Systems Change Mental Models Workshop

Explore the hidden mental models underlying systems change work, and how to harness them to increase our impact

As systems change leaders in philanthropy and donor organizations, we each carry mental models—deeply held beliefs and assumptions that shape how we see the world and approach systemic problems. Often, these mental models remain unexamined, both by ourselves and others, yet they significantly influence how we understand challenges and craft solutions. They also influence how we use our power as philanthropists and donors, and whose mental models dominate within networks of organizations seeking to address a common problem.

When our mental models clash with those of our colleagues, institutional structures, grantees, other funding partners, or evaluators, it can create friction that jeopardizes our ability to achieve systemic impact. Recognizing and addressing these conflicts is crucial for fostering effective collaboration and driving meaningful change.

This session is specifically designed for donors and philanthropic leaders, as we will explore mental models not just in our systems work, but also in our philanthropic giving practices. We will delve into two distinct mental models of systems change (systems dynamics and systems emergence), guiding you to uncover your own and explore those held by others. Through case studies and practical exercises, we’ll examine how different types of systems and challenges align with each mental model. We’ll also explore how specific philanthropic practices can enable or disable systems change mental models and the implications of holding power over the mental models driving specific strategies. By the end, you’ll be equipped to identify mental models, spot potential conflicts, and use tools and strategies to align, adapt, and leverage these models as a powerful resource for systemic transformation.

This workshop session is offered in collaboration between Jewlya Lynn, Julia Coffman, and School of System Change as part of a joint effort in supporting changemakers to embrace complexity through discovering the diversity of systemic approaches and practitioners.

Is this course for me?

This workshop is for donors and philanthropic leaders and for those who want to learn to:

• Recognize the mental models that shape systems change work.
• Understand how different types of systemic problems align with specific mental models for driving change.
• Identify your own mental model(s) and how they influence your approach to systems change.
• Explore how the power you and your organization hold as a donor/philanthropist can impose your mental models on others.
• Learn strategies to surface, be responsive to, and adapt your own mental model in response to others including addressing disconnects proactively and as they arise.

To maximise your learning, spaces on this cohort are limited. We encourage you to enrol as soon as you can to secure your place.

If you do not work in philanthropy, we encourage you to enrol in the workshop a week prior on 5 February which will explore similar content with a focus on how to use it as systems changemakers more broadly.

Course date

This workshop will run on Wednesday 12 February 2025.

Timing

The session will be held:

08:00-10:00 PT

11:00-13:00 ET

16:00-18:00 GMT

17:00-19:00 CET

You can join from anywhere in the world, so long as you can attend the time listed above.

Check your time zone

The School of System Change is continually working to improve the financial accessibility of our courses and workshops. For this workshop we offer a sliding scale, and ask that you to assess how you can contribute to your learning and development. It is our hope that those able to afford the higher end of the fees help us cover costs and support others to access the this workshop.

Contribution tickets range between US$60 to $100.

If cost is a barrier to participating, please reach out to [email protected].

VAT does not apply.

We seek to create safe and brave spaces for participants from different backgrounds and lived experience to engage in learning together. We acknowledge the power and responsibility we hold in our role as a convenor and learning provider, placing multiple ways of knowing and awareness of difference as fundamental design principles in our programmes.

Read more about our commitment and journey around equity and difference.

Accessibility

If you will need additional support for your wellbeing or access needs, then please let us know as soon as possible, so we can factor this into our session design. You can let us know when you enrol or email us at [email protected] - we are happy to arrange a call to discuss how we can support your learning.

Enrolment is first come, first served until we reach our maximum cohort size, so we encourage you to enrol as soon as you can. Enrolment closes on 10 Feb at 17:00 ET. If the workshop is full before the enrolment deadline, we will start a waiting list of those interested.

Enrol

If you have any questions about this workshop, get in touch with the School team at [email protected].

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