Targets of change and agents of change are closely connected, although they describe different roles in a community change effort.
Targets of change are the people, groups, organizations, policies, practices, or conditions in which change is sought in order to achieve a community’s desired outcomes. The Community Tool Box discusses identifying targets of change as part of developing a framework or model of change.
Agents of change are the individuals, groups, organizations, or coalitions that help bring about those changes. They may engage others, advocate for changes in policies or practices, mobilize resources, implement strategies, or take other actions to improve community conditions. The Community Tool Box offers additional guidance on encouraging involvement in community work.
Importantly, targets of change should not be viewed only as people or groups to be acted upon. A participatory approach involves people who are most affected by an issue as agents of change themselves, with meaningful opportunities to help identify priorities, shape strategies, make decisions, and take action. Their lived experience and knowledge can help ensure that community change efforts are relevant, equitable, and responsive to local needs.
For example, residents experiencing barriers to healthy food access might be considered a target of change if an initiative seeks to support changes in knowledge or behaviors. At the same time, those residents can and should be agents of change by helping identify barriers, determine priorities, design solutions, advocate for changes, and evaluate whether those changes are working.
So, while “target of change” and “agent of change” describe different functions, the roles often overlap, and effective community change efforts intentionally create opportunities for those most affected by an issue to participate as partners and leaders in creating change.
