Question
Who is a “system-changer”?
Answer
Despite some research, it's unclear who first coined this term. It frequently arises in discussions of social innovation and entrepreneurship, where we explore a spectrum between for-profit, profit-focused organizations and entirely mission-driven ones, rather than seeing it as a strict dichotomy. The notion of a "system-changer" emerges from the idea of shifting organizations along this spectrum, making it a fluid and evolving concept.
A system-changer, when we attempt to define this term, is someone who not only identifies problems within a system but actively embraces this role as a primary focus. Not everyone consistently takes this broad view. Beyond recognizing issues, a system-changer possesses a compelling drive to take action. It's akin to the stages of change in the Theory of Planned Behavior, where the behavior is actively working to adjust a given system, be it on a large or small scale, whether within an organization, group, or at local, regional, national, or international levels. There's a multitude of examples of system-change efforts today, covering a vast array of issues.
Ultimately, system-changers are united by a shared desire and commitment to address broader societal problems. This aspiration leads them to delve upstream, scrutinizing the social, economic, cultural, and political contexts in which these issues manifest within a population.
This Ask the Expert is an excerpt from the course, Self-Care and Systems Change for Behavioral Health Professionals, presented by Sophie Nathenson, PhD.
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