As the summer season draws to a close, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the meaningful experiences and valuable insights gained over the past few months. This spring and summer, I had the privilege of attending incredible conferences that left a lasting impact on me: the Banff Systems Summit, and the 2024 BC Nonprofit Leadership Conference. Each event offered unique perspectives and rich learning opportunities, helping me deepen my understanding of the social purpose and public service sectors and systems change work.
Banff Systems Summit: Tilling the Soil for Systems Change
In May, I had the opportunity to attend the Banff Systems Summit, hosted by Mount Royal University’s Institute for Community Prosperity and Map The System Canada. Roots & Rivers Consulting was proud to be an in-kind sponsor of this event, which brought together a diverse group of practitioners, educators, and students dedicated to systems change.
From the very first day, it was clear that this summit would be an intense and transformative experience. One of the most powerful metaphors shared was that of a spider web, illustrating how we are all connected and how our actions can reverberate throughout the system. This connection calls us into dialogue and engagement on the intractable issues of our time.
A key theme of the summit was the need to challenge our bias towards “solutionism.” Often, we rush to find solutions without fully understanding the problems we’re trying to address. The summit reminded us that deep unlearning and understanding must precede action if we are to create lasting change.
Healing was another critical theme. To heal systems, we must first heal ourselves and address our inner traumas. This personal work is essential for creating the conditions in which innovation and change can thrive. We need to till the soil, as it were, to prepare the ground for new ideas to take root and grow.
Also on day two, I joined Tamara Connell, CEO of the Academy for Sustainable Innovation and Ben Weinlick, Executive Director of Skills Society, on a panel about getting the whole system in the room.
The summit also underscored the need to move from transactional to transformational relationships. This requires a shift in how we engage with others, emphasizing long-term trust and reciprocity over short-term gains.
Day two of the summit brought a wealth of insights, including the importance of building comfort in discomfort and acknowledging that we don’t have all the answers. This is a difficult but necessary mindset shift for those of us working in systems change, where the complexity of the challenges we face can be overwhelming.Also on day two, I joined Tamara Connell, CEO of the Academy for Sustainable Innovation and Ben Weinlick, Executive Director of Skills Society, on a panel about getting the whole system in the room. The summit also underscored the need to move from transactional to transformational relationships. This requires a shift in how we engage with others, emphasizing long-term trust and reciprocity over short-term gains.
Finally, the summit challenged us to rethink how we measure success in systems change work. Metrics, while important, can oversimplify our work and lead us in the wrong direction. Instead, we need to embrace the complexity of systems change and recognize that progress can be incremental rather than transformative.
2024 BC Nonprofit Leadership Conference: A Commitment to Change
In early June, I had the honor of representing Roots & Rivers Consulting at the 2024 BC Nonprofit Leadership Conference, hosted by Vantage Point. The event was a powerful gathering of leaders, change-makers, and advocates, all coming together to share ideas, challenges, and aspirations for the sector.
One of the most resonant themes of the conference was the idea that the work of change is not easy or quick. As Ruth Mojeed Ramirez, Chief Equity Officer of The Inclusion Project wisely noted, “The work of change is not a pretty one. It’s not a quick checkbox. You have to have the resolution to see things through and roll up your sleeves.” This reminder is particularly relevant in the nonprofit sector, where the challenges we face are complex and multifaceted, requiring long-term commitment and perseverance.
“The work of change is not a pretty one. It’s not a quick checkbox. You have to have the resolution to see things through and roll up your sleeves.”
A significant takeaway was the need to shift our organizational culture away from a focus on “fit” towards values alignment. Bradley Daye, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Placemaking 4G, emphasized the importance of disrupting our biases and challenging who we bring into our work. This is crucial in creating inclusive and equitable spaces where diverse voices can be heard and valued.
Another powerful insight came from Kathleen Ayre, a consultant and fundraising specialist, who highlighted the importance of storytelling in our work: “Facts tell, stories sell. We need to capture the heartbeat of nonprofit impact and give community back their voice.” In a sector often driven by data and metrics, it’s easy to lose sight of the human stories behind our work. Yet, these stories are what truly resonate with people and inspire action.
The conference also sparked a discussion on rebranding the nonprofit sector as the “social profit” sector. This idea challenges the scarcity mindset that often permeates our work and encourages us to think from a place of abundance. By recognizing the immense social value we create, we can begin to shift perceptions and build a more positive narrative around our work.
Building trust and authentic relationships was another key theme. Rowena Veylan, Founder and Leader of The New School of Fundraising, spoke to the importance of engaging with Indigenous communities with curiosity, empathy, and a willingness to learn. She reminded us that when we make mistakes, we must acknowledge them, apologize, and learn. This humility is essential in building genuine partnerships and fostering mutual respect.
Finally, the conference reinforced the need for collaboration over competition. As Tina Strehlke, CEO of Minerva BC, wisely pointed out, “What opportunities can we take to uplift and support each other’s missions? You can do anything if you don’t care who gets the credit.” In a sector where resources are often limited, finding ways to work together and share power is essential for driving meaningful change.
Final Reflections
Attending these two conferences has left me feeling inspired and motivated to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the nonprofit and systems change sectors. The lessons learned from these experiences have deepened my understanding of the importance of values alignment, storytelling, collaboration, and healing in our work.
As we move forward, I hope to carry these insights with me and apply them to our work at Roots & Rivers Consulting. By continuing to challenge the status quo and embracing new ways of thinking, we can create a more just, equitable, and sustainable future for all.
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