Here at YES we talk a lot about growth and change whether that be in community, in the disability sector, youth sector or in the people who access our services. Change looks different for everyone; it can be about gaining independence, needing support and advocacy or on a larger scale it can be changing perspectives, breaking barriers and affecting policy makers. 

We are often asked, “What does change look like?” “How do we affect big change?” “Does what we say and do even make a difference?” 

The simple answer is YES. At YES we can track, acknowledge and celebrate the journey of change; YES what you say and do makes a difference, and YES there are pathways for bigger change.  

The more complicated answer is that change can be resistant, hard, timely and full of obstacles; without the right support change and growth can seem almost impossible. Motivation, commitment and passion is key on the journey of any change. Witnessing the growth, being part of the change or supporting and elevating others to do it is part of what we do here at YES, giving people the tools, space and platform to be change makers in their own lives as well as in community, government and policy makers.  

When thinking about how much change and growth we have witnessed I think the most powerful change happen while you aren’t watching. It happens in a room full of young people with similar ideas and different ways of thinking; it happens when voices are heard, it happens in the little successes and then again, in the failures and struggles, it happens behind the scenes.  It happens in one person, one community, one perception, one removed barrier, one difference.

Change is not a destination, but an ongoing journey.