Changemaker Data Theory of Change

We need a new kind of leader. We need to change the definition of who gets to be a “data person”—from someone who loves numbers and math more than anything else—to someone who is so moved by a cause that they are willing to collect and interrogate data for the purpose of affecting change. We need a new kind of truth-teller to ascend. We need people who can use data to change hearts and minds—we need a new kind of data leader.

I have a hopeful vision of the future—a vision of a world changed not by force but by inspiration. I hope to inspire and guide like-minded people to use their lived experience (which is personal and innate) in harmony with their technical skills (which can be learned) to answer the call on their lives and bring forth their vision.

How? We’ll start by following these core values:

• First, seek to serve.

• Zero-to-one is the most impactful change.

• Learning happens in a community of learners.

• Whatever is beautiful, whatever is honorable and true—look on these things.

• Always choose purpose over tool.

Many people think, incorrectly, that in order to work with data, you have to belong to this special group of very special people who have special access to special technology no one else can ever hope to understand. Or, at the very least, you have to be someone with a deep technical background and preferably a STEM degree. In reality, here are the only things that you really need to work with data:

1. Your own lived experience.

2. The ability to count and do basic arithmetic.

3. A reliable method for collecting, organizing, and interrogating data.

You probably already have the first two. How can someone obtain the third? I’m glad you asked. It turns out, we have classes for that: