“All that you touch you change. All that you change changes you.” -Octavia E Butler, Parable of the Sower
What is a system?
Recognizing that there are many kinds of systems, this definition focuses on human-centered systems:
- An often-unseen way of organizing how life operates. A system is made up of interdependent people, or groups of people, working to accomplish a goal by following a set of rules, behaviors and beliefs. Systems have the ability to affect actions or shift things, they often organize resources to make or block change.
When asked how to describe a system to a child, these are some of the ways people described human-centered systems:
- A system is a like a family. There are different people that make up the family, but they work together too and if one person does something, it might affect the other people in the family.
- Imagine your body as a system: you have all kinds of different parts working together for one job. If each part isn’t working properly, then the system isn’t well and you get sick or maybe cry. When all parts are cared for, you feel good and are full of energy and laughter!
In this tool, when we say that “You are the System” we are inviting you to notice your involvement with various systems – as a taxpayer, voter, or consumer. Whether or not you actively engage, you are part of many systems.
Us vs. Them & Power Dynamics and Antidotes
The image below depicts some of the common us vs. them and power dynamics that can emerge at the intersections between Systems and You. The table under the image provides antidotes to these dynamics – actions and mindsets that can support you to move in new and more productive ways.
| Principle | Antidotes |
| If a system exists in your community, you are in relationship with that system. | Recognize and name your role in the system, how you are impacted and how you benefit* (personally, financially, status, protection, etc.)Consider claiming and taking ownership of the systems that you are a part of. What does that lead you to do differently? |
| No system is all bad or all good. | Practice noticing both the strengths and weaknesses of the system. Avoid either/or binaries when describing systems. |
| Understanding the origins of a system can help us be more strategic: identify the challenges and opportunities, evolve the intent, and lead the way forward. | Learn the origin story of the system (and/or the system’s policy or practices) to understand how and why the system was built and operates the way it does, e.g. what was the intent of its current structure, what shaped its current parameters/limits. |
| All humans are worthy of having their basic needs met. Many systems are designed to be accountable to the people they serve. People are not socialized to hold systems accountable. Your lived experience should be your credential to hold accountability. | Notice the power and influence you have to hold the system accountable;Be civically engaged by voting, engaging neighbors in voting, run for office, participate in democracy;Notice where different standards are applied to different groups of people in accessing the system;Hold accountability of your actions – name when you screw up.* |
| We must develop shared understanding of the rules, processes, and punishments of systems and how they should operate when they are fairly implemented. | Be transparent about process and decision making;Ask questions to gather information about existing processes, rules and punishments;Document and share transparently learnings about existing processes, rules and punishments;Address system/human error, bias or failure Draw on community rules, processes and restorative practices to advance inclusion. |
| Remember that people created the systems you now seek to change. A “you” has been around for as long as the system has; people create systems and can change them. | Recognize your power to shape and influence systems; Seek out stories of others who have successfully changed systems. |
*For support in reflecting, check out the Reflection Tool-Kit