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Impact: A Step-by-Step Plan to Create the World You Want to Live In

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The co-founders of She's the First show readers how to devise a long-term, sustainable plan to make real and lasting change in the world.
The dream of creating real meaningful change in the world lives within so many people, but there's no roadmap for how to do it, or how to do it well.


In Impact, two Impact Advisors (the only ones out there!) who have built a large nonprofit from the ground-up show how anyone, anywhere can make reasonable adjustments to their lives to support the world they want to see, and live lives they'll be proud of fifty years from now. This books teaches you how to:


Identify the issue(s) that light you up and motivate you toward change ("Finding your North Star")
Learn whether your activism is too scattered ("Issue Snacking vs. Issue Burnout")
Identify what you have to offer and match it to where there is need ("Building your Purpose Resume")
Decide where to put your energy and resources and learn how to stick with it ("Craft your Long-term Impact Plan")
Be sure your small actions are working, and not inadvertently hurting the cause ("Beware of Hype" and "Don't Hold Out for a Hero")

Whether it means changing careers, ramping up volunteer service, or putting dollars to work more effectively, Impact is going to walk you through the everyday steps you must take to lead to transformative change.

225 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 17, 2020

34 people are currently reading
1962 people want to read

About the author

Christen Brandt

2 books9 followers

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5 stars
54 (56%)
4 stars
29 (30%)
3 stars
9 (9%)
2 stars
1 (1%)
1 star
2 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
31 reviews
January 18, 2021
"I want to make a difference!" How often have you heard someone say that? Or said it yourself? And often our intentions are pure. We do want to make a difference. But there is a huge gap between "want" and "will". And much of that gap is "how".

Impact is a guide to building a roadmap for that "how". It is not a book that you just read. It is a book that you work with to get clarity on the impact you want to make; and start to see all the ways how you can do that. Big and small. Some are right in front of you and you just don't see them. Others you will uncover and/or create through processes outlined in this book.

The world needs more changemakers. This book can help good hearted people make real tangible impact in the world. And we need that now, more than ever.
9 reviews
October 20, 2020
This is such a great read for any budding changemaker who wants to make a difference but has no idea where to start -- it's full of tangible, actionable steps with anecdotes and rallying cries throughout. And just because it's digestible and practical doesn't mean that you can't dream big and the authors will show you that firsthand. As someone who's spent a decade in the social impact space, this is the kind of read I want to give to mentees, younger friends/students, and anyone who asks me "how can I make a difference?"
1 review3 followers
May 14, 2021
Impact has been such an important resource for me this past year as I have been building a next gen philanthropist community. The step by step approach, the anecdotes, and insights are a wonderful resource - well done, this book will be a powerful and important resource for SO many.
3 reviews
March 28, 2021
“It’s easy to feel helpless when faced with the world’s biggest challenges, and yet many of us yearn to be part of the solution. When you feel that pull, where do you start? How can you ensure that your good intentions create a positive impact?”

I’ve talked with many friends who have struggled as a young professional to feel engaged with the social impact work they felt so connected to in college, or to use their time and skills to make a difference for the causes they care about. And even as someone who spends their 9-5 in nonprofit spaces, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unfocused in the impact you’re trying to have in the world.

As founders of girls’ rights organization She’s the First, Brandt and Tibbetts share their expertise to help readers turn good intentions into meaningful impact. From clarifying your impact vision based on your experiences and values, to learning how to approach it in an ethical and sustainable way, to building a network of people who keep you motivated and inspired, I found the exercises in this book incredibly helpful and actionable. Even more so, though, I found immense value in the discussions of everything from bias, growth mindset and call-out culture to separating intent from impact. These lessons and perspectives are important for anyone involved in changemaking, social impact, or nonprofit work to read.

I recommend Impact to anyone — especially young professionals or students — who has ambitions to make a difference but wants direction, clarity and focus. I know I’ll revisit these chapters as I navigate my own goals and work toward my North Star.
1 review
January 15, 2021
I don't normally read books of this type: self-improvement books, books that tell us how to match our passion with our purpose, etc. But I was very pleasantly surprised by this one. It was very accessible, clearly-organized, and not at all "preachy." It met me where I am, without judgment and with tons of real-life suggestions as to how to think about my personal impact. There are simple exercises throughout - and worksheets in the end - that help open up new ideas. I've been recommending this to my whole network, as I think anyone who reads it will come away with something new to consider. As Mary Oliver so beautifully said, "Tell me what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?" This book can help you answer that.
Profile Image for Lauren Savage.
Author 1 book3 followers
December 31, 2020
For someone that has been at the very start of wanting to be a change-maker to now having worked in social impact for years, this is a must-read for anyone no matter where they are in their journey of making the world a better place. The authors offer a great balance between inspiration and tangibles, examples and tactics. Plus, their personal anecdotes make it highly relatable. I felt my brain both exploding with ideas and formatting them while I read thanks to this book. Especially with this year, I am even more motivated to keep going!
1 review
January 1, 2021
The perfect guide to figuring out where and to direct your passion and (even limited) resources, especially when there’s so much you care about but don’t know where to start. I loved reading the real life stories from the authors’ 11+ years of experience. They are honest about their mistakes along the way, so the reader can learn from them. And stories from around the world of people who have made a big difference to their cause against many odds. Practical and inspiring!
Profile Image for Gaby Deimeke.
31 reviews
December 31, 2020
I loved this book so much. It got me excited for the new year and ready to dive into my North Star and making an impact! Highly recommend!!
1 review3 followers
December 19, 2020
Whether you have been volunteering for years or just beginning your journey of becoming a changemaker, Impact is the book you need. It provides you with actionable steps to build your plan and engage other changemakers in your mission. If you've already been taking steps for the causes that matter to you, Impact will reinvigorate you with new ideas on how to continue making a difference.

Purchase this book for family members and friends with the passion, but unsure of where to get started. It's the perfect book for those making resolutions and keeping up with those resolutions all year long.
Profile Image for Lindsay.
649 reviews67 followers
March 6, 2021
A really wonderful and conscientious guide for those who want to make a difference in their communities and the world at large. I really appreciated that these two went into depths of the mistakes many have made trying to have an impact, particularly in white centering and saviorism. I listened on audible, but had to purchase a copy so that I can actually do the exercises.

[audible]
1 review
December 12, 2020
Sometimes you are at a loss as to how to go about making a better place in your community. This book is a practical guide that you can apply to make positive changes anywhere. Written in a style that is easy to read and the steps that are doable. This book will motivate you to take those first steps.
1 review1 follower
December 2, 2020
This book is filled with practical wisdom and inspiring examples of how people can make the world a better place. If you're looking for ways to change the world -- and to change yourself into the type of person who's capable of doing it -- start with this book. I'm still turning over passages in my head and I will be for years to come.
Profile Image for Julia.
388 reviews9 followers
December 1, 2020
We all want to make an impact; potentially even more today.

This book lets you know how you can in a very doable way. You’ll be inspired and ready to make change after you read it.

I was unable to put it down thanks to its conversational tone and readability.

Every reader on your holiday list needs a copy! (I bought some for not for profit leaders!)
1 review2 followers
October 20, 2020
If there ever was a book on how you can rise to the challenge of creating real change in the world, this is it!

Whether you're involved in community organizing, working to increase civic engagement, or just trying to find your place, Impact gives you the direction you need to discover your purpose, and the tools you need to engage for change, and sustain. I personally found myself taking breaks to ideate, double down on my "why" and and envision new possibilities for the change that I wanted to make. It truly sparked my mind and my heart, and I can see myself coming back to it over and over again throughout my activism journey. It is a must-read for anyone.
Profile Image for Justin Peters.
52 reviews3 followers
December 2, 2020
One of my favorite most recent reads. The book lays out an easy yet thorough plan for starting your journey of impact.
Profile Image for Hannah B.
1 review
July 19, 2021
This book is so inspiring! I got this book for my 15th birthday and was so excited to read it! It is written by the authors of one of my favorite organizations, She’s the First, and goes through the process of becoming a changemaker and making an impact. It also includes activities that go along with what you are reading which is super fun and helpful! The stories included really opened my eyes to what is truly effective when it comes to helping others and what makes a short-term vs long-term change. I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to anybody who wants to make an impact in the world around them!
Profile Image for Evan.
1 review
September 8, 2020
As someone who never quite knew how to consolidate my strengths and turn them into tangible tools for impact, this book helped me realize my full potential and inspired me to pursue a career in corporate social responsibility. The skills resume, finding your North Star, and engaging exercises were so helpful - thank you to the authors for their incredible work on this book and in the nonprofit world!
1,831 reviews21 followers
July 11, 2020
While I don't want to change the world, I enjoyed this. It contains a lot of helpful info to help readers focus and overcome, plus anticipate potential issues while making an impact. The authors are also doing good work. Seems like a good book for "doers" to add to their personal library.

I really appreciate the ARC for review!!
Profile Image for Michael Walters.
13 reviews1 follower
September 10, 2020
It's rare that you find a book that is so grounded in practical, implementable advice that can ALSO inspire you AND remain open enough that you can apply it to your own dreams. This book covers so much ground and is an essential read for anyone trying to work out how to navigate that idea of making their life have an impact they can be proud of. Essential.
1 review
October 26, 2020
A must read for all High School and College students. This book takes you step by step on creating the changes you wish to see in this world; it's easier than you think. One person's impact can initiate change, and you are never too young or too old to start.
14 reviews
February 4, 2022
Really good book to help you discover your "North Star", help you narrow your passion if you have a lot and having troubles focusing on the most important to you.

4 stars because it really lacks in diversity. Also when you are faced with comments of "you should" the authors do give a passive aggressive suggestion on how to respond which are not helpful, but I understand they would be annoyed at continually being given "helpful hints" on what they SHOULD focus on. Anyone one would be.

Overall I would recommend the book. I enjoyed it.
109 reviews
March 27, 2021
3.5 stars. This book was not what I expected it to be. While it contained many interesting concepts, like bandaid solutions versus systemic change and the last couple chapters were my favorites, I was hoping it would’ve been more of a relatable journey of how they started She’s The First with ideas on how to start a nonprofit for those of us exploring that path versus volunteering a few hours a month at an already established organization.
41 reviews
April 7, 2021
There are several hard questions and reality checks that are placed before the reader throughout this book. And the focus on doing something manageable and being held accountable rings loudly. But I'm a little dismayed by some of the more cotton-candy aspects of the book. Also, I left the book with very little understanding about how privilege could be accounted for both by them and by the reader. Some examples were given, but the practical advice was a bit lacking.
Profile Image for Kate.
15 reviews3 followers
February 21, 2023
Y’all. I’d already this book once, but I really needed to collect myself, re-read it, and make a 2023 Impact plan for 2023 Kate. And lucky for you, it’s now available in paperback—it’s ever-so-much easier to mark up, highlight, dog ear, and carry around as you contemplate how to integrate changemaking into your life!
14 reviews
August 14, 2024
It's a good book and tool to keep you on track with your non-profit goals. Can't say I agree 100% with all points made but overall I thought the book reiterates very good points and was worth my time. Would recommend to anyone needing some guidance!
Profile Image for Ietrio.
6,949 reviews24 followers
December 2, 2020
An immoral book on empowering the busybodies. Luckily for the rest of the Society, the advice is nothing that wasn't already discussed on YouTube.
Profile Image for Laurie.
248 reviews
October 29, 2021
This would be a good resource for a book club or workshop.
6 reviews
May 22, 2024
Beautiful, insightful book written by beautiful people. Strongly recommend
Profile Image for Mary Pauline M.
300 reviews8 followers
June 1, 2024
Very well done. Really enjoyed the first read thru, and plan to go back to do a second read where I will follow thru with the plan. Looking forward to seeing how this impacts my personal ministry.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews

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