Systems Change: Sounds great, but how do I do it?

from October 2007

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We have long been told to not band-aid problems but to seek to understand the “root cause” and seek lasting solutions through changing the “SYSTEM”. This lofty idea is very appealing in theory, but very difficult to put into practice. First and foremost, while we understand systems conceptually, we are often not clear on how they work and what they mean for us. We will define systems change and talk about how systems thinking applies to programs.We will then talk about how to become a systems thinker as we work in communities. Secondly, there is a new compilation of research on systems change in the literature.This workshop will interpret these findings and their applications for children, youth and families programs, focusing on how to identify the key levers of change. We will conclude with a discussion of participant’s experiences with systems change methodology in practice and how CYFERnet can support this difficult and important work.

Intended Audience (Benefits)

This workshop will be for any experience level working in communities with children, youth and families. It will seek to both broaden basic understanding of systems change as well as explore application of more in-depth concepts. It will also begin to build a support system for people doing this work and identify technical assistance needs.

Presenters

Susan S. Jakes, Ph.D. Extension Assistant Professor, Family and Community Development Specialist
Department of 4-H Youth Development and Family & Consumer Sciences
North Carolina Cooperative Extension, CALS, NC State University

Materials

Powerpoint slides from session.

Worksheet from session.

Agenda

System Requirements

Participants need the following to participate in this online "Connect" training:

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Archived Session

http://connect.extension.iastate.edu/p24715399/


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