Amanda Litman On How Real Change Happens Designing Tomorrow: Creative Strategies For Social Impact podcast

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Amanda Litman on How Real Change Happens

2d ago 28:34

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What if real change doesn't begin with institutions, campaigns, or capital — but with the people we invite into our lives?

In this episode, Eric sits down with Amanda Litman, co-founder of Run for Something and author of When We’re In Charge, to explore how small, human-scale actions can spark transformational impact — from politics to parenting to how we rebuild our social lives post-pandemic.

Amanda has helped 225,000+ people raise their hands to run for office — and she’s just getting started. In this candid conversation, she breaks down how we show up, lead, connect, and fundraise in ways that build community rather than extract from it.

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] What if real change starts with people — not policy, profit, or programs?
[02:49] Amanda’s three-pronged theory of social change: electoral power, workplace culture, and human relationships
[04:25] The power of “casual hosting” to rebuild adult friendships and community
[07:11] Why digital connection often feels empty — and what we can do about it
[09:12] Designing invitations people can say “yes” to — both in life and in leadership
[11:58] Fundraising is broken. Here's how we fix it without losing integrity
[14:48] “Don’t treat your supporters like crap.” Amanda on the ethics of political messaging
[18:48] How millennials are redefining leadership in the workplace
[21:29] Why personality — not brand — is key to breaking through on new media
[24:18] What keeps Amanda going when everything feels impossible
[26:21] The origin story of Run for Something and what’s coming next

Notable Quotes:

“If work sucks less, people can be better parents, partners, and citizens.” — Amanda Litman [03:20]
“Don’t treat your supporters like crap. If you’ve told them the sky is falling for ten years — what now that it’s actually falling?” — Amanda Litman [16:05]
“I only drink the poison I have the antidote for.” — Amanda Litman [25:06]
“Organizations can’t really tell a story. A person can.” — Amanda Litman [22:43]
“We make it easy to say yes — whether it's dinner or running for office.” — Amanda Litman [09:12]

P.S. — Struggling to align your message with your mission? We help social impact leaders like you build trust-building brands through authentic storytelling, thoughtful design, and digital strategy that works. Let’s talk about your goals »

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Thank you for all that you do for your cause and for being part of the movement to move humanity and the planet forward.

Chapters

1. Three Paths to Social Change (00:00:00)

2. People-Powered Movements with Amanda Lippman (00:04:05)

3. Rebuilding Real Connection in Digital Culture (00:08:40)

4. Fundraising Without Burning Bridges (00:12:00)

5. Millennial Leadership and Work Culture Shifts (00:18:04)

6. Finding Hope and Building for the Future (00:23:20)

59 episodes

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