What is the Systems simulation?

No matter what organization you work for or what position you have within that organization, your actions and inactions have a direct effect on the system. Sometimes, you might be acutely aware of the impact you have. Other times, your impact might be more subtle or implicit. In either case, the decisions you make and the actions you take play a role in shaping the system you are in.
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When you know you are impacting the system, how you show up matters. Your identity matters. The perspective you bring matters. Meanwhile, you are living and working in systems built on social constructs (such as race, gender, and policy) that perpetuate inequities and may even try to tell you that you don’t matter. 

You need to take the time to ask yourself: What am I doing or not doing that is maintaining the inequities in the system? How is my identity and the way I make sense of the world an asset to the system I’m in? How do I bring my whole self to this work? This simulation will challenge your perception and awareness of your impact in your system(s).

After you experience this simulation, you will have a deeper awareness of systems and how you show up. You will walk away with key takeaways that will inspire and equip you to understand your impact.

How did this simulation come to be?

Our origin story

Our team was selected for the 2018 BushCONNECT gathering to host an interactive session on ‘Navigating Systems Change’. Beginning with the inspiration of Broken Squares and drawing from our own personal and professional experiences in helping organizations shift and change, we created this simulation to connect a person’s individual experience in the system with their roles, responsibilities, and choices. We read what change experts and community leaders say about systems thinking, and we used our experience in hosting engaging conversations to design this simulation. We, too, know from our own experiences that our work within systems begins with ourselves. 

Our Team

We are interested in change, equity, and systems. We teach. We facilitate. We are always learning. We look forward to working with you.

Diana Beck
I value integrity over winning and striving over arriving. There is always more work to do and most of it is worthwhile. I love collecting wisdom from others in pursuit of my own: “Plant tomatoes next to peppers” (Grandpa); “A little glitter goes a long way” (Mom); “We are all on the same team!” (Systems Simulation participant). I spend my days at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs.

Isadora Collins
I am a facilitator of systems change that centers the narrative of marginalized individuals. My work focuses on operationalizing equity and inclusion initiatives within public and nonprofit entities. I use adaptation, intention, transparency and reflection as guiding principles to move innovation into transformational, sustainable change within organizations. Learn more about me at Maude Consulting.

Steph Jacobs
I’m fueled by connecting people and facilitating conversations that lead to new understanding, perspective, and action. I believe in an approach to leadership that is open, inclusive, and based in abundance. I value adventure, intuition, connection, compassion, and justice. Learn more about me at Trailblazer Leadership.

Jen Mein
I cultivate engagement that invites diversity of perspectives into critical conversations, fosters creativity and innovation, and energizes individuals and groups to experiment with new ways of working and leading. I believe curiosity opens minds, compassion opens hearts, and courage moves us forward.  Learn more about me at Jen Mein, LLC.

Sook Jin Ong
I bring curiosity and empathy in learning about the stories people carry within them. I am most passionate about the stories of how and what we eat, and the intersectionality of our identities and cultures with food. I facilitate and teach people through human-centered, equity-focused processes. Learn more about me on my website. ​