“Kotahi te kōhao o te ngira e kuhuna ai te miro mā, te miro pango, te miro whero”.
There is but one eye of the needle, through which white, black and red cotton must pass. - Potatau Te Wherowhero
Systems Change Champions
There's a rising tide of Collective Systems Change Champions across the motu. These ones are championing collective systems change projects across Aotearoa and beyond.
They believe:
we can never do systems change alone
in redesigning systems that are fair and work for everyone
embracing complexity and being open to possibilities is essential
valuing the input of all players in the system is critical
community-led development principles are at the heart of leading change initiatives
systems change requires patience and an investment of time, energy and passion
in the interconnectedness of all things
The whakataukī above emphasises the importance of weaving together skills and knowledge, the strength in collaboration, shared purpose, and the idea that collective efforts can achieve remarkable outcomes.
Being a Collective Systems Change Champion requires leadership to convene all players in the system so as many as possible can be part of the transformation process.
'Players in the system' could be
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Those who are adversely affected by the system itself
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Organisations
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Government
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Communities
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Institutions
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Businesses
Remember, Systems Change can be multifaceted. It often involves interdisciplinary approaches, a deep understanding of the system's dynamics and collectively shifting all conditions holding the system in place.