Connecting with others

One of the most powerful ways to make lasting changes is to create an upswell of transformation: to start a ripple of change that moves beyond you to impact whole communities. To do this, you need to find your tribe.

Connecting with like-minded people who share the same values, beliefs and passions is a powerful way to go from just talking about change, to actually getting something done.

We’ve said that relationships are at the heart of relationship-based maternity care, and that strong, connected relationships are required at every level. That level includes you, and the ways in which you want to make a difference. The key is to create a community of change – a community of people with shared goals who want to make things better in their world in the same ways that you do. By creating or joining a social movement for change, you can contribute at whatever level you’re at, while being part of something bigger.

Create relationships

The important thing is to realise you can’t do this on your own – you have to find other people. This is what creates the ripples for change. You may have started forming relationships with people inside this course. It’s time to connect with them: together you’ve gained new knowledge, you feel inspired, and there’s support around you.

Look around your community, and the different levels of support you need in order to enact your plan for change. Are there individuals or groups that would value having information shared with them, which may transform them into allies for maternity care reform? Allies are people who have your back: people who will support you, and are on your side. How are allies formed? One conversation at a time. By creating relationships.

Think about it now: who do you need to connect with to move forward with the very next step in your plan? Who are your supporters now, and who might be just one conversation away from becoming an ally?

Over to you

Remember earlier this week, when we looked at what will help you achieve your goals, and asked you to connect with like-minded people who share the same values and beliefs as you? Now is the time to reconnect with them and start a conversation for change.

Also, consider who in your local community you need to connect with to take the next step in enacting your plan for change.

Are you wondering how to maintain and build relationships with people you’ve met here, without sharing your contact details publicly in the discussion? If so, you could like and follow the Midwifery@Griffith Facebook page. This way you can continue the conversation there (use private message to share contact details), and receive more updates about relationship-based care from Mary, Jenny, Lianne, and other Griffith experts.