CMOCC's Theory of Change

The Water of Systems Change aims to clarify what it means to shift key conditions for systems change. The MODEL offers an “inverted triangle” framework as an actionable model for CMOCC and others interested in creating systems change, particularly those who are working to advance equity.

• Systems change is about advancing equity by shifting the conditions that hold a problem in place.

• To fully embrace systems change, funders should be prepared to see how their own ways of thinking and acting must change as well.

• Shifts in system conditions are more likely to be sustained when working at three different levels of change: explicit, semi-explicit, and implicit. (Kania, 2018) 

As an extension of the systems change model, Kania (2020) developed a concept called radical containers, exploring intentional ways of working together that transform connections, learning, and collective potential among people in systems. This radical container structure was the missing piece from community work. 

Kania (2020) locates five distinctive parts above to radical containers: deep relational work; inner and outer change; space for healing; transformed power dynamics; and serendipity and the sacred.

This model seeks transformative change in practice, through more radical and relational ways of working with these five qualities:

• Deep relational workspace for healing 

• Inviting in the sacred

• Inner change that leads to outer change

• Transforming power dynamics (Milligan et al., 2022).