96. Social Impact vs Social Change: Why We Need Both (And How to Know Where You Fit)

96. Social Impact vs Social Change: Why We Need Both (And How to Know Where You Fit)

From Changemaker Q&A by Humanitarian Changemakers Network

April 22, 2026 · 27 min · Season 2 · Episode 96

About this episode

This episode explores the distinction between social impact and social change, emphasizing the importance of both in improving lives and transforming systems.

Skip the HCN Weekly Brief: 5:59 What’s the difference between creating impact and creating change—and why does it matter? This episode explores a distinction that often gets overlooked in the social impact space: the difference between improving people’s lives in the present and transforming the systems that shape those lives. Through a simple but powerful analogy, we unpack why both roles are essential, how they show up across sectors like nonprofits and activism, and how to identify where your own work sits. Whether you're delivering services, building movements, or somewhere in between, this episode will help you clarify your role and strengthen your contribution. 📰 Read the accompanying article for this podcast episode ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ . ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the Changemaker Q&A Community & ASK YOUR QUESTIONS HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 💬 If you find this podcast valuable, it would really help us out to leave a rating & review wherever you're listening. Social Impact Foundations ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ FREE Training Bundle ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow HCN on Instagram…

People in this episode

Host: Tiyana J

Topics covered

  • social impact
  • social change
  • nonprofits
  • activism
  • system transformation

Keywords

  • social impact
  • social change
  • nonprofits
  • activism
  • system transformation
  • role clarification
  • service delivery

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Humanitarian Changemakers Network

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