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- Herausgeber: John Wiley & Sons
- Kategorie: Fachliteratur
- Sprache: Englisch
Accelerate your real-world, social impact by driving systemic policy changes
As Co-Founder of Global Citizen—an international education and advocacy organization with the mission to end extreme poverty worldwide—Michael Sheldrick has worked with governments, businesses, foundations, the artist community, and everyday citizens to distribute over $40 billion around the world over the past decade. Now, in From Ideas to Impact: A Playbook for Influencing and Implementing Change in a Divided World, he delivers an inspiring and insightful discussion on how to implement social impact by driving policy change.
This book reveals key characteristics of successful policy entrepreneurs - visionaries bridging the gap between promises and real-world outcomes. They are practical implementers who put impact first, resisting the urge to pursue the instant dopamine boost that comes from simply winning arguments at all costs. They are connectors and networkers who build diverse coalitions and broker win-win solutions to address our current implementation crisis.
An indispensable guide for individual changemakers, philanthropists, corporate social responsibility (CSR) practitioners, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) professionals, policymakers, corporate foundations, and higher education students, From Ideas to Impact: A Playbook for Influencing and Implementing Change in a Divided World, features:
- An overview of pressing challenges to avoid, including an obsession with winning arguments at the expense of results, demands for unwavering tribal loyalty, and a counterproductive aversion to negotiation.
- An eight-step playbook offering tools to master policy entrepreneurship, foster cooperation, build bridges, and drive policy implementation beyond stagnation, conflict, and polarization.
- Diverse policy entrepreneurs and examples spanning historical movements like the Transatlantic Slave Trade and FDR’s New Deal to contemporary battles for climate justice, coal community transitions, and grassroots gender equality efforts.
At its core, this uplifting book instills hope that change is achievable despite our divisions. It showcases how individuals at all levels pursue systemic policy change through united voices, cooperation, and solidarity. Sheldrick equips readers with the tools to craft impactful narratives that can inspire countless more success stories, reinforcing the idea that we are not prisoners of fate and that actual change begins with us.
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Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2024
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Table of Contents
Cover
Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright
Dedication
Foreword
Prologue
Note
Introduction: Harbingers of Hope
Notes
PART 1: An Eight‐Step Playbook to Master Policy Entrepreneurship
1 The Visionary: Setting the Foundation for Change
Step 1: Know Your Policy Goal
Why a Policy Goal Matters
Defining a Clear Policy Goal
The Power of Bold Goals
Step 2: Know Which Stakeholders Matter and How to Appeal to Them
Identifying Relevant Stakeholders
Being Targeted
Leveraging Effective Messengers
The Power of Strategic Framing
Step 3: Mastering the Art of Timing
Understanding the Overton Window
Shifting the Overton Window
Step 4: Mastering the Art of Storytelling
Notes
2 The Diplomat: Catalyzing Impact through Pragmatism
Step 5: Embrace Pragmatic Idealism
The Good Friday Agreement: Lessons from the Irish Peace Process
Avoid the Purity Test
Engage with Everyone
Adhere to the “Do No Harm” Principle
Leverage Existing (Imperfect) Institutions
Step 6: Leveraging Your Partners’ Strengths
Bridging Divides for Climate Action
Leveraging Philanthropic Giving for Policy Entrepreneurship
Notes
3 The Implementer: Enforcing Accountability and Follow‐Through
Step 7: Know Your Endgame
Legal Avenues
Non‐legal Avenues
Sustaining Policy Implementation for the Long Term
Step 8: Communicate Stories of Success
Notes
PART 2: Success Stories of Policy Entrepreneurs
4 Advancing Access: Equal Education for All
The Challenge: Keeping Girls in School
Policy Entrepreneurship in Action: Ending Period Poverty
Community Activists
Boys
Government
Conclusion
Notes
5 Empowering a Community: Just Transition beyond Coal
The Challenge: Delivering a Just Transition Out of Coal
Policy Entrepreneurship in Action: Calling Time on Coal
The Public
Plant Owners (WA Government)
Mine Owners (Private Investors)
Community
Conclusion
Notes
6 Building Bridges: Small and Mighty in a Warming World
The Challenge: Who Should Pay For The Climate Crisis?
Policy Entrepreneurship in Action:Securing Climate Justice
Conclusion
Notes
7 Finding One World: Lessons in Collective Action
The Challenge: Our Divided Nations
Policy Entrepreneurship in Action:Finding One World
War and Conflict
Climate Change
Sustainable Development
Creative Legal Methods
Public Shaming
Monitoring, Consultation, and Reporting
Pragmatism and Cooperation
Notes
Conclusion: Being Part of the Solution in a World on Fire
Past Successes in Policy Entrepreneurship
Past Failures in Policy Implementation
From Elites to Everyday Citizens
Notes
Epilogue
Acknowledgments
Annex: Summary: Eight Steps for Policy Entrepreneurship
The Visionary: Setting the Foundation for Change
The Diplomat: Catalyzing Impact through Pragmatism
The Implementer: Enforcing Accountability and Follow‐Through
References
Index
End User License Agreement
List of Illustrations
Chapter 1
Figure 1.1 Community in Bihar, India, 2016 implementing CLTS.
Figure 1.2 Pushing the Overton window.
Chapter 4
Figure 4.1 Period education class.
Chapter 5
Figure 5.1 Mark McGowan at a (socially distanced) press conference in 2022 a...
Figure 5.2 AMWU members at Griffin mine in Collie during their pay dispute i...
Chapter 6
Figure 6.1 Mottley leaves COP26 speech in Glasgow, hand in handwith Biden....
Figure 6.2 A popular image shared by climate activists leading up to Macron’...
Chapter 7
Figure 7.1 Race to Zero’s Starting Line Criteria
Figure 7.2 Cumulative number of companies with approved targets and commitme...
Figure 7.3 Score from the
2023 Global Solidarity Report
showing the collapse...
Figure 7.4 Score from the
2023 Global Solidarity Report
shows an overall in...
Guide
Cover
Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright
Dedication
Foreword
Prologue
Introduction: Harbingers of Hope
Begin Reading
Conclusion: Being Part of the Solution in a World on Fire
Epilogue
Acknowledgments
Annex: Summary: Eight Steps for Policy Entrepreneurship
References
Index
End User License Agreement
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Praise for From Ideas to Impact
“In these challenging times when politicians are failing to provide leadership, when multilateral peace and security institutions are wrecked from within, From Ideas to Impact is timely and offers pathways to solutions, solidarity, and partnership from ground up, from periphery to center.”
—Jose Ramos‐Horta
President of Timor Leste andNobel Peace Prize Laureate
“Mick Sheldrick was with us at the beginning as we shaped the Bridgetown Initiative. In the face of unprecedented challenges, his book bridges idealism with essential pragmatism and outlines how everyone can participate urgently in the crucial task of acting today to save tomorrow. A must‐read for those ready to turn solidarity into impactful action.”
—Mia Mottley
Prime Minister of Barbados and Co‐Chairof the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Advocates
“Democracy requires committed citizens who take action and work for what they believe in …. Mick has made an impact on many lives through his work combating climate change, giving more children access to education and achieving the end of extreme poverty. He has also inspired thousands of others to drive the change they seek.”
—Erna Solberg
former Prime Minister of Norway (2013–2021)
“I know Mick Sheldrick well as we are both board members of the Ban Ki‐moon Centre, and I admire his manifold activities in the field of sustainable development, education, and information. In addition, he is an excellent organizer. In a world testing the resilience of institutions like the United Nations, Mick Sheldrick masterfully unveils their enduring impact on our daily lives notwithstanding geopolitical tensions. With flair, he distills compelling insights, guiding readers to unearth common ground in our turbulent era. This is a book for the times: sharp and incisive.”
—Dr. Heinz Fischer
former President of Austria (2004–2016)
“Get ready for a must‐read! Michael Sheldrick shares the story of the inspiring South African advocates who fearlessly catapulted period poverty and girls' education to the political stratosphere. This timely book serves up practical lessons for anyone seeking to make a real difference.”
—Phumzile Mlambo‐Ngcuka
former Deputy President of South Africa andformer head of UN Women
“Drawing lessons from our work together with former UN Secretary‐General Ban Ki‐moon, this book offers actionable steps to make a difference and drive social impact. It brings the sustainable development objectives at the heart of the global community where each citizen has a role to play for the planet, prosperity, and people.”
—Jean Todt and Michelle Yeoh
UN Special Envoy for Road Safety, and Oscar‐winningactress and UN Development Programme Goodwill Ambassador
“This book postulates bringing civility back to society through consistent, ethical action, and by appealing to our shared hopes over fears, thereby, equipping policy entrepreneurs to overcome division and create a more just world for all.”
—Tony Tersigni
EdD, FACHE, Executive Chair of Ascension Capital
“To create the world we owe future generations, we need to think differently and act now. And yet most people, including leaders, succumb to the prevailing sense of powerlessness and apathy. Mick's book From Ideas to Impact is a clarion call to action. He provides an easy‐to‐read, inspiring guide on how we can all lead change, and accelerate progress to a greener, more equitable future.”
—Simon Mulcahy
President, TIME
“Behind the glitz of their concerts and festivals, Mick Sheldrick and the Global Citizen community have built an impressive campaigning model based on popular engagement, strategic storytelling, and coalition building. Aspiring changemakers the world over have much learn from their example.”
—Mark Malloch‐Brown
President of the Open Society Foundation andformer Deputy Secretary‐General of the UN
“Michael Sheldrick brings a new take to the struggle to move beyond no longer competitive fossil fuels and onto cheaper, cleaner renewables from the outlier in the ‘Anglo‐Saxon’ world. But his scope is far broader—how do you make progressive policy in only partially progressive societies, where private individualism still has a deep hold? And his argument should remind us all that we need to keep tethered in the unique past that shapes every policy struggle worth fighting.”
—Carl Pope
senior climate advisor to former New York CityMayor Michael Bloomberg and co‐author of New York Times bestseller Climate of Hope
“Michael leads by example, inspiring everyone he meets including prime ministers, presidents, philanthropists, and rock stars, with his clear goals and strength of purpose. And in the book, Michael insists that what he has done others can do…. At a time of global polycrisis, Michael gives us more than reasons to be hopeful; he actually tells us how to go about effecting meaningful change in our world.”
—Melissa Parke
former Minister, Australian Government and Executive Director,International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons
“In his new book From Ideas to Impact: A Playbook for Influencing and Implementing Change in a Divided World, Michael Sheldrick provides an inspiring road map for global citizens seeking to make an impact. Michael's book gives hope to those who are frustrated with the growing challenges faced by social entrepreneurs, urging them to master the art of policy entrepreneurship. From Ideas to Impact is a valuable guide for those ready to bridge the gap between great ideas and policy impact, inspiring action for a better collective future.”
—Aigboje Aig‐Imoukhuede
Nigerian investor and philanthropist
“In a world facing immense challenges, it can feel impossible to affect policy but Michael breaks things down, gives compelling examples, and empowers us all to do what we can in our own spheres of influence. He should know, he's been doing it for over 15 years as a co‐founder of Global Citizen.”
—Dr. Márcia Balisciano
Director of Benjamin Franklin Houseand Chief Sustainability Officer, RELX
“Michael Sheldrick challenges us to go beyond the rhetoric of empty promises and the ubiquitous calls to action. From Ideas to Impact is a must‐read for current and aspiring development leaders and practitioners.”
—Glenn Denning
Professor of Professional Practice at ColumbiaUniversity's School of International and Public Affairs andauthor of Universal Food Security
“It is very rare you come across a book, which has all the hallmarks of becoming the standard reference for its industry, in this case civil society organizations. Mick Sheldrick, cofounder of Global Citizen, interlaces global climate politics, organizational playbook ingenuity, and personal ‘war story’ observations in a writing style as if you were in the room. A book to cherish and an act hard to follow.”
—Frank Van Gansbeke
executive scholar in residence at Middlebury College
“Coming up with ideas is easy but making an impactful difference is hard. In From Ideas to Impact, Mick Sheldrick not only provides a road map for the journey to transformational change but the book also serves as an instruction manual for making it happen. As co‐founder of Global Citizen for over a decade, Mick has catalyzed civic actions and policy advocacy to bring about collective impact. In these pages he shares inspirational stories and provides examples of how to accelerate global social impact by driving systemic policy changes. I'm a better leader because of Mick's wisdom. This book allows Mick's wisdom to be shared with the world. Read. Learn. Act!”
—C.D. Glin
President, PepsiCo Foundation andGlobal Head of Social Impact, PepsiCo Inc.
“Real power comes from movement building that gets citizens involved in diverse forms of personal action at massive societal scales. We grow bold leaders and lasting action from the roots. No organization has done this better than Global Citizen, and Mick Sheldrick's From Ideas to Impact shares the secret sauce behind these efforts and insightful curation of other changemaking we all can learn from.”
—Jad Daley
President and CEO of American Forests
“Michael Sheldrick charts a course through some of the most challenging issues of our time… He illuminates successful efforts in translating seemingly abstract concepts, such as ‘just transition,’ into impactful policy changes that enhance people's lives and help advance social justice.”
—Gilbert F. Houngbo
Director‐General of the International Labour Organization
“From Ideas to Impact outlines practical steps to influence policy, emphasizing that impactful leaders are cultivated, trained, equipped, and empowered. Philanthropies can support policy entrepreneurs if they are willing to rewrite their playbook and embrace a new era of effective, sustainable change.”
—Dan Pallotta
entrepreneur and author of Uncharitable: How Restraints on Nonprofits Undermine Their Potential
“This very timely book has practical advice for those who are distressed about the way the world is going and want to know how to help do something about it. This book reflects knowledge and understanding of working through extraordinary achievements in international conflicts, and is a must‐read.”
—Dr Sue Boyd AM
former Australian diplomat
“A world in which yesterday's playbook of big‐tent consensus building no longer works. Thankfully, Michael draws on his deep experience and that of others to lay out how to make positive change happen. This kind of thinking is needed more than ever.”
—David McNair
Executive Director at ONE.org,co‐founded by Bono
“Parts of the world are literally on fire, while the news media reports on political and economic elites generating more problems than solutions…. From Ideas to Impact describes what has worked, what has not, and why in order to get past the cynicism that could otherwise prove ruinous. As a leading global changemaker himself, Sheldrick is exactly the right messenger for this crucial message.”
—Evan Lieberman
Total Professor of Political Science and ContemporaryAfrica and Director of the Center for International Studies at the MIT
“This inspiring book by Mick Sheldrick reminds us not only to have faith in the power of idealism and collaboration but also provides a super useful toolbox for civil societies across the world to achieve game‐changing results in their work even as the odds are stacked against them.”
—Dino Patti Djalal
former Ambassador of Indonesia to the US andfounder of the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia
“A highly readable and accessible study of the role of advocacy in bringing about fundamental change in our societies and achieving global public goods. Strategic thinkers, policymakers, activists. and philanthropists will all benefit from this lucid and practical guide to an increasingly important dimension of today's world.”
—David Donoghue
former Permanent Representative of Ireland to theUN and Co‐Facilitator of SDG 2030 Agenda
FOREWORD BY IDRIS AND SABRINA ELBA
MICHAEL SHELDRICK
FROM IDeas TO IMPACT
A PLAYBOOK FOR INFLUENCING AND IMPLEMENTING CHANGE IN A DIVIDED WORLD
Copyright © 2024 by Michael Sheldrick. All rights reserved.
Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey.Published simultaneously in Canada.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise, except as permitted under Section 107 or 108 of the 1976 United States Copyright Act, without either the prior written permission of the Publisher, or authorization through payment of the appropriate per‐copy fee to the Copyright Clearance Center, Inc., 222 Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, (978) 750‐8400, fax (978) 750‐4470, or on the web at www.copyright.com. Requests to the Publisher for permission should be addressed to the Permissions Department, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030, (201) 748‐6011, fax (201) 748‐6008, or online at http://www.wiley.com/go/permission.
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Library of Congress Cataloging‐in‐Publication Data is Available:
ISBN 9781394202348 (Cloth)ISBN 9781394202393 (ePub)ISBN 9781394202409 (ePDF)
Cover Design and Image: Wiley
For my daughter, Miki Grace Yun Sheldrick, whose generation our actions will shape.
And to Grandma Joyce Grace, who has always advised to focus on the present, and not to worry about things we cannot change. Thank you, Grandma.
Foreword
We have known Mick for more than four years now, and to say he's had an impact on our lives is an understatement. We met on a visit to Sierra Leone with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), looking at the effects of Ebola on rural people and farmers. We instantly hit it off. We remember thinking despite how intense, emotional, and humid the visit was, Mick always had a smile and a sense of hope. A kind of glass‐half‐full guy. We welcomed this, but it shouldn't be any surprise that an Aussie, a Brit, and a Canadian are getting along.
When writing this foreword, we thought about how we would introduce Mick to one of our close friends. As Sabrina puts it: “Mick, over the years, has taught me almost everything I know about advocacy. I sometimes wondered if he would become impatient with all my questions and curiosity over the years, but he's never given me the inclination that he might. Instead, he's always there for you, sharing the wealth of knowledge he has accumulated throughout his career without any second thought. He's as generous with his mind as he is with his heart, always doing the good work, making personal sacrifices with the support of his beautiful wife Wendy (Xinyi). One of the biggest lessons Mick taught me about advocacy is just showing up is half the work, and this stuck with me because Mick, of course, always shows up.”
Mick gets it—policy isn't just a set of distant rules and regulations; it's about changing lives. In Sierra Leone, we felt this truth deeply. We met an incredible woman named Isatu, who was raising four children while trying to keep the family farm going. When Ebola struck, she shared a heartbreaking story—her husband and everyone else left as markets closed, and the country became isolated.
In that crisis, IFAD stood by Isatu's side—the one organization that remained when all else crumbled. IFAD became her last hope, ensuring her children could still attend school.
This encounter fueled our determination to help IFAD in any way possible. But the need is overwhelming, and we realized that relying solely on charitable donations wouldn't be enough to tackle the immense challenges at hand.
Through Mick, the Global Citizen team, and IFAD, we have seen the power of influencing big policy change up close. Imagine this: it's January 2021, and we are all on a Zoom call with French President Emmanuel Macron amid the chaos of the COVID‐19 pandemic—a situation eerily reminiscent of the challenges those farmers in Sierra Leone faced during their Ebola outbreak. Markets had shut down, leaving many poor farmers and communities isolated. In the midst of this call, something extraordinary unfolded. President Emmanuel Macron's commitment would change lives. He pledged to increase France's support for IFAD by tens of millions of euros. This wasn't just an impromptu promise; it was the result of persistent advocacy, a blend of behind‐the‐scenes efforts, public pressure, and citizen action—a true testament to the power of making our voices heard. But we didn't stop there.
Fast‐forward two years to the 2023 Global Citizen Festival in New York, and Macron stepped up his support even more. He pledged a groundbreaking $150 million—the largest ever—to IFAD. This historic investment is set to help empower 100 million farmers in some of the world's poorest rural communities.
In the end, effective policy is all about making things better at their core. It's about justice, meeting basic needs, and being there when disaster strikes. Good policy guarantees there is always someone ready to stay behind and help. If you want to make a difference, advocating for these meaningful policies is one of the most powerful ways to help.
In this book, Mick lays out a guide, encouraging everyday heroes with bright ideas to drive the change they seek. The world is evolving, driven by science, technology, and communal wisdom. Today, even if we don't always realize it, more of us can contribute to addressing our most pressing challenges than ever before. We don't have to stay on the sidelines; we can influence decisions at the highest levels of power. This book unveils eight powerful ways to do just that.
Mick argues that a better world is possible, but it requires action from both citizens and leaders. “We” are our last best hope.
Yes, the world is in chaos, and we can't ignore it. As we write this, 122 million more people are struggling to find food than in 2019 [1]. One in ten people goes to bed not knowing where their next meal will come from. Dire predictions about the consequences of runaway climate change confront us daily. The reverberations of past injustices and traumas give rise to fresh conflicts. History casts its long shadow over our current moment.
But in a world that sometimes feels adrift, we find in Mick's teachings a lighthouse. The fight for progress is ours to lead, and now, more than ever, we have the power to act. What can be done, must be done. By embracing the wisdom in these pages, we can rekindle trust in our institutions and offer a beacon of hope to those searching for it. Because, in the end, the most potent antidote to disillusionment is not just to dream of action but to live it.
Idris Elba
Actor, Artist, and Philanthropist
Sabrina Dhowre Elba
Advocate, Entrepreneur, and Philanthropist
1. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. “The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2023”.
https://www.fao.org/documents/card/en/c/cc3017en
.
Prologue
“It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to.”
—Gandalf the Wizard, J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings
Have you ever wondered how to bring about meaningful change in today's divided world, especially when tempting alternatives for validation exist? In today's social media–driven era, seeking affirmation from like‐minded individuals through quick posts is easy. It is easier to opt for simplistic, ideologically pure solutions than it is to embrace practical but imperfect ideas when facing complex problems. And it can feel more satisfying to our moral consciousness to reject compromise outright than to find common ground. However, this pursuit of the instant dopamine boost that comes from feeling “right, righteous, certain, and safe” hinders meaningful change. It may even cause more significant harm in the long run [1].
Consider these scenarios:
Tragic events spark social media solidarity, only to return to business as usual after the fact, even among those who criticize others who didn't post in solidarity.
Advocates of genetically‐enriched Golden Rice face criticism for promoting genetic engineering despite its potential to address vitamin deficiencies in regions plagued by malnutrition. This is so even as many of the foods we consume are genetically modified [
2
].
Affluent nations renege on climate aid promises while emerging economies respond with, “F*** you, I won't take any action to reduce our emissions then”.
1
The impasse, if unbroken, dooms us all to collective environmental catastrophe.
Politicians in wealthy nations call for a universal end to fossil fuel production [
3
]. Meanwhile, poorer countries question how to prosper if their natural resources are not exploited further, having never had the same opportunity to grow rich from such output [
4
].
Coal workers share concerns about climate change, yet they also worry about their families and livelihoods, feeling demonized and alienated [
5
].
Despite our divisions, however, there is hope. Worldwide, people from all walks of life demonstrate that systemic change is achievable and flourishing through united voices, cooperation, and solidarity—often hidden from view but undeniably present. Deforestation in the Amazon has fallen to its lowest levels in years [6]. For the first time, women are represented in every single parliament worldwide [7]. More than a century of research has finally culminated in the world's first malaria vaccine [8].
Numerous studies indicate a shared belief in the power of working together to address our challenges [9–10]. A significant global population supports bold policy changes for the benefit of our planet and its inhabitants [11].
The challenge lies in the sense of powerlessness that is prevalent among too many everyday citizens and even our leaders [12]. When people lack agency they become susceptible to distractions to fill the void, such as policing one another's social media posts. But it doesn't have to be this way.
In this book, I will demonstrate how we can unite relevant stakeholders, bridge differences, and contribute to implementing the policies needed to address our shared challenges together. By the time you finish reading, you will be able to identify how you can contribute uniquely to the policy process and understand how to transform well‐meaning intentions into positive impact.
With more of us ready and able to support policy change, we have the potential to craft fresh impact narratives that can inspire broader change far beyond our initial contributions. After all, a single compelling story of change can ignite countless other tales of success, nurturing even greater hope. It all starts with us. As Eleanor Roosevelt once wisely advised, “The way to begin is to begin.” So let's get started.
Note
1
Based on a conversation with an ambassador of a wealthy nation at the UN.
1. Jay, J., and G. Grant. 2017.
Breaking through Gridlock: The Power of Conversation in a Polarized World
. Berrett‐Koehler Publishers.
2. International Rice Research Institute. n.d. “Golden Rice FAQs.”
https://www.irri.org/golden-rice-faqs
.
3. Sengupta, S., H. Howard, and D. Erdenesanaa. 2023. “Climate Protesters March on New York, Calling for End to Fossil Fuels.”
The New York Times.
September 17, 2023.
4. Ramos‐Horta, J. 2022. President East Timor. “Op Ed: For a Fraction of Australia's Fighter Jet Budget, I'd Leave East Timor's Fuel in the Ground.” José Ramos‐Horta. October 5, 2022.
https://ramoshorta.com/op-ed-for-a-fraction-of-australias-fighter-jet-budget-id-leave-east-timors-fuel-in-the-ground
/.
5. Scheiber, N. 2021. “The Achilles’ Heel of Biden's Climate Plan? Coal Miners.”
The New York Times
. December 8, 2021.
6. Cotovio, V., L. Paddison, and S. Noor. 2023. “Amazon deforestation at six‐year‐low in Brazil after plunging 66% in July.” CNN, August 4, 2023.
https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/04/americas/amazon-deforestation-brazil-climate-intl/index.html
.
7. World Economic Forum. 2023. “For First Time, Women Represented in All Parliaments of the World.” April 12, 2023.
https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2023/04/for-first-time-women-represented-in-all-parliaments-of-the-world
/.
8. Partners in Health. 2023. “Good News in Global Health.” July 28, 2023.
https://www.pih.org/article/good-news-global-health
.
9. Global Nation. 2023. “Global Solidarity Report.”
https://globalnation.world/global-solidarity-report
.
10. Open Society Foundations. 2023. “Open Society Barometer.” September 2023.
11. Ibid.
12. Guterres A. 2023. Interview by Christiane Amanpour, CNN. September 18, 2023.
https://www.cnn.com/videos/world/2023/09/18/exp-united-nations-antonio-guterres-intw-091801pseg3-cnni-world.cnn
.
Introduction: Harbingers of Hope
In 1750, Benjamin Franklin wrote to a colleague, asserting, “Nothing is of more importance for the public weal, than to form and train up youth in wisdom and virtue.”1 He underscored that leaders possessing these qualities were more vital to a nation's strength than wealth or arms, which could lead to ruin when managed by ignorance and wickedness. He concluded by recognizing the transformative impact a wise leader could wield, even in some cases single‐handedly saving entire cities from destruction.
Fast‐forward to today, and we find ourselves in dire need of such wisdom and virtue, particularly regarding effective policy implementation. We grapple with widespread misinformation online, unfulfilled political promises, corporate interests conflicting with the public good, and policies that often seem to deviate from their intended impact. Agreed on in 2015, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—the United Nations (UN) 17‐point plan to end extreme poverty, mitigate inequality, and address climate change by 2030—have only achieved 12% of their targets [1]. Trust and solidarity have reached alarming lows when we need them more than ever to address shared challenges such as climate change, political conflicts, and economic disparities.
The heartening news, however, is that despite the negative headlines often prevalent in the media, studies also reveal that a significant number of people worldwide consistently express a desire for global solidarity, identify as global citizens, and still believe in the potential of our institutions to address pressing global issues [2‐4]. They believe this even as a vast gulf exists between what they hope for and the present reality—as we face a crisis of implementation.
So long as there are individuals willing to work together to find solutions, we have yet to reach a point of no return. However, I don't need to remind you of this. If you have chosen to read this book, it is likely because you may already believe in an idea or potential solution to one of our many shared challenges. Perhaps you are searching for guidance on how to implement it.
This book does not give guidance on all possible ways to create change. Many other resources focus on topics such as managing philanthropic programs, improving individual giving, and changing lousy consumption habits—all of which I support.2 However, my specific focus here is on how to create policy change. Why? Because tackling the systemic challenges we face requires systemic solutions. The COVID‐19 pandemic made this abundantly clear concerning action on climate change. Our collective emissions temporarily decreased by 4.6% in 2020 with the restricted mobility that came during global lockdowns [5]. This is far from the 50% reduction in our collective carbon footprint that we must achieve by 2030 to avoid catastrophic climate change. One‐off changes in individual behaviors simply aren't sustainable in and of themselves.3 To affect our environment meaningfully, we must implement policies that significantly reduce carbon emissions from energy, transportation, and manufacturing. This is no easy feat, but engaging in the policymaking process is worth it if there's a chance of creating the scale of change we desperately need. In short, focus on policy change if you truly want to change the world. This playbook is designed to help dramatically increase your odds of success.
By “policy,” I mean a specific course of action or set of rules, guidelines, standards, or principles formulated by a government, organization, or institution like the UN. Policies can address a wide range of issues, including hunger, poverty, food waste, gender equity, conflict, environmental concerns, and the promotion of equitable access to resources such as water. They can serve as incentives, such as research and development subsidies, or punitive measures, such as regulations to combat corporate greenwashing.
And when I refer to “policy implementation,” I mean putting these policies into action, from enacting laws to negotiating international agreements to allocating a state's resources. In other words, this is about transforming a policy idea or proposal into an impact that improves people's lives.
This book does not comprehensively list every policy idea and prescription for addressing our significant challenges. Many great minds in academia and think tanks have already generated such proposals [6]. The real question I grapple with is how to turn such ideas into a reality—a question easier asked than answered.
Steve Jobs once observed: “There's a tremendous amount of craftsmanship in between a great idea and a great product.” The same concept applies to policy implementation—a complex process fraught with obstacles. Nevertheless, with the turbulent weather of today's challenges, we desperately need more individuals equipped with the know‐how to navigate and land the plane. We need policy entrepreneurs [7‐8].4
This book is designed as a practical guide for tackling shared challenges and driving policy change. Many of us may perceive international and national arenas as distant and challenging to engage with. However, my experiences and observations of policy entrepreneurship in action have allowed me to witness firsthand the impact individuals can make.
The first part of this book provides actionable takeaways—a playbook for action drawn from the experiences of a diverse group of effective policy entrepreneurs. This includes presidents, prime ministers, cultural icons, corporate executives, and philanthropic leaders through to union representatives, musicians, grassroots advocates, and everyday citizens who have successfully implemented positive impacts in their communities.
Many of the principles of policy entrepreneurship outlined in this book align with leadership styles that people generally prefer and trust, such as the Visionary, the Diplomat, and the Implementer [9‐10].5 Such trust is crucial because policy implementation requires consensus building. The Visionary can rally people around clear and transformative goals. The Diplomat excels at building strong relationships and fostering collaboration among allies and stakeholders, even those they may disagree with. The Diplomat is also an open‐minded innovator who excels at finding creative solutions and leveraging diverse networks of partners. The Implementer ensures our ideas translate into tangible, powerful outcomes—changes we can touch, feel, and see, ultimately transforming lives.
The second part of this book delves into four stories that illustrate the principles and steps of policy entrepreneurship in action:
Individual activism:
We delve into how grassroots activists in South Africa leveraged the power of partnership to persuade their government to deliver on its promises to end “period poverty” and keep millions of girls in school.
Community engagement:
We examine how a small coal town in Western Australia successfully met the moment to safeguard their community while ending its dependence on coal.
National leadership:
We explore how the pragmatic leader of one of the world's smallest nations, Barbados, ignited a movement to bring about change for vulnerable communities on the frontlines of climate change.
Global solidarity:
Finally, we investigate how the UN has navigated its limitations to foster collective action. Beyond the negative headlines, the UN's endurance offers insights for enforcing accountability with limited formal powers.
These case studies inspire hope by showcasing how real transformations take place. The power of sharing such stories should not be underestimated. Sharing good news can reinforce existing attitudes toward solidarity and trust in institutions as drivers of change, inspiring a favorable cycle of ongoing positive impact.
Most importantly, these examples illustrate the playbook outlined in Part 1. They provide valuable takeaways for other individuals, communities, and nations with similar issues and looking for innovative methods to disrupt the policymaking process.
The need to master the art of bold policy entrepreneurship and implementation is particularly pressing as the world stands at a turning point. I am writing this book during a period of heightened frustration and division. Analysts and future forecasters predict that our current challenges will only intensify in the coming decade [11]. Economic downturns, escalating international tensions, and the potential for future conflicts all loom on the horizon. Additionally, the algorithms of social media platforms may exacerbate our existing divisions and weaken our institutions further.
The consequences of failure are high. Many of us still maintain a favorable view of democratic and international institutions and believe that change is attainable [12]. This presents an opportunity to rebuild trust and social cohesion by meeting people's expectations through effective local and global policies. But this window will not remain open indefinitely [13]. When change is perceived as lacking, disillusionment can lead people to turn to alternative, albeit illusory, solutions grounded in populism and authoritarianism [14]. History offers a stark reminder of the dangers of demagoguery when fueled by disappointment [15]. As former UK prime ministerial advisor Michael Barber [16] put it, “Beliefs follow behavior.”
However, history is also filled with numerous examples of transformative leadership during times of deep division. These instances exemplify the art of effective policy entrepreneurship. Inspired by Nelson Mandela's unwavering commitment to reconciliation after 27 years of imprisonment, a series of international and domestic policies were enacted to dismantle apartheid. This ultimately paved the way for greater racial equality, reconciliation, and the establishment of democracy in South Africa. Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal policies, including social welfare programs and job creation initiatives, gave hope and jobs to millions during the Great Depression. His approach unified a fractured nation through persistence, pragmatism, and savviness. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf made history by becoming Africa's first elected female head of state after her nation of Liberia had been ravaged by years of civil conflict. She implemented various policies and initiatives to rebuild her nation, earning her the Nobel Peace Prize in 2011.
At their core, these leaders all shared at least one area of focus in common: how to improve people's lives. In doing so, they exhibited courage, reached out to their opponents, made compromises, and did not get distracted by the need for a dopamine high—that desire to feel “right, righteous, certain, and safe” [17]. As Canada's prime minister, Justin Trudeau, noted in an address to university students, a critical difference between Abraham Lincoln and his Confederate counterpart, Jefferson Davis, was that Davis preferred to win debates, while Lincoln aimed to win the war. In conclusion, Trudeau posed the students this question: Do you want to win an argument or change the world? [18]
If you are like me, you already know the answer to this question. But the question that then follows is how to change our world. That's the purpose of this book.
Notes
1
From Benjamin Franklin to Samuel Johnson, August 23, 1750. The National Historical Publications and Records Commission.
2
One example of something we can all do is have conversations on climate change with our networks. See Hayhoe 2020.
3
Research suggests that individual and family‐level actions could contribute to 14% of the emissions reductions needed to achieve net zero by 2050, while collective action has the potential to account for up to 64% of the required reductions. See Bhowmik et al.
2020
; Chater and Loewenstein
2023
; Maslin
2021
.
4
Political scientist John Kingdon is largely credited as one of the first to coin the term “policy entrepreneur.”
5
These leadership styles were inspired by those developed by Martijn Lambert at Glocalities. The Diplomat is a fusion of Lambert's Connector and Networker styles. This simplified approach aligns with other descriptions of policy entrepreneurs in the field. Additionally, I introduced a fourth style, the Implementer, emphasizing accountability and follow‐through as crucial for influential policy change. See Glocalities. 2022 and Kalil, T. 2017.
1. UN. 2023b. “Warning Over Half of World Is Being Left Behind, Secretary‐General Urges Greater Action to End Extreme Poverty, at Sustainable Development Goals Progress Report Launch.” SG/SM/21776, April 25, 2023.
https://press.un.org/en/2023/sgsm21776.doc.htm
.
2. Global Nation. 2023. “Global Solidarity Report.”
https://globalnation.world/global-solidarity-report
.
3. Open Society Foundations. 2023. “Open Society Barometer.” September 2023.
4. Glocalities. 2022. “Generation Z—Gen Z Marketing.” November 29, 2022.
5. Bhanumati, P., M. De Haan, and J. W. Tebrake. 2022. “Greenhouse Emissions Rise to Record, Erasing Drop During Pandemic.” IMF Blog. June 30, 2022.
https://www.imf.org/en/Blogs/Articles/2022/06/30/greenhouse-emissions-rise-to-record-erasing-drop-during-pandemic
.
6. Denning, G. 2023.
Universal Food Security: How to End Hunger While Protecting the Planet
. Columbia University Press.
7. Kingdon, J. 2010.
Agendas, Alternatives, and Public Policies
(2nd ed.). New York, NY: Pearson.
8. Mintrom, M. 2019. “So You Want to Be a Policy Entrepreneur?”
Policy Design and Practice
2, no. 4, 307–323.
https://doi.org/10.1080/25741292.2019.1675989
.
9. Glocalities. 2023. “Harvesting Solar Power Five Times More Favored Than Burning Fossil Fuels.” September 15, 2023.
https://glocalities.com/reports/harnessingsolarpower
.
10. Kalil, T. 2017. “Policy Entrepreneurship at the White House: Getting Things Done in Large Organizations.”
Innovations: Technology, Governance, Globalization
11, no. 3–4 (2017): 4–21.
11. Dalio, R. 2021.
Principles For Dealing With the Changing World Order: Why Nations Succeed and Fail
. Avid Reader Press/Simon & Schuster.
12. Open Society Foundations. 2023. “Open Society Barometer.” September 2023.
13. Global Nation. 2023. “Global Solidarity Report.”
https://globalnation.world/global-solidarity-report
.
14. Ibid.
15. Zahra, T. 2023.
Against the World: Anti‐Globalism and Mass Politics Between the World Wars
. W.W. Norton & Company.
16. Barber, M. 2016.
How to Run a Government: So that Citizens Benefit and Taxpayers Don't Go Crazy
. Penguin.
17. Jay, J. J., and G. Grant. 2017.
Breaking through Gridlock: The Power of Conversation in a Polarized World
. Berrett‐Koehler Publishers.
18. Reilly, K. 2018. “‘Fight Our Tribal Mindset.’ Read Justin Trudeau's Commencement Address to NYU Graduates.”
Time
. May 16, 2018.
https://time.com/5280153/justin-trudeau-nyu-commencement-2018-transcript
.
PART 1An Eight‐Step Playbook to Master Policy Entrepreneurship
“The road to peace is never easy, and it is sometimes dangerous … the world desperately needs people who will have the wisdom and the courage to travel that road and to insist that their governments make no detour around it.”
—Dr. HV Evatt, Australian foreign minister (1941–49) and president of the UN General Assembly (1948–49) [1]
In a world divided, how do we sow the seeds of change? Setting audacious goals that ignite a bias for action—how do we master this art?
How do we influence those wielding the power to usher in change? How do we transform the negative perception of policies into palatable narratives?
Crafting narratives that build trust and inspire impact—what's the secret behind these stories? How do we unify people to confront the colossal shared challenges of our era?
Forging lasting partnerships that leverage our collective strengths instead of fostering competition—what's the key to successful collaboration? How do we ensure accountability for those making grand promises—assuring words translate into action?
A skilled policy entrepreneur addresses these questions to navigate through our implementation crisis, and this part of the book will equip you with the critical approaches to do just that.
You would not be wrong to describe a policy entrepreneur as a “lobbyist for good.”1 They aim to influence specific legislation, budgetary processes, and policies by engaging those in power—in government, business, and philanthropy. However, policy entrepreneurs also understand the power of direct advocacy when combined with other unconventional methods. They leverage partnerships and deploy disruptive approaches to create a favorable environment for their policy ideas to be adopted and fully implemented, improving people's lives. Above all, they are “doers” able to seize opportunities and accomplish things in a chaotic world [2].
Policy entrepreneurs often invest their own resources, such as money, relationships, reputation, technical expertise, time, or energy [3]. But they do not let a lack of resources hinder them [4].2 They, in fact, excel at persuading those with resources to contribute. Policy entrepreneurs may function daily as professional lobbyists hired to support a noble cause.3 They may also be in a position of power themselves. Yet, frequently, they operate just as much outside traditional political or institutional structures, giving voice to underrepresented interests. They effectively exert influence on others beyond their formal authority or job description [5]. Their payoff lies in the uptake of creative solutions that disrupt the status quo [6]. Such results benefit society at large, not just a select few [7].
In the following chapters of this book, I delineate three leadership approaches that in my opinion constitute policy entrepreneurship: visionaries, diplomats, and implementers—all vital for fostering cooperation, building bridges, and propelling policy implementation past stagnation, conflict, and polarization. A good policy entrepreneur combines these approaches harmoniously to transform an idea into tangible impact.
This section illustrates eight steps that constitute these approaches and collectively form part of the policy entrepreneur's tool kit. It could also be titled “Eight Steps for Getting Stuff Done.” Drawing insights from remarkable policy entrepreneurs who have shaped local, national and global agendas, it is divided into three chapters:
The Visionary: Setting the Foundation for Change
The Diplomat: Catalyzing Impact through Pragmatism
The Implementer: Enforcing Accountability and Follow‐Through
As you will discover, each of us harbors the potential to ignite change in a world on fire. The power to influence, the capacity for inspiration, and the potential for solidarity reside within every individual.
Notes
1
For more on the rise of the Lobbying for Good Movement, see Alemanno 2023.
2
