Leadership for Social Change
Start Today! Free, Open, Online Course for High Schools, ODU, and the Community
Old Dominion University is preparing current and future generations of leaders.
This course was developed with you in mind, because now—more than ever—we need leaders prepared for our 21st-century challenges and opportunities.
This course provides a foundation in the principles and strategies for effective leadership to address 21st-century challenges and opportunities. Our aim is to help you to make an impact in the world around you.
These principles and strategies can help you prepare yourself as you gain more opportunities to lead, and opportunities that will help demonstrate your leadership experience to future and current employers.
In this course, you will:
- Learn what it means to be a leader and the responsibilities involved in a leadership role.
- Demonstrate knowledge of social responsibility with regards to leadership.
- Apply principles and models of leadership to work with others and implement social change.
Let's get ready to start this journey to becoming a leader for social change today!
How much does this course cost?
The course is free. There are no textbook or supplies needed, except for a computer and internet access.
How do I register myself or my student for the course?
Registration is managed by ODU's School of Continuing Education.
If you are a non-ODU student, follow the directions here or watch the video below:
If you are a current ODU student, follow the directions here or watch the video below:
For questions about registration, please contact the School of Continuing Education.
How long will it take to complete the course?
The course includes an introduction and eight modules. It will take several hours to engage through the modules, but completion of the modules is at your own pace!
Continue to monitor the School of Continuing Education website for news about other free, online courses!
What is Social Change?
Social change refers to the transformation of culture, behavior, social institutions, and social structure over time.
Think about the current social climate and what we are experiencing today. Whether it's through social movements like BlackLivesMatter, the Green Movement, Affordable Healthcare, and, even the spotlight on bullying, the demand for social change is real, and positive social change will take committed leaders to guide the way.
Social change happens through a collision of three different worlds - social, economic, and political.
And for social change to persist, three components are necessary:
- POLITICAL OPPORTUNITY
- ORGANIZATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE
- ENGAGED INDIVIDUALS
In this course, we focus on you becoming an engaged individual equipped with the necessary leadership skills to lead steps toward social good. Engaged leaders use their talents and voice to support so many movements—whether locally or globally. Whether you are an athlete, social media influencer, singer, restaurant worker, business owner, employee, poet, or student, this course will help you learn the necessary principles to make steps - small or large - toward your role as a SOCIAL CHANGE leader.
