ABSTRACT Against the backdrop of political polarization and societal fragmentation, liberal democracy, more than ever, rests on social cohesion. Civil-society organizations (CSOs) are pivotal in fostering this cohesion by building social capital and serving as catalysts of social change. However, civil society is also a space of ambivalence where conflicting values and priorities are negotiated and, at times, contested. Integrating insights from social psychology, political sociology, and communication scholarship, this study seeks to better understand the extent and ways in which values are articulated in the external communication of CSOs, and how these values are linked to their public claims of fostering social cohesion. Combining organizational survey data of nearly 800 CSOs in Germany with a content analysis of their websites, this study finds clear tendencies toward communitarian (vs. individualistic), postmaterialist (vs. materialist), and secular-rational (vs. traditional) values in the CSOs’ self-portrayals. CSOs that view themselves as agents of social change and, to some degree, politically active CSOs tend to invoke values more often, while those focused on sports/leisure and cultural activities were least likely to do so. Finally, for articulating organizational visions of socially cohesive communities, it does not matter much which value orientations in particular are invoked by CSOs as long as values are present in their external communication.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought structural and functional changes in various aspects of life, including student organizations. This research examines the transformation of the Medan Branch of the Islamic Student Association (HMI) in responding to the challenges of the new normal era after the COVID-19 pandemic. The main focus of the study includes the internal dynamics of the organization, social influence on the campus environment and society, as well as the political role of HMI in the local context. This research uses a qualitative approach with a case study method. Data collection techniques involve in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and document analysis. The results show that HMI Medan Branch is able to adapt to the pandemic situation through digitalization of organizational activities, strengthening regeneration, and developing a political education model. Scientific discussion activities and leadership training are conducted online, while social relations are maintained through social media and other digital platforms. HMI also plays a significant role in educating students on post-pandemic social and political issues, while maintaining its ideological relevance in local dynamics. The findings provide a theoretical contribution in understanding student organizations as agents of social change in times of crisis. Practically, the results of this study can be a strategic reference for similar organizations in developing adaptation strategies, strengthening socio-political roles, and innovating regeneration in accordance with the needs of the times. Thus, this article offers a comprehensive picture of the resilience and transformation of student organizations in the face of major post-pandemic changes.

Students are an "elitist" component at the forefront of a nation in achieving progress in various fields of development. It cannot be denied that the history of nations in the world has never emphasized the role of students in building and maintaining human civilization (Mustika Cahyaning Pertiwi, et al, 2014: 229). As successors and holders of the baton of national leadership in the future and future managers of national development, students must prepare themselves as early as possible to carry out two large and heavy tasks at once, namely as pioneers of social change (agents of social change) and pioneers of community supervision (agents). of social control) by achieving the highest academic and non-academic achievements. Actively participating in student organizations on campus is an important and strategic alternative way for students to train and develop their full potential in scientific ways. This research was conducted using a qualitative research approach. Qualitative research is research aimed at describing and analyzing phenomena, events, activities, social, attitudes, beliefs, perceptions, thoughts of people individually and in groups.

Community service is one of the main pillars of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, which plays a strategic role in connecting theoretical knowledge with its real-life application in society. Through these activities, universities not only act as centers for scientific development but also as agents of social change that encourage improvements in the quality of life of the community. This community service article discusses legal counseling activities focused on preventing domestic violence (KDRT), which were carried out in Sidokumpul Village, Guntur District, Demak Regency. This activity aims to increase residents' understanding and legal awareness regarding rights and obligations within the family, as well as providing knowledge about legal procedures that can be taken in the event of domestic violence. The implementation method of the activity included interactive presentations that combined theory with case examples, group discussions to explore problems faced by residents, and the collection and analysis of supporting data regarding the level of legal understanding before and after the activity. This approach allows participants to be actively involved and gain insights relevant to their conditions. The results of the activity show a significant increase in community understanding regarding domestic violence. In addition, an initiative emerged from residents to form a "Legally Aware Family" group as a forum for education and advocacy at the village level. This demonstrates that legal counseling can foster critical awareness and encourage active community participation in preventing domestic violence. This article recommends the need for ongoing, regular legal counseling programs to foster a more legally aware community capable of protecting its rights and creating a harmonious family environment free from violence.

This study aimed to examine violence against women and the significance of its prevention in realizing moral and gender-civilized behavior. The phenomenon of exploitation and violence against women is a sign that the social system is patterned in the form of gender inequality. This pattern has been observed to be rooted in patriarchal cultural doctrines and religious understanding in the form of gender-biased theology. Based on the stated theology, spaces where women carry out activities become vulnerable to unfriendly treatment, harassment of dignity and status, as well as feudalistic treatment from men. The outlined incidents have been found to often occur in educational and social environments. The issue becomes even more distressing when violence against women occurs in educational environments with a strong and established religious basis. Education is a fundamental aspect in situations where women's existence is constantly made the object of violence. Therefore, the aspect needs to be implemented with an effective strengthening strategy that emphasizes the transfer of gender-based civility values. The main objective of this study is to raise awareness of the importance of (1) equality and respect for gender differences, (2) building critical awareness of gender injustice that still occurs systematically, (3) creating a civilized educational environment ecosystem, as well as (4) eroding patriarchal cultural perspective and gender-biased religious belief theology. Within the environment of this form of educational system, students become invariably motivated to act as agents of social change who can reject all forms of violence and discrimination against women. In order to achieve the stated objectives, a library study method was adopted by reviewing various relevant literature and theories to examine the concept of gender-based civility education as a strategic alternative to prevent violence against women. By instilling civility values from gender perspective, education is expected to be able to create a more unbiased, equal, inclusive, and civilized society.

Art has long been a powerful agent for social change, serving as a mirror to society and a medium for collective resistance, empowerment, and transformation. This paper examines how various forms of art—visual arts, performing arts, literature, film, and digital media have historically and contemporarily functioned as platforms for advocacy, identity formation, and systemic critique. It traces the legacy of political art from figures like Diego Rivera to grassroots mural movements and participatory installations. The study highlights how artists increasingly collaborate with marginalized communities, using social practice methodologies to democratize artistic production and amplify underrepresented voices. It further investigates the role of art in policy discourse, education, and public consciousness, especially regarding disability, racial justice, migration, and mental health. By analyzing case studies such as the For Freedoms project, the Post Secret initiative, and digital activism in protest culture, this paper critically evaluates the efficacy and ethics of art-led interventions. The challenges faced by activist artists—including co-option, sustainability, and impact assessment are discussed to underline the complex interplay between creativity and social responsibility. Ultimately, the study reaffirms art’s capacity to not only reflect but also shape societal realities and encourages a reevaluation of art’s role in contemporary civic life. Keywords: Art and activism, social practice art, community-based art, cultural resistance, participatory art, protest culture.

The character crisis among the youth demands the development of a holistic Islamic education model that not only focuses on cognitive aspects but also balances the integration of affective and psychomotor dimensions. The main objective of this study is to explore a holistic tahfidz education model that integrates Islamic character formation. This research employs a qualitative descriptive method, incorporating a literature study approach to empirical scientific publications, supplemented by bibliometric analysis using VOSviewer to map networks of keywords, author collaborations, and citations within the literature corpus under review. The findings from this research indicate that tahfidz pesantren has strengths in shaping Qur'anic personalities through a combination of memorizing the Qur'an, internalizing spiritual values, habituating moral behavior, and the exemplary role of teachers. Excessive emphasis on memorization targets in some tahfidz programs using mechanical repetition methods can reduce space for deep understanding, thus risking the production of hafidz with minimal contextual understanding of the Qur’an and internalization of substantial values. Referring to the results obtained from the data analysis, a reorientation of the tahfidz curriculum is needed that emphasizes the integration of memorization, contemplation, character education, and moral-based evaluation. By integrating the practice of contemplation, moral education, and social involvement based on the Qur'an into the curriculum, the Tahfidz Islamic Boarding School is believed to be able to form a generation that excels academically, spiritually, and socially, and is ready to become agents of social change in modern society.

The longest conflict in Peru’s republican history took place between 1980 and 2000. It reported the highest costs for its citizens due to murders, extra-judicial detentions, enforced disappearances, tortures, massacres, and massive violence. In this contribution, we focus on the role of recognition in mobilising justice by a group of women whose family members were victims of enforced disappearances during this conflict. These women raised collective initiatives to cope with State crimes. Their demands included the recognition of the enforced disappearances of their loved ones, the acknowledgement of their status as victims, and their utmost demand to find and bury the disappeared, as well as to ensure accountability of perpetrators. Drawing on focus groups, participant observations and in-depth interviews, we analyse the trajectories of victims in their search for recognition to access justice in a post-conflict society. Findings indicate three dynamics through which family members claim recognition: (1) inscribing the missing family member in the family’s everyday dynamic as a kind of intra-family recognition of their loss; (2) setting-up of community organisation and the launch of collective platforms to denounce collectively and provide mutual recognition to each other; (3) a further intensifying of group activities to be acknowledged as agents of social change and to advocate for societal recognition. This contribution proposes a victim-centred lens that locates women’ trajectories as a reaction to their victimisation and aims to shed light on the possibilities that victims open to advance in their healing process in post-conflict societies.

The topic was selected due to the limited access rural youth have to non-formal education and the underdeveloped culture of literacy, particularly in Dusun Prijek Lor. This condition poses a significant barrier to the development of young people’s potential as agents of social change within their communities. To overcome this challenge, there is a need for an innovative, community-based alternative education model that simultaneously enhances literacy skills and empowers youth. Leveraging the role of Taman Baca Wong Takon as a non-formal learning center presents a strategic opportunity to establish an inclusive, creative, and participatory educational environment through literacy workshops. This program optimizes Taman Baca Wong Takon’s function as a community-oriented learning space that nurtures creativity and social awareness. The methodology employed includes problem identification via field observations and interviews with youth and reading park administrators, followed by the collaborative design of programs with local stakeholders. This participatory approach seeks to maximize active engagement from youth while fostering a strong sense of ownership over the initiatives. The outcomes of this community service demonstrate a marked increase in youth enthusiasm and participation in literacy activities in Dusun Prijek Lor. The literacy workshops effectively enhanced participants’ reading proficiency, critical thinking skills, and social consciousness. Moreover, the program has encouraged the emergence of collaborative spirit and proactive youth involvement in managing and utilizing Taman Baca Wong Takon as a vibrant and sustainable community learning hub.

Civic and community engagement activities are a necessity in International Non-governmental Organization [INGO] place-based community development efforts. Although civic and community engagement remains needed, more empirical evidence is required to assess the impact of INGOs initiatives on beneficiaries’ civic and community engagement. This exploratory qualitative study examines the impact of Heifer’s Values-Based Holistic Community Development initiatives on participants’ civic and community engagement. Data included semi-structured, in-depth interviews with (n = 102) participants in Central and Northern Uganda, across four time periods of participation: baseline, 6–12 months, 24–36 months, and over 48 months. The interview data were coded and analyzed thematically. We found that participants (a) improved their degree of community and civic engagement, (b) became more active in community development efforts, and (c), over time, saw themselves as agents of social change. The study recommends that INGOs delivering services in constrained contexts should focus on initiatives that facilitate relationship-building among residents and provide support that helps residents realize the positive impact that they can have on their communities. Future research should employ quantitative methods, such as surveys and factor analysis, to examine the impact of VBHCD on various dimensions of civic and community engagement, assessing changes across participants, groups, and timeframes.

The role of public relations in the digital era and the age of information disclosure is increasingly important and strategic, especially in forming a positive image, strengthening relationships with various parties, and encouraging community empowerment, both within the organization and outside the organization. This research aims to explore how Onschool Indonesia carries out internal and external public relations officer activities in the context of organizational and community empowerment. This research uses a qualitative approach with a case study research design, data collection techniques are carried out through interviews and direct observation methods in the field, and data analysis techniques use three main stages, namely filtering relevant data (reduction), systematic data preparation (display), and drawing conclusions based on the findings that have been analyzed. The results of the study show that Public Relations Onschool Indonesia carries out internal activities to strengthen communication and volunteer engagement, as well as external activities that focus on digital literacy, media training, and strategic partnerships to build a positive image of the organization. The suggestion from this study is that the internal and external public relations barriers of Onschool Indonesia can be overcome through strengthening volunteer management, the use of digital technology, community-based educational approaches, and adaptive and regulatory compliance strategic partnerships. Keywords: Public Relations; Internal; External; Agent of Social Change; Community Empowerment

Abstract In order to be able to make responsible decisions in their societal and economic roles as consumers, employees, entrepreneurs and, above all, as social change agents within a sustainable development, it is crucial to address not only (economic) knowledge but also the attitudes, beliefs and values that are acquired by students. As part of a holistic competence development in the frame of an education for sustainable development (ESD), these facets must be measured and discussed to describe the status quo as well as curricular or instructional objectives that need to be met. The paper proposes two scales for measuring self-efficacy and examines the level of self-efficacy students perceive for economic and sustainability-related situations. The two scales measure two different constructs, with each of them containing reliable items. The findings show that both types of self-efficacy are fairly high on average, with the economic self-efficacy being slightly higher. Significant differences between groups can be found depending on their demographics and the situation. It stands out that for all economic situations, boys feel significantly more self-efficacious than girls, while an immigration history does not seem to make a difference. For sustainability-related self-efficacy, the socio-economic status seems to matter more than for economic self-efficacy.

This study examines the contradiction between the role of university students as role models in defending freedom of expression and the reality of Indonesia’s higher education system, which remains entrenched in hierarchical structures and a culture of conformity. Using a qualitative research method through literature review and descriptive analysis, this study reveals how Indonesian students face a dilemma: on one hand, they are expected to be agents of social change; on the other, they must operate within a system that restricts their freedom of expression. The findings indicate that this contradiction creates structural tensions that weaken the effectiveness of students as role models for freedom of expression. This study recommends the need for reforms toward a more democratic and participatory higher education system to support the role of students as agents of social change. Background: Historically, university students have played a crucial role as agents of social and political change in Indonesia. From the independence movement to the Reformasi era in 1998, students have consistently been at the forefront of advocating for various social issues, including the right to freedom of expression. This role has positioned them as role models within society in promoting democratic values and human rights. However, the current reality within Indonesian higher education institutions reveals a fundamental contradiction. The system, which still upholds hierarchical authority and emphasizes conformity, often restricts students’ space for expression. The top-down academic structure, strong seniority culture, and institutional control mechanisms create a paradoxical environment for students who are expected to be champions of freedom of expression. Objective: To examine the contradiction between the role of university students as role model s in advocating for freedom of expression and the hierarchical and conformist structure of Indonesia’s higher education system. Methods: This research employs a qualitative method by integrating a conceptual approach, a statute-based (legal) approach, and a case-based approach. Results: Normatively, students are positioned as agents of change and role models in upholding freedom of expression—in their thoughts, attitudes, and actions. However, in practice, Indonesia’s higher education system, dominated by hierarchical values and a culture of conformity, becomes a structural barrier that limits such freedom. This contradiction leads to a range of multidimensional impacts. Conclusion: The contradiction between the ideal role of students as role models of freedom of expression and the hierarchical nature of the higher education system has generated psychological, social, and intellectual consequences that hinder the development of their critical thinking. Therefore, structural and cultural reforms within university environments are essential to creating an inclusive, democratic, and dialogic academic space.

Citizen science enables the democratisation of knowledge and citizen collaboration in solving the global challenges we face as humanity. The participation of young people in this type of project strengthens their civic engagement and critical thinking, offering them the opportunity to become active agents of social change. In this article we present the theoretical framework and research methodology of a coordinated project of the National Research Plan that aims to promote the approach of education for global citizenship (GCE) through the involvement of young people in processes of enquiry that allow them to connect the local with the global. We aim to create scenarios where knowledge is generated from more horizontal, dialogical and shared logics, where young people can share their concerns, but also propose real actions and solutions. To this end, the YARGI (Young People as Researchers of Global Issues) methodological process has been designed based on a ten-stage method inspired by the movement of students as researchers. This research is particularly relevant in a field which has been criticised for a lack of research on how young people deal with global issues and what concerns them and moves them to action.

Education plays a vital role in human life, not only as a means of developing personality and intellect, but also as a significant agent of social change. This study aims to examine the concept of education and its relationship to socio-cultural change in modern society . The method used is a literature review with a descriptive qualitative approach, drawing from various scientific references and official documents. The results show that education—formal, non-formal, and informal—contributes to shaping individuals' character and critical thinking, enabling them to cope with the rapid social and cultural changes brought about by globalization and technological advancement. Education is also proven to reduce social inequality and improve economic mobility within communities. However, modernization also brings negative impacts such as consumerism, secularism, and an increase in deviant behavior. These findings reinforce the view that education should be directed toward creating a society that is adaptive, critical, and balanced between material progress and cultural values. In conclusion, holistic and contextual education is the key to facing sustainable and equitable socio-cultural change. ABSTRAKPendidikan memiliki peran vital dalam kehidupan manusia, tidak hanya sebagai sarana pengembangan kepribadian dan intelektual, tetapi juga sebagai agen perubahan sosial yang signifikan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji konsep pendidikan dan keterkaitannya dengan perubahan sosial budaya dalam masyarakat modern. Metode yang digunakan adalah studi pustaka dengan pendekatan kualitatif deskriptif yang bersumber dari berbagai referensi ilmiah dan dokumen resmi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pendidikan, baik formal, nonformal, maupun informal, berkontribusi dalam membentuk karakter dan daya pikir individu sehingga mampu menghadapi perubahan sosial dan budaya yang cepat akibat globalisasi dan kemajuan teknologi. Pendidikan juga terbukti dapat mengurangi kesenjangan sosial dan meningkatkan mobilitas ekonomi masyarakat. Namun, modernisasi juga membawa dampak negatif seperti konsumerisme, sekularisme, dan meningkatnya perilaku menyimpang. Temuan ini memperkuat pandangan bahwa pendidikan harus diarahkan untuk menciptakan masyarakat yang adaptif, kritis, dan seimbang antara kemajuan material dan nilai-nilai budaya. Kesimpulannya, pendidikan yang holistik dan kontekstual merupakan kunci utama dalam menyongsong perubahan sosial budaya yang berkelanjutan dan berkeadilan.

This article examines how small business owners in gentrifying working-class Mexican-majority barrios (neighborhoods) in Southern California engage in occupational activism, using their businesses as platforms to benefit others outside of their workplace. Through interviews and field research, we address the following: What types of occupational activism occur among business owners in Latinx barrios ? And how do business owners navigate the dilemmas and challenges posed by participating in Latinx-led gentrification as financial activism in the barrio ? By examining how business owners creatively enact their work roles to promote or resist social change amidst threats of cultural erasure via white-led gentrification, we highlight their workplace dilemma of balancing economic interest, cultural empowerment, and representation. Business owners leverage their workplace roles for community resilience and cultural solidarity, reframing business ownership in the barrio as a form of occupational activism rooted in resistance. As occupational activists, business owners incorporate cultural symbols, ethnic pride, and political messaging into their products and services to preserve cultural identity in the barrio . Our findings contribute to the growing body of knowledge on occupational activism by highlighting small business owners as key actors in the communities where they work, strengthening cultural ties, and serving as agents of social change in vulnerable communities facing gentrification.

Effective monitoring, evaluation and learning in sport-for-development programmes requires an understanding of the contributing factors that are associated with impactful outcomes. Cause champions are social change agents who act as cultural experts and role models within communities. They play a crucial role in sport-for-development programmes. Despite their profound impact, our understanding of the managerial support mechanisms that serve as necessary conditions for cause champions to operate successfully and thrive within sport-for-development programmes remains limited. This study investigated the essential support mechanisms for cause champions, examine how these interact, and suggest ways to monitor them to enhance the effectiveness of a programme through a resource-based lens. This research is a case-study analysis of a SFD organisation from Singapore. Using semi-structured interviews were conducted with staff members (n = 7), coaches (n =3) and cause champions (n = 8). The data were examined using thematic analysis, which is in line with the resource-based view that observes critical resources and their interactions in relation to the effectiveness and sustainability of organisations. We have identified various critical support mechanisms that enable cause champions to thrive. This includes the investment and efforts of staff and boundary-spanning coaches, and social behaviours that foster a culture of care. This interconnected nature of support mechanisms highlights the importance for strategic alignment and targeted support to enhance the impacts of SFD initiatives. These findings provide insights for designing, managing and evaluating SFD programmes more effectively, both in Singapore and other contexts.

Across the globe, a significant number of immigrants frequently encounter discrimination and social exclusion in their host nations, prompting discussions regarding policies and societal attitudes toward these groups. This study is guided by the structural social work framework which provides a very important structure to understand the experiences of Black African immigrants in Australia. Drawing on the case of Black African immigrants in Australia, this study investigates the effects of discrimination and social exclusion on their wellbeing. This research builds upon existing literature concerning the discrimination and social exclusion of immigrants, incorporating the perspectives of 27 social workers and immigrants who have resided in Australia for at least of 2 years. We conducted semi-structured interviews with eight social workers and 19 Black African immigrants purposefully selected from Brisbane, Townsville, Melbourne, and Sydney. These interviews were conducted both face-to-face and online via Zoom, Teams, and WhatsApp calls. We audio-recorded and transcribed the interviews, employing a thematic analysis approach with the assistance of NVivo software to analyze the data. Our findings reveal that Black African immigrants often experience discrimination, primarily manifested through their perceptions of exclusion and discrimination in job recruitment, social environments, and social contexts. Participants emphasized that discrimination in its various forms affects their wellbeing. Our findings contribute to the scholarship on wellbeing. We argue that interventions aimed at enhancing the wellbeing of Black African immigrants should address discriminatory and exclusionary systems, advocate for policy reform, and re-emphasize the role of practitioners as agents of social activism and change.

This study examines the transformative role of urban structures in Gulf cities as agents of social change, aiming to understand how globalization and oil-driven urbanization have shaped their socio-cultural dynamics and built environments. Using Appadurai’s theoretical framework of “scapes,” the research explores key aspects such as architectural evolution, governance, and the integration of tradition and modernity. Methodologically, it employs a comparative analysis of Gulf cities, utilizing urban planning documents, historical analysis, and socio-spatial theories to investigate the reciprocal relationship between physical urban forms and social processes. The results highlight challenges such as socio-economic disparities, cultural negotiation, and environmental sustainability, while showcasing the diverse urban trajectories of Gulf cities shaped by global and local influences. The study concludes that Gulf cities exemplify the complexities of modern urbanization, contributing to the field by providing insights into the dynamic interplay of global forces and local identities in urban development.

This study aims to critically examine the actualization of Al-Ma’un theology in the organizational governance of Muhammadiyah in Lamongan Regency, particularly in its role as a civil society actor in promoting community welfare. Employing a qualitative approach within an interpretive paradigm, the research focuses on how the core values of Al-Ma’un—such as compassion for the poor, orphans, and marginalized groups—are internalized and implemented through Muhammadiyah’s local-level institutional policies, programs, and practices. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and document analysis of Muhammadiyah’s philanthropic ventures in education, health, social services, and economic empowerment. The findings reveal that Muhammadiyah in Lamongan has successfully grounded Al-Ma’un theology in its governance system, characterized by accountability, transparency, participation, and a strong orientation toward community empowerment. Al-Ma’un theology functions not only as a spiritual foundation but also as a praxis-oriented paradigm that drives social transformation and inclusive development rooted in Islamic values. The study affirms that modernist Islamic movements like Muhammadiyah can serve as effective agents of social change by integrating theological principles into institutional frameworks and public service delivery. Moreover, the research proposes a governance model based on Al-Ma’un theology that can be replicated to enhance the role of civil society in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study contributes conceptually to the discourse on public administration grounded in Islamic ethics and values.