According to the famous quote often attributed to Margaret Mead, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.” Margaret Mead believed in the role of small groups in driving positive social change.
It is worth taking note that larger societal shifts, be it the abolitionist movement in the nineteenth century or the civil rights movements in the twentieth century, were built on small groups. As Greg Satell puts it, “It is when small groups connect…that they gain their power.”
What makes small groups effective as vehicles for social change? It is all about relationships. People are innately driven to foster deep loyalties within their primary groups (i.e., families or church groups), which are characterized by close, intimate relationships that are built over a long period of time. These primary groups are where social norms, values, beliefs and worldviews are developed as well as crucial relationship elements like active listening, fearless conversations, and recognizing common ground with fellow members. These elements are all capitalized by small groups, thus its effectiveness in being able to change society and the world.
Other elements innate in small groups that make it effective for movement building are as follows:
- Shared Decision-Making: Small groups allow for the direct exchange of ideas and perspectives, making it easier to reach collective decisions and change minds.
- Resource Pooling: Members can pool their skills, knowledge, and resources to achieve common goals more effectively.
- Synergy: Collaboration in small groups can create a synergistic effect, where the combined effort of the group is greater than the sum of its individual contributions.
- Exposure to Diversity: Small groups can provide individuals with an opportunity to interact with people from different backgrounds and perspectives, fostering understanding and empathy.
- Collective Action: Small groups can organize collective efforts and mobilize individuals to take action towards a shared cause.
- Accountability: The shared responsibility and visibility within a small group can create a sense of accountability among members, ensuring that goals are pursued diligently.
- Immediate Feedback and Support: Small groups allow for quick feedback and support among members, which can be valuable for learning and growth.
- Enhanced Communication: The informal and unstructured nature of small group communication can facilitate faster and more efficient information sharing.
- Personalized Attention: In small groups, members have more opportunities for active participation, collaboration, and personalized feedback.
- Sense of Community: Small groups can foster a sense of belonging and connectedness, which can be motivating and supportive for individuals involved in social change.
Throughout history, small groups have been instrumental in driving significant social change. These small groups often organize around specific issues, build community support, and educate the public, ultimately influencing big social changes. Examples include grassroots movements like Black Lives Matter, the Me Too Movement, and Occupy Wall Street. Here’s a more detailed look at some examples:
- Grassroots movements: Black Lives Matter emerged as a response to racial injustice, demonstrating how small groups can effectively advocate for change through organizing, protests, and raising awareness.
- Me Too Movement: This movement, fueled by small groups of individuals sharing their experiences, sparked a global conversation about sexual harassment and assault, leading to increased awareness and accountability.
- Occupied Wall Street: This movement, initially spearheaded by a small group of activists, raised concerns about economic inequality and corporate greed, influencing public discourse and policy debates.
- Abolitionist movement: A small group of abolitionists organized to end slavery, ultimately contributing to the Civil War and the eventual abolition of slavery.
- Civil Rights Movement: This movement, driven by small groups of activists, fought for equal rights for African Americans, leading to landmark legislation and societal shifts.
- Other examples: The Gay Men’s Health Crisis, formed by a small group of eight people, advocated for resources and support for people with AIDS. Similarly, Alcoholics Anonymous demonstrates the power of small groups to provide support and facilitate personal transformation.
Small groups, while effective for social change initiatives, can also face disadvantages like limited reach and influence, potential for internal conflict, and the need for significant resource allocation. They can also be vulnerable to cliques, division, and difficulties in coordinating meetings. At its best, though, small groups can be a uniquely powerful foundation for social change.