How the World Is Changed
Seeing and Shifting Patterns in Systems
With Vickie Cammack, Tim Draimin, Al Etmanski & Cheryl Rose
Complexity science embraces life as it is: unpredictable, emergent, evolving and adaptable – not the least bit machine-like. And though it implies that we cannot control the world the way we can control a machine, we are not powerless either. Using insights about how the world is changed, we can become active participants in shaping those changes.
—Westley, Zimmerman, Patton in Getting to Maybe: How the World is Changed
People engaged in systems change recognize they are dealing with complex, interlocking systems which can’t be controlled but can be shifted and influenced. They look for patterns across the social, economic, and political landscape. They use their deep understanding and trusted relationships to connect innovative ideas and initiatives with the broader context. In this way, they create an environment where social innovation can flourish.
This track is for people who want to become more effective in implementing systems change. Drawing on the new research, practical experience, and case examples of Canada’s Social Innovation Generation partnership, we will learn and apply frameworks, concepts, skills, and tools for social innovation. In the process, we will have the opportunity to develop strategies for system-level impacts in areas that matter deeply to each of us. We will also enhance our understanding and skills in these areas:
- Understanding complex systems and recognizing patterns
- Sense-making and do-it-yourself public policy
- Connecting people, passions, ideas, and initiatives
- Using money more wisely
This track is co-sponsored by the Social Innovation Generation (SiG) partnership. SiG believes that serious social problems cannot be addressed with the level of awareness that created them. It is a collaborative initiative seeking to address Canada’s social and ecological challenges by creating a culture of continuous social innovation. Its focus is on fostering social innovation to achieve impact, durability, and scale by engaging the creativity and resources of all sectors.
The four partner organizations are The J.W. McConnell Family Foundation, the MARS Discovery District, the PLAN Institute, and the Waterloo Institute for Social Innovation and Resilience (WISIR); together these partners focus on research, education, advocacy and collaboration to support SiG’s goals and objectives.
Vickie Cammack
Vickie is President and CEO of Tyze Personal Networks, a for-benefit corporation that creates online personal networks and collaboration tools for people facing life challenges and their caregivers, friends, and family. Tyze is focussed on shifting our systems of care to a network-centric model.
She is also the Founding Director of PLAN Institute and co-founder of Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network (PLAN), a pioneer social enterprise supporting families to secure the future of their family member with a disability. She created PLAN’s Personal Network program, a unique response to the isolation and loneliness experienced by people with disabilities and mentored the spread of grass roots PLAN groups in 40 locations globally.
Vickie is the recipient of the Meritorious Service Medal of Canada, the Community Living Institute’s Leadership Award, the Canadian Psychological Association’s Humanitarian Award, and Simon Fraser University President’s Club Distinguished Community Leadership Award. She co-led a Canadian exploration on sustainability and social innovation, and is a Fellow with Social Innovation Generation, a partnership between the University of Waterloo, MaRS, and J.W. McConnell Family Foundation. In 2008, the Women’s Executive Network named Vickie one of the Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada.
Vickie’s article Finding Balance in the Space Between was recently featured on Fieldnotes.
Tim Draimin
Tim is Executive Director of Social Innovation Generation (SiG). A leader in the non-profit sector, he was the founding CEO of Tides Canada Foundation, which focuses on the environment and social justice. He guided the Foundation’s expansion, established Canada’s first national support system for social entrepreneurs –Tides Canada Initiatives – and supported a world-renowned model of integrated conservation: B.C.’s Great Bear Rainforest initiative.
Tim is the author of Canada’s first national study of social entrepreneurship and a frequent advisor to government, as well as to nonprofit associations and leaders. He has worked for or consulted in Canada and abroad with the Canadian Council for International Co-operation, the International Development Research Centre, Synergos, and Ford Foundation. He has served on many international delegations and participated at UN prepcoms. He was a member of Canada’s official delegation to UNCED.
Tim is a senior advisor to the new MaRS Centre for Impact Investing (CII). He was an advisor to Community Foundations of Canada’s Responsible Investing Pilot Project and a past board member of the Social Investment Organization (SIO), Canadian Environmental Grantmakers Network (CEGN), IMPACS, pa
Al Etmanski
Al is an author, blogger, advocate and social entrepreneur specializing in innovative, multi-sector solutions to complex societal challenges. He is currently a partner in the Social Innovation Generation (SIG). Al is also an Ashoka fellow, a faculty member of John McKnight’s Asset Based Community Development Institute (ABCD), and a Vancity Community Investment fellow. He is Chair of the B.C. Government’s new Advisory Council on Social Entrepreneurship.
Al is co-founder of Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network (PLAN), which assists families across Canada and globally in addressing the financial and social well-being of their relative with a disability, particularly after their parents die. He proposed and led the successful campaign to establish the world’s first savings plan for people with disabilities – the Registered Disability Savings Plan.
Cheryl Rose
Cheryl is Associate Director of the Waterloo Institute for Social Innovation and Resilience (WISIR), home to Social Innovation Generation (SiG) at the University of Waterloo. As one of the leaders within this collaborative, she works closely with Dr. Frances Westley for strategic program, network and communication development, and also presents widely on Leadership for Social Innovation, Enhancing Individual and Organizational Resilience, and Creating Effective Networks.
Prior to entering the post-secondary field, Cheryl gained professional experience in capacity development for social sector organizations. Her extensive background in both local and national leadership initiatives enhanced her role as the Citizenship and Leadership Educator and Community Service-Learning (CSL) Specialist on the University of Guelph campus, where she developed national award-winning programs and research projects. She was the founding Executive Director of the Canadian Alliance for Community Service-Learning.