Community Conversations and Transition Systems Change

Abstract

Public sentiment is everything. With public sentiment, nothing can fail; without it nothing can succeed. Consequently, he who molds public sentiment, goes deeper than he who enacts statutes or pronounces decisions.-Abraham Lincoln Frameworks for Systems Change Systems change in the social sector is a fundamental alteration in policies, processes, relationships, and power structures, as well as deeply held values and goals (Gopal & Kania, 2015). Large-scale systems change results in a new field of knowledge, action, tools, strategies, and methods, while small-scale systems change consists of changes to a societal system (Waddell, 2016). At its heart, it is social change that requires commitment across stakeholders and is adopted in policy, infrastructure, attitude, practice, and behavior. Several frameworks and indicators have emerged from research and analysis into the processes that yield systems change results-each emphasizing the need for fostering support through internal and external coalitions. For example, Gopal and Kania (2015) speak to five "simple rules" for changing systems within large-scale foundations: (a) build on existing trends and momentum in the system, (b) pay greater attention to connections and interdependence, (c) employ rigor after the strategy has been developed, (d) be systematic about measuring systems change, and (e) "be the change" by building internal adaptive capacity. The theme of connections and interdependence is fundamental to systems change. In their description of the Collective Impact approach to social change, Hanleybrown, Kania, and Kramer (2012) emphasize the importance of community leaders abandoning individual agendas in favor of a collective approach and the need for a common agenda. Kotter (1995) highlighted forming a powerful guiding coalition and empowering others. More specific to employment systems change, Wehman, Kregel, and Shafer (1989) conducted an analysis of emerging trends in one of the first national employment systems change projects, a 1987 Rehabilitation Services Administration initiative involving 27 states. In addition to 739404D PSXXX10.

Family Perspectives on the Appeals of and Alternatives to Sheltered Employment for Individuals with Severe Disabilities

“…The alignment of policies and perspectives is an important consideration within systems change efforts focused on expanding integrated employment (Flippo & Butterworth, 2018). Understanding how key stakeholders view the changes being pursued by state-level teams can provide a valuable source of information and guidance as states make progressive movements in this area (Carter et al, 2017;Gilson et al, 2018).…”

The Promise and Possibilities of Community Conversations: Expanding Opportunities for People With Disabilities

“…The series concludes with two invited articles focused on the application of community conversations to policy and practice. Flippo and Butterworth (2018) provide insights into the roles community conversations can play in state-level systems change efforts aimed at changing the broader employment landscape for people with IDD. In particular, they address how this approach might fit within a framework of high-performing states.…”

Transitioning Australian Disability Enterprises to open employment community hubs using the Australian legislative framework

“…Community conversations reinforce the concept that participants are drivers for change." (p.8) This process has been used successfully in the Tennessee Works Partnership which formed part of the National Partnerships in Employment program which was evaluated by Flippo and Butterworth (2018). The outcomes from our community conversations and program to educate families and participants support the growing evidence for the effectiveness of community conversations as an intervention for change.…”

“…There is a growing evidence base for the use of community conversations as a tool to engage both participants and the wider community (Flippo & Butterworth, 2018). In their review of the Partnerships in Employment National Transition to Employment Systems Change Project, Flippo and Butterworth (2018) stated;…”