We can often be tempted to see systems as autonomous units, faceless, unchangeable. These perspectives can stunt our belief that we have agency to make sustainable and marked changes to these systems. As leaders within the social impact sector, we must remember that systems were designed by humans and thus systems change requires relational practices to alter and redesign. ?? "We invite 'you' -- leaders with dominant power in organizations and funding bodies -- to show up, lead and practice differently. We invite you to become more aware of how enmeshed you are in the systems we are all working to change, to see and understand the consequences of such enmeshment, and to be open to being transformed by the relational practice of systems changed." This article by Collective Change Lab highlights the relational ways of being and showing up as leaders in systems change work. It involves reflection, self-awareness, the pursuit of accountability, and a commitment to unearth and repair. ?? ?? ?? We need trauma-responsive leaders across society's fabric if we are to transform systems of harm to systems of restoration and flourishing. ?? Link to article in comments. #systemschange #socialimpact #socialsector #philanthropy #nonprofit #power #compassion #organizationalleadership #trauma #traumainformed #traumaresponsive #leadership #transformharm #healingcentered #socialchange #justice #restorative #polarization #relationalwork #mutuality #accountability #collectivehealing #radiatesocialimpact
Founder & Chief Network Weaver at The Horizons Project; bridging peacebuilding, social justice & democracy. Evangelist for Narrative Engagement Across Difference and Restorative Practices for Social Change.
Thank you Collective Change Lab for this super article summarizing so much collective wisdom on how we get our systems UNSTUCK! My favorite insight was on how to “do” relational work: “If equitable and just systems are dependent on collaborations doing deeper relational work in the context of a more polarized world, then it absolutely matters how you show up, what you show up for, and what leadership you are bringing to the table. ?? Cultivating mental models that value equity, diversity, shared humanity and the transformative power of community. ????♀? Exhibiting leadership that publicly commits to relational work. This outwardly looks like: - staying in the work even when it gets ‘hot’ - judiciously leaning into difference - embracing pluralism - being willing to engage with complexity rather than simplifying it for order, measures and impact. ??? Developing personal practices of being radically honest about our intention, and growing our capacity for mutual accountability, self-reflection, and self-care. ???? Appreciating our own need for ‘healing’ from past trauma, acknowledging the systemic and historical trauma inflicted on our communities, and learning how to foster accessible and welcoming spaces and places for collective healing.” ?? link to article in the comments ???? Appreciation for all the contributors: Anna Powell John Kania Pascal Djohossou Tien Ung, PhD, LICSW Juanita Zerda Gaby Arenas de Meneses David Hanna Kerry Graham Monique Miles Liz Weaver Jennifer Splansky Juster