A Model for Changing Your World for the Greater Good

Many, if not all, of you, are intimately familiar with the method we promote: the See-Judge-Act model. I often encounter those who have little experience in the model and want to learn more. I usually start by providing a PDF of the following: Feel free to copy and paste and use it if it helps you create awareness and engage in conversation.

Cardinal Joseph Cardijn is credited with developing the See-Judge-Act (SJA) method/model, a core principle in Catholic Social Teaching. Here’s how they are connected:

• Cardijn’s Innovation: Cardinal Cardijn, a Belgian priest who lived from 1882 to 1967, was a visionary who devised the See-Judge-Act method/model. His work was born at a time when the Industrial Revolution was at its peak, and companies were harshly exploiting their employees, treating them as nothing more than ‘slave labor. ‘ This historical context underscores the significance and relevance of his method even today. Components of the method/model have a long history found in the Greek philosophers and many Western philosophers.

• The Three Steps:  The method/model consists of three phases:

  • See: Observe and critically examine the social situation or reality around you. Understand the root cause and not just the symptoms that we first experience.

  • Judge: Analyze the situation through the lens of ethical values and principles (like justice, dignity, and solidarity). Analyzing the situation through the teachings in the gospels, the encyclicals, and writings and actions of women and men who understood what the Kingdom of Heaven was all about and how to work to bring it a reality. You can also call this phase a “discernment phase.”

  • Act: Address the injustices or problems identified in the first two stages. Develop a plan, implement it, and implement what I call PBMs, policies, behaviors, and measurements to ensure ongoing improvement.

• Empowering Action: The See-Judge-Act method/model aims to empower people, particularly young workers. It encourages them to analyze their situations, identify problems, and take action to create a more just and equitable society. This empowerment is crucial today as we grapple with issues of division, emerging technology, and social and economic discord. The SJA model/model is a powerful tool that reminds us that ‘ACTION speaks louder than words.’

Legacy of See-Judge-Act:

• Widespread Use: The See-Judge-Act method/model has become a cornerstone of Catholic social activism, teaching, and living the gospel message and is used by various Catholic and other Christian organizations and movements worldwide.

• Social Justice Framework: Popes like John XXIII and Pope Francis have incorporated this method into their social teachings, emphasizing its importance in promoting social justice. Many bishops have been strong advocates of the model. For example, Cardinal Christophe Pierre, the Apostolic Nunciature in the United States, is a strong advocate and has a long family history of social involvement in using this method.

• Beyond Catholicism: The See-Judge-Act method’s impact extends far beyond Catholicism’s boundaries. It has been embraced by other religious and secular groups worldwide, and its effectiveness is as a framework for critical reflection and action for social change. This global adoption underscores the universal appeal and relevance of the SJA method.

Christian groups worldwide utilize the See-Judge-Act method for various social justice initiatives. Many non-Catholic groups and organizations have adapted the See Judge Act method/model to suit their contexts and objectives. For instance, social justice groups, community organizers, and NGOs often use similar frameworks for understanding social problems and taking action. These groups might not necessarily use the exact terminology or structure of the See Judge Act, but they apply similar principles of reflection, analysis, and action in their work.

In essence, the See Judge Act method’s focus on observation, critical analysis, and practical action is broadly applicable. It can be adopted by any group or organization interested in addressing social issues and effecting positive change in their communities.

Here are some examples:

Fighting Poverty and Promoting Worker’s Rights:

• Christian World Wide Charities: These organizations employ the See-Judge-Act method to address issues like poverty, homelessness, and access to healthcare. It might Observe the struggles of the homeless population in a city and judge this situation through Christian values, workplace challenges, shelters, job training, and advocacy for affordable housing.

• Young Christian Workers (YCW): Founded by Cardijn, the YCW empowers young workers to see workplace challenges, like unfair wages or unsafe conditions. They then Judge these situations based on Christian principles of fairness and respect and Act collectively to demand better treatment through negotiations or public campaigns.

• Other faith-based organizations: While the roots are grounded in the gospel, some Christian-based communities and other faith-based groups also use variations of this method for social analysis and action. This method and variations on a theme are used in Lutheran social movements, Anglican churches, and Quaker movements.

• Social justice organizations: Many secular social justice organizations have adopted similar approaches. Observing situations, critically analyzing them, and taking action for positive change align well with social justice goals.

Advocacy for Immigrants and Refugees:

• Many Christian denominations use the See-Judge-Act method to address the plight of immigrants and refugees. They might See the struggles of refugees arriving at their borders, Judge this situation through the Christian values of hospitality and loving one’s neighbor, and then Act by providing shelter, food, and legal assistance. Additionally, they might lobby for more humane immigration policies.

Environmental Stewardship:

• Inspired by Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’, Christian groups increasingly use the See-Judge-Act method to address environmental issues. They might See the effects of climate change on their communities, Judge this situation through the Christian values of stewardship of creation, and then Act by promoting sustainable practices, advocating for environmental protection policies, or participating in clean-up efforts.

These are just a few examples, and the specific issues addressed and actions taken will vary depending on each Christian group’s context and priorities.

Here are some additional points to consider:

• The See-Judge-Act method is a flexible framework. Christian groups may adapt it to their specific theological interpretations and social concerns.

• The “Act” stage doesn’t always involve large-scale solutions. Even acts of charity or community support can be valid responses from the See-Judge process.

• The See-Judge-Act method has its critics. Some argue that the “Judge” stage can lead to predetermined conclusions based on specific Christian beliefs. My suggestion, if that is a concern, is to turn to philosophy to Analyze the situation through the lens of ethics; for example, use Aristotelian ethics, analyze through the lens of Eudiamonia. Many Eastern traditions like Confucianism, Buddhism, and Daoism offer rich ethical frameworks.  These philosophies often focus on concepts like social harmony, filial piety, and living in balance with nature.

Overall, the See-Judge-Act method/model serves as a valuable tool for all groups to engage in social action and work towards a more just and equitable world.