued. 

1. Young changemaker. A young changemaker aged 16–25 has, in spite of their young age, recognised a social challenge and taken action. A young changemaker’s enthusiasm engages the commitment of other members of the community to participate in the change. 

1. Changemaker initiative or network. An initiative or network can be a collaborative project between two or more organisations with societal and social influence as its primary goal.  

Let us know about changemakers 

The Changemaker mapping process has two parts: part of the information will be collected by means of a questionnaire, which will be followed up by more in-depth interviews with about 50 people. 

The survey uses the snowball method, in which people who participate in the questionnaire and interview provide a referral for the next participant. There are criteria for the participants, which the Ashoka Nordic team uses to select who to invite.  

This your opportunity to influence the process – let’s get the snowball rolling!  

Do you know a Finnish changemaker? Let us know on Twitter by using the hashtags  #ChangemakerMap #FinnishChangemakers or send an e-mail (in Finnish, Swedish or English) to nordic@ashoka.org.