Ten Stages of Change

Approach to Change

Ten Stages of Change is a dynamic multimedia project and series designed for teaching and learning about genocide. The focus is on the non-linear, complex process that leads to atrocity. In a series of case studies, readers and listeners explore stories that align with Gregory Stanton’s ‘Ten Stages of Genocide’ framework. They are immersed in compelling narratives from eyewitnesses and victims as well as bystanders and even rescuers.

Each story is enriched by archival documents and historical materials. Educators can leverage these resources to ignite engaging classroom discussions about difficult topics, and teacher guides are provided for those who doubt their ability to teach emotionally challenging topics. Access lesson plans, discussion guides, and audio and print resources to help educators and learners reflect, discuss, and take steps to change the narrative of genocide from inaction and passivity to actionable prevention and hope.

START HERE.

How it works

1

Follow the stages.

Each post unpacks a stage of genocide with rigor and raw humanity. Through a combination of literary nonfiction and scholarly insight, it presents sensitive and, at times, heart-wrenching accounts of how each stage has unfolded historically in cases of genocide and mass atrocity.

2

Listen to the stories.

In addition to reading the articles, listen to the audio versions of each story for high-quality, emotional, and powerful retellings of each article and its corresponding stage. Before immersing in the audio, a brief historical note will anchor you in the specific event you are about to experience. These retellings are integrated with excerpts from authentic, unedited speeches, transcripts, testimony, and unnerving sounds, create an absorbing experience that moves beyond the page.

3

Teach the material.

In addition to each blog post, its corresponding audio, its artifacts, references, and list of action steps, educators may download (some free, some purchased) detailed, thoughtful lesson plans for any one stage or even part of a stage to teach with the case study’s article serving as an anchor text, combined with critical thinking and interdisciplinary, inquiry-based learning developed in accordance with the highest standards of Holocaust and genocide education.

The goal is to equip educators with the tools to foster essential understandings, such as the importance of recognizing early warning signs of genocide and the role individuals play in prevention.

Educators are guided by essential questions such as:

‘What responsibilities do we hold as global citizens in preventing atrocities?’
‘How does understanding past genocides inform our present actions?’
‘How do symbols reflect the identity, struggles, and aspirations of societies?

4

Take action.

Each post, despite being at times heavy and devastating, ends with, and is interspersed with, an overall message of promise. This culminates at the finale of each episode, with specific, actionable, and practical steps that anyone can take immediately to actively resist the influence of each stage on their community, their own mindset, and ultimately on the world. To strengthen the connection between personal agency and collective memory, you are invited to link each recommended action with a specific testimony or local story that resonates with you. Such linking reinforces the truth that prevention resides in both memory and present-day choices.

“Genocide is a process that develops in ten stages that are predictable but not inexorable. At each stage, preventive measures can stop it. The process is not linear. Stages occur simultaneously. Each stage is itself a process. “

— Gregory Stanton, Ten Stages of Genocide

Case Studies

Preventing genocide starts with understanding what it is and recognizing the historical patterns that lead up to it. Genocide is a non-linear process but with predictable patterns that can serve as a critical tool in awareness, education, and prevention.

Genocide is the deliberate destruction of a group, though the full definition is both crucial and complex, outlined in the introductory lesson to genocide. This shared understanding helps educators and students explore ways to prevent such atrocities.

The series here features articles that blend personal narratives with history, documents, and practical steps for genocide prevention. Each of the Ten Stages of Change shows the progression from warning signs to recovery, using real stories to make the content impactful.