I think I understand what a solutionary is, but what’s the definition?
- A solutionary is someone who identifies inhumane, unsustainable, and unjust systems and then develops solutions to transform them so that they are restorative, healthy, and equitable for people, animals, and the environment.
- A solutionary brings critical, systems, strategic, and creative thinking to bear on pressing and entrenched challenges in an effort to create positive changes that don’t have unintended negative consequences on anyone, human or nonhuman.
- A solutionary strives to make personal choices and support systems that do the most good and least harm for all life.
What’s the difference between a solutionary and a humanitarian?
Humanitarians – those people who seek to alleviate suffering and directly help others, whether human or nonhuman – serve a crucial function in a world where there is an acute and immediate need. Solutionaries often do humanitarian acts, but their focus is always on changing the systems that contribute to, or cause, the problems in the first place. Solutionaries focus on solving problems so that they cease to exist.
How can I become a Solutionary?
To be a solutionary, you first need to bring a solutionary lens to problems and to learn to think like a solutionary. Watch this video to understand what this means:
Next you need to practice using a solutionary process. You can find an outline of this process here.
Ready to get started?
- Download your free guidebook, How to Be a Solutionary and follow the steps to identify and solve problems you care about.
- Learn about a range of global issues by visiting our Pinterest Boards.
- Share your solutionary work by submitting a short video for our Solutionary YouTube Channel. We’ll be curating this channel and posting the most solutionary ideas and supporting solutions with awards to continue the work!
Consider the three questions that will guide you on your solutionary path by watching this 11-minute TEDx.
