Changemaker Card Deck
Systems
Social change and systems change are interconnected. These cards feature ideas from the world of systems thinking and complex problems. Each card has links to learn more about the concept.
The links on this site can help you learn more about where these ideas come from. To see the full text on the back of each Systems card, download a copy of the deck.
Adaptive Cycle
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The adaptive cycle model is used to understand complex systems, and it has been applied in diverse areas of study. For more about the evolution of this framework:
Gunderson, L.H., Holling, C.S. (Eds.). (2001). Panarchy: Understanding Transformations in Human and Natural Systems. Island Press.
Holling, C. S. (1986). The resilience of terrestrial ecosystems: local surprise and global change. Sustainable development of the biosphere, 14, 292-317.
Holling, C.S. (1973). Resilience and Stability of Ecological Systems. Annual Review of Ecology and Systematics, 4(1), 1-23.
Babies in the River
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The fable of the Babies in the River does not have a single known author. More about how this fable can be applied by nonprofits and charities:
Mayer, S.E. (2008). Saving the Babies: Looking upstream for solutions.s/2017/09/ECP_SavingBabies.pdf Effective Communities LLC.
Simple, Complicated, Complex Problems
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For more about the difference between complicated and complex:
Santa Fe Institute. (2023). Complexity Explorer.
Scrum.org. (n.d.). What are some differences among simple, complicated and complex problems and work?
Sargut,G., McGrath, R. (2011). Learning to Live with Complexity. Harvard Business Review. 89(9), 68-76.
Kaufmann, S. (1993). The Origins of Order. Oxford University Press.
Elephant in the Dark
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There are many variations on this parable, which has its roots in the Subcontinent:
Wikipedia. (2023). Blind men and an elephant.
Resilience
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Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. (2023). Resilience in complex adaptive systems.
Fraccascia, Luca & Giannoccaro, Ilaria & Albino, Vito. (2018). Resilience of Complex Systems: State of the Art and Directions for Future Research. Complexity. 2018.
Feedback Loops
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Rooted in the work of systems theorists like Norbert Weiner and Ludwig von Bertalanffy, feedback loops are a key aspect of understanding systems:
Creative Learning Exchange (2016). Introduction to Causal Loops.
Iceberg Model
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Icebergs are known to have about 10% of their mass visible above water, and 90% of their mass under the water. Because of this notable feature, the iceberg is used as a metaphor in more than one conceptual model. In this case, we are using the iceberg model to unpack a single event, to better understand the systems and structures that made it possible.
Donella Meadows.org. Systems Thinking Resources: The Iceberg Model.
Donella Meadows.org. The Iceberg Model (printable poster tool).
Cunliff, E. (n.d.). Connecting Systems Thinking and Action. The Systems Thinker.
How Might We?
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Design Kit. (2023). How Might We?
Berger, W. (2012). The Secret Phrase Top Innovators Use. Harvard Business Review.
BEST Lab. (2019). How Might We? - Charles Warren.
ACKOWLEDGEMENTS
These cards grew out of the Artist As Changemaker program, supported by the Trico Changemakers Studio in partnership with Calgary Arts Development. Thank you to each of the artists and changemakers whose work made this possible.
Featured Artists & Changemakers: Art City, Americans for the Arts, Anique Jordan, Cirque Hors Piste, Gladys Rowe, Mixed Company Theatre & OAITH, Nicole Wolf (card illustrations), Quirk-e, Shumaila Hemani & Alberta Ecotrust, Tanya Kalmanovitch, and Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth.
Project Supporters: Sally Njoroge, Patti Pon, Helen Moore-Parkhouse, Lena Soots, Jordan Baylon, Jill Andres, Maya Pajevic, Robin Sokoloski, Pam Korza, and Barbara Shaffer Bacon.
This deck was illustrated by Nicole Wolf, designed by Amanda Chan and curated by Skye Louis with project support from Katie Pearce.