Blueprint for Social Change: Shaping an Impact-Based Strategy - Case Study 2002 – 2020

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on the ground, roll up their sleeves and take action to achieve results in keeping with a responsible, clear, open public and social agenda.

Advocacy and Social Change In retrospect, we realize that we could not have brought about significant change without intensive activity on the axis of awareness. Structural barriers resulting from erroneous social paradigms and stereotypes create obstructive patterns of thinking among decision-makers, leaders, the public and beneficiaries which, on the macro level, affect the ability to create change. In our efforts for the inclusion of people with disabilities in society, we recognize that while it is extremely important to meet beneficiaries’ needs by tailoring solutions accordingly, without a change in awareness in society with an emphasis on eliminating both invisible and overt stigmas, the problem will not be uprooted, and substantive changes cannot take place. This awareness creates the reality; without a profound change in awareness, the reality will not change. We are now finding that a combination of traditional and social media is highly effective, both as a driver of change in public discourse and as a catalyst for addressing needs’ responses and devising relevant solutions. Because decision-makers attribute great importance to media reports, the more we put our stamp on the public agenda, the better able we will be to exert an influence and create the desired change. Focus When we began this journey, we had to decide how we wanted to engage in this work. Should we spread our efforts far and wide, with limited involvement in a broad range of issues, or would it be better to set clear, rigid boundaries for our activity? Because we hoped to effect change and exert a substantial influence, we understood that we had to adopt result-oriented methods. We chose to focus on the inclusion of people with disabilities as the Foundation’s core area and we worked according to clear, transparent, predetermined principles. This focus strengthened the effectiveness of our investment and helped us and the various organizations to work strategically, striving to maximize the return on our investment (ROI). In the course of the focused work process, we gained expertise and experience, and we succeeded in influencing the social field, forming strategic partnerships and maximizing our ability to create effective solutions. Courage and Determination A philanthropy that seeks to operate in an activist manner needs faith, professionalism and the ability to motivate and lead. It must also be faithful to its values and stick to the task at hand. Most of all, to achieve a significant breakthrough, it needs courage and determination. We see ourselves as entrepreneurs, creators of innovative solutions and