Beyond Systems: Cultivating Imagination for Change
Challenge
A significant cultural shift is needed to address the political, economic, and social systems affecting the lives of young children in America, but achieving this shift requires leaders to step outside the confines of existing systems and envision new cultural norms and patterns of work.
Solution
In partnership with Capita, Openfields facilitated a session at their Revival conference on “Imagination & Justice,” offering a platform for participants to explore how to cultivate powerful, independent perspectives within and beyond the existing system in which they work. Activities included:
- Expanding Information Horizons: Participants engaged in individual and group source mapping to visualize their information sources, identify potential limitations, and explore new sources beyond their usual information diets.
- Developing Observational Skills: Building on Jim Gilmore’s work in his book “Look: A Practical Guide for Improving Your Observational Skills,” participants honed their ability to perceive new possibilities within familiar situations.
- Sensemaking Through Collective Narratives: Openfield’s developed Capita’s Emerging Issues Map as a springboard for collective sensemaking. Participants analyzed trends, identified connections, and discussed implications for children and families.
- Practicing Practical Foresight: Participants were given basic tools for thinking longer-term and anticipating future scenarios, helping leaders move beyond immediate challenges and envision alternative pathways.
Through these activities, participants were encouraged to challenge existing paradigms and develop habits of learning and work aligned with their deepest values and visions. By examining real-life cases of leaders who have worked beyond the system to effect change and fostering personal reflection and planning, the session aimed to inspire and empower participants to embrace innovative approaches to addressing societal challenges.
Impact
The session equipped participants with the tools and mindset necessary to envision and lead cultural change from within existing systems. By encouraging participants to explore diverse sources of information, develop observation and foresight skills, and engage in collaborative trends mapping, the session fostered a culture of creativity, adaptability, and social innovation. The session empowered leaders to challenge the status quo and champion transformative initiatives.
About Capita
Capita is an independent, nonpartisan think tank with a global focus. Our purpose is to build a future in which all children and families flourish.
Our work with Openfields has helped us see the limits in our own thinking and begin to generate ideas and alternatives to challenge and transform the status quo.
Dr. Jackie Counts
Director of the Center for Public Partnerships & Research at the University of Kansas
Find us in DC, Greenville, and Asheville
