Mapping System Shifting Networks

a training slide-deck to assist system-shifting initiatives in mapping their networks offered by June Holley Download Understand how networks enable systems change Learn the processes for developing and using network and system maps Practice network mapping Discuss how you might use these approaches in your work

Scaffolding for System Shifting Networks

Networks come in all shapes and sizes. However, if you want to be a system shifting network you will need to put in place scaffolding so that transformation can emerge easily and quickly. In nature, billions of soil organisms and mycorrhizal fungal mats work together to form this type of scaffolding to distribute resources and support the growth of plants and trees as they create a…

SHIFTING A SYSTEM: The Reimagine Learning network and how to tackle persistent problems

Some problems are simply too big for any one organization. One solution: a network of like-minded leaders working toward a common goal. Reimagine Learning, taking on systemic education issues, offers a successful model. In an increasingly complex business and social environment, many are looking for collective solutions to big problems. Networks can address sprawling issues in…

Regenerative Innovation Ecosystems

By Laila Martins & Jannik Kaiser Imagine a future where innovation isn’t just about the latest tech, but about healing our planet and uplifting our communities—that’s what Regenerative Innovation Ecosystems (RIE) are all about. In this article, we’ll explore the concept of Regenerative Innovation Ecosystems, which focus on building coalitions of diverse organisations or…

The role and power of re-patterning in systems change

  7 everyday patterns to shift systems towards equity Many recent discussions about civic innovation and systems change have focused on big structural changes that need to take place if we are to grow more equitable outcomes. Along with our friends at TSI / Auckland Co-Design Lab we suspected that we also needed to explore what could happen underneath those structures…

Turning the stone: embedding systems thinking in the everyday

  The context Images Isn’t it interesting how frequently as human beings we turn to metaphor? Sometimes these images are so embedded in the everyday that we don’t see them for what they are. We talk about ‘just ploughing on’, ‘turning over a new leaf’ and much more. Why? Because we don’t feel, think and communicate solely in mechanistic term, we are not…

Stories that Change Systems

  This blog was originally published in February 2022 by Rotary Charities of Traverse City.   “Stories make, prop up, and bring down systems. Stories shape how we understand the world, our place in it, and our ability to change it.”  – Ella Saltmarshe, Telling the Difference   In November of 2021, Rotary Charities began piloting a new service for…

Failing Productively in Systems Change: Key Mindsets & Practices

  This era of disruption requires us to take on deeper systemic challenges. As changemakers, how do we embrace failure as an inevitable part of the work of shifting complex systems? And how do we detangle it from feelings of fear that prevent us from taking the deep risks needed to advance real change? We've developed tools, resources, and strategies to purposefully assist…

Transforming Impact : how evaluation and impact are shifting

  Given the complexity and depth of the world’s problems, evaluation theories, practices and processes are shifting to better respond to that complexity. The argument goes something like this:  problems in our world are increasingly complex, current approaches that fund individual projects (requiring clear outcomes, and evaluating progress towards those outcomes) have actually…

3 Level Networks

Transformation or system shifting requires networks to be involved in networks of networks. This diagram and activity  is designed to help networks develop networks of networks to maximize their impact. Networks need to be part of three types of networks, shown in the drawing below. Activity: First, locate your network: is it a local network, a network with a…