Systems Change Advocacy, Support and Solidarity

In 2022, the core group came together because of their shared passion for systems equity change and a recognition that this is hard work. They met monthly (online) to connect, support and uplift one another; to share learnings, resources and wisdom; to channel community voices across multiple sectors; and to evolve together the work of the group.
An in-house workshop session on Matike Mai allowed the group to imagine and deepen their understanding of Te Tiriti responsive futures.

An in-person retreat allowed the group to connect and rejuvenate through listening together and to appreciate and validate their work as systems change leaders. It also allowed them to deep dive into their experiences leading systems change and to harvest key learnings and make recommendations for leading collaborative, community-led systems equity change.

In 2023, the group wrote and published Voices From the Frontlines: Community-Driven Pathways for Systems Change in Aotearoa, outlining an adaptable systems change framework with practical guidance and tools for community leaders and funders and decision makers.

“Voices from the Frontline” identifies five community-driven pathways for systems change: enable systems change leadership; strengthen relationships and working together; address racism, bias, and exclusion; overcome funding and bureaucracy challenges; encourage experimentation; and amplify transformation.

Following on 3 representatives of the core group discussed the learnings from “Voices From the Frontlines” on a Tamarack Institute Collective Impact Webinar, thus growing SASS’ profile and partnership network (from national to international).

Looking ahead: a second retreat will provide space for rejuvenating and embedding the network; allow for reflection on the mahi to date and the model for working together; and further clarify how the SASS group can serve systems change leaders and equity in Aotearoa.