HS 100-Introduction to Human Services

Creating Change at the Systems (Macro) Level

What Does System Change Mean?

• Stepping back and looking at the issue from a broader perspective
• Analyzing how society and its systems perpetuate the problem
• Going “Up river” to solve the problem at its source
• Looking at the problem from the “Macro” level of the environment

Identifying a Problem

• Finding a GAP
• Conducting a GAP Analysis
• “Someone oughtta do something about…”
• Researching if the GAP actually exists
• Thinking creatively about closing the GAP
• Committing Ourselves to Solving the GAP
• Are you passionate about the issue?
• Can you find others who are passionate?
• Can you inform others about the GAP and generate enthusiasm?

Solving the Problem

• Needs Assessment
• Figuring Out Causality
• Look at Other Programs
• Brainstorm Ideas
• Rank the ideas and choose a path

Evaluating Your Solution

• Establish a Timetable
• Can be flexible, but establishes expectations
• Collect and share resources
• As your build your program, others will become collaborators and contributors
• Evaluate the Work
• Both the Process and the Outcome
• Can include:
• Client Surveys
• Outcome Data
• Information from Funders or Community Partners
• Implement Improvements (go back to step one)

What if the System IS the Problem?

• How does the current system perpetuate the problem?
• Becoming a Change Agent
• Dilemmas of the Change Agent:
• No role models
• May have to decide between competing values
• May have to “take a side”
• Change is usually resisted

How to Create System Change

• Can be top-down or bottom-up
• Decide the target of change
• Look for formal and informal sources of power
• Decide on a Strategy:
• Educate
• Persuade
• Pressure
• Become familiar with the community
• Involve the public

Why Bother?

• Can one worker make a change?
• Empowering yourself and your clients
• Improving your community and the services available
• Reflects our commitment to social justice