Changents, Change Agents, Agents of Change. The idea of individuals - as opposed to institutions - taking the initiative and doing cool things to create change is catching on. While kicking around the Internet and taking in the many ways in which the burgeoning change movement is building momentum, I happened upon Agents of Change - a Canadian group dedicated to "creating awareness among young people, engaging them in the fight against global poverty and growing a powerful microcredit fund entirely managed by the youth building it."

Founded by 27-year-old former banker Shawn Smith, Agents of Change is focused on microlending as a mechanism for creating direct, visible impact. In partnership with Kiva (whose founders Matt & Jessica Flannery are featured on Changents) and Nau (one of Deron's and my hero socially-responsible companies), Agents of Change are gearing up for a second 2000 mile bike ride from Vancouver BC to Tijuana to raise big bucks for making loans!

Hear Shawn describe Agents of Change and their first ride on the Kiva Podcast (download the mp3; the audio stream is the wrong version). It’s a refreshing yet sobering reminder that being a Change Agent can *hurt* - from sore muscles to having their documentary film footage stolen in San Francisco - but is invariably worthwhile.

At the end of the day, creating change is about individuals deciding they can do something better than it's currently being done. Lots of times, there is an amazing story just below the surface that needs a big spotlight shined on it. Shawn Smith and Agents of Change is another standout reminder that Change Agents are everywhere. Our job at Changents is to help these innovators get their stories out to connect with members of the emerging generation that are taking change upon themselves. The privilege is ours.