Developing a vision and strategy for change
When it comes to transforming a complex situation, even before talking about actions and projects, it's important to raise our sights to identify the destination we want to reach collectively. This takes the form of a vision statement to be achieved in several years' time (at least 10 years). This is followed by a strategy for change, which indicates more concretely the transformations to be prioritized in our plan for the next 5 years.
There are several references to support the development of a vision and strategy for change. The main ones are the Collective Impact approach, the change-oriented approach and the theory of change.
The collective impact approach
This approach, systematized by John Kania and Mark Kramer of FSG, proposes four paradigm shifts to help collectives achieve greater impact in implementing their projects:
Use a systemic approach to appreciate the complexity of the situations to be transformed.
Staying on course for change.
Influencing existing practices.
Leveraging collaborative, cross-sector leadership
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A 3-minute 40-second video, developed by Dynamo, to introduce the Collective Impact approach: Collective Impact video
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In this support guide, developed by Dynamo, the shared aspiration condition proposes three key questions to ask yourself when creating a change strategy, as well as a diagram to demonstrate that a change strategy can be illustrated on one page and thus become a good communication tool for project stakeholders:
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This tool developed by Dynamo briefly describes each of the steps involved in building a change strategy, and illustrates it with a concrete example: Building a change strategy
F3E's change-oriented approach
Change-oriented approaches", developed by F3E, are a set of tools and methods for planning, monitoring and evaluating actions aimed at supporting change processes. Beyond the methodology, they invite the players involved to question their vision of a common future and their respective positions.
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A methodological guide to support "complex" change processes: analyze, plan, monitor and evaluate:
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A toolbox with videos and animation examples for each step in planning a path of change: PRISM toolbox
Theory of change
The theory of change explains the change process by representing the various elements that contribute to change, such as strategies, target audience, activities, effects and impact. This representation is usually accompanied by a narrative, i.e. short sentences explaining the links between the various elements.
Each of the projects supported by the CIP has developed its own theory (strategy) of change, commonly referred to in the CIP as a vision of change. These can be consulted in the neighborhood fact sheet in the Learn more about current initiatives section. https://pic.centraide.org/quartiers-pic
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Fact sheet describing and illustrating a theory of change, its scope and limitations: Summary sheet: Theory of change
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An example of a theory of change on the Tamarack Institute website, with a brief description of each section: Theory of change: climate transition example
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This summary sheet from phase 1 of the CIP (2015-2023) highlights several examples of change strategies implemented in Montreal neighborhoods:
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An article containing a short, simple video to help understand a theory of change: Theories of changes as Advocacy Tools