Catalyst

the change agent as catalyst

Most of the time, people do not want change; they want to keep things the way they are even when the need for some sort of change is obvious to outsiders. For that reason, some change agents are needed just to overcome this inertia, to prod and pressure the system to be less complacent, and to start working on its serious problems.

Being an Effective Catalyst

Individuals rarely become catalysts by deliberate strategy but rather because they have come to feel deeply on a particular issue. Either they personally feel injured, exploited, oppressed, or ignored, or they are deeply committed and identify with some subgroup which they feel is in such a state. Hence, they become advocates. However, the essential point that the catalyst change agent stresses is the need for change and for special recognition of the interests of the disadvantaged group. The focus for the Catalyst change agent is on caring and agitating for change.

Despite the fact that catalyst change agents do not typically arrive at their role through deliberate strategy, catalysts can nevertheless plan their activities to maximize their effectiveness. This means being sensitive to the points and issues about “process” raised in the guide. However much they care or feel about the oppressed and the oppressors, they should think reasonably about the steps that need to be followed to win support for their cause and to reduce resistance to the changes they wish to see come about.