Giving Compass' Take:
- Alison T. McNeil explains that many arts organizations tend to make small adjustments to tactics or processes when a systems-change mindset is required.
- The advice here can apply to many different sectors (not just in the arts). In what ways can we incorporate some of the principles detailed here into our work?
- Read four lessons for effective systems thinking.
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What should be prioritized when working with organizations to embrace a systems-change mindset?
- Invite varied perspectives to the table to be a part of the planning process.
- Be honest about how our current systems perpetuate racial and systemic oppression that benefits some and dismisses others.
- Seek to build alliances through trust by truth-speaking, holding each other’s feet to the fire.
- Create shared agreements that are informed by diverse opinions, yet aligned with the desire to create meaningful, sustainable change.
- Manage expectations on the time and length of the change process. Our current system took decades to build; seeking sustainable change takes time, but can be orchestrated thoughtfully.
- Be clear on who you are and who you aren’t, and create language that explores and stands firm in that.
Read the full article about dismantling old norms by Alison T. McNeil at Americans for the Arts.