Innovators Exchange

Systems Change & Systems Alignment

Rebecca Livingston

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Systems Change & Systems Alignment

This phrase can mean lots of different things. . . . .• Integrating the Public Workforce System with Adult Ed.,

Apprenticeship, UI, TANF, Community Colleges, etc.• Integrating Services at the Regional Level• Coordination across State Agencies • Coordination with Non-Government partners and

Privately Funded Programs• Strengthening Career Pathways• Translating Policy to Practice, and Practice to Policy• Leveraging Resources• Etc.

 What does this phrase mean for YOUR WIF GRANT?

TOOT your own horn!

• What SUCCESES have you experienced?

• What are you most PROUD of and want to share with your peers?

• What were the KEY FACTORS that contributed to the successes?

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What Keeps you up at Night?

• What CHALLENGES have you experienced?

• Where do you most need ADVICE from your peers?

• Although often frustrating, sometimes learning what does not work is just as meaningful as what does work. What are your LESSONS LEARNED?

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Systems Change is HARD!

Although system change can occasionally come with the stroke of a pen, in general it involves a slow, incremental process often punctuated by periodic reversals. Perseverance over time is critical. . . Time. It takes a lot of time, with endless “next steps” and decisions…and one needs to stay on top of the issues and pay attention to each step or the people who you are trying to move will not do much [to advance your agenda].

Changing Systems is Like Moving A Mountain . . . . And Other Insights from Successful Workforce Leaders, The Annie E. Casey Foundation, 2010.

 

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Systems Change is HARD!

• How do you stay MOTIVATED?

• How are you ensuring that Systems Change and Alignment is SUSTAINED beyond the life of your grant?

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