Using Systems Thinking to Build Hunger Free Communities
September 1, 2015
d. It can be helpful to intentionally take away the symbols and signs of power, and to intentionally
mix power levels when assigning seating at meetings and forming working groups. For example,
a group that includes members of the business community, nonprofit agency representation,
and residents of an economically distressed neighborhood might institute a casual dress code at
meetings.
4. It is difficult to make the mental switch between analyzing problems and envisioning the future, yet this
is often necessary to generate solutions. To effectively switch between analyzing problems and
envisioning the future:
a. Begin by envisioning the future. The positive energy from this exercise will carry over throughout
the meeting.
b. Frame an analysis of the present using the collective vision: “given our vision, what’s happening
in current reality?”
c. Analyze problems later, and focus that analysis on the subset of problems that is directly
relevant to the group’s chosen strategies and tactics for achieving their vision.
5. Funding is challenge for this type of work. While some funders are moving towards support for
relationship-building and systems change, it is difficult to show concrete results on a short timeline.
In addition to these highlights, Ms. Zurcher shared three guides, which she has generously allowed us to share
through the Iowa Hunger Directory online resources page.
Ms. Zurcher can be reached at [email protected] for more information or to request a consultation. For
more information about the Regional Food Systems Working Group, please email Ms. Lynn Heuss
at [email protected].
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