How to Use

12–16

Cohort size

Recruit a cross-sector cohort with diverse identities and roles.

8–12

Weeks

Run the three convenings over 8–12 weeks. Add a learning journey in the middle.

3–6

Prototypes

Seed 3–6 small prototypes. Test in the field. Learn and improve fast.

∞ Network sustainability

Keep the network alive with dinners, open studios, and micro-grants.

2

Quick-Start Overview

Purpose: Bring people together from many parts of the community. Learn how the whole system works. Build trust. Try small ideas that can make life better and more fair.

3

Program Arc (9 sessions across 3 convenings)

Convening 1: Understand the System

Day 1 Create the space. Set simple agreements. Build trust.

Day 2 Share real stories. Spot patterns and problems in the system.

Day 3 Form teams. Choose a focus. Plan to talk with people who are affected.

Convening 2: Prototype Solutions

Day 4 Visit local groups. Learn from what is already working.

Day 5 Turn ideas into quick models. Get feedback.

Day 6 Practice brave conversations about power and fairness. Improve your idea.

Convening 3: Launch and Sustain

Day 7 Review what you learned. Decide to change course or keep going.

Day 8 Map your network. Ask for help. Offer help.

Day 9 Set next steps. Plan how to keep meeting and working together.

Core ideas: I–We–It (self, relationships, and systems). Simple design steps. Test and learn. Name power and bias. Keep people safe and included.

4

Download

https://ssir.org/books/excerpts/entry/leading_systems_change

Shared under CC BY 4.0. See credits below.

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Attribution and License

Parts of this resource come from Leading Systems Change: A Workbook for Community Practitioners and Funders by Heather McLeod Grant, Adene Sacks, and Jenny Johnston; Open Impact & With/In Collaborative (2019). We changed some wording and structure. Shared under CC BY 4.0.

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Leading Systems Change