First and Second Order Change First Order Change

First and Second Order Change First Order Change • Essentially more of the same, superficial • System is relatively unchanged Second Order Change • Recognizes the usual resolutions are part of the problem • The system itself is changed • Requires a redefinition or reconceptualization of the existing interventions and programs

Social Change Social change is second order change It restructures the basic ways in which people in a society relate to each other with regard to family economics, government, education, religion, life, recreation, language and other basic human interaction activities. Social change requires new ways of thinking and interacting, and challenges our predilection to solve problems with the same old rules and steps. Social change is not changes in demographics or planned efforts to increase oppression.

Factors Promoting Social Change • Creative thinking and challenges to assumptive worlds • Mindscapes that favor social equality • Willingness to undergo disruptive change • Investment in changing reward structures • Conscientization • Common cause with others • Strong value base

Conflict vs. Cooperation Community organizing seen as conflict-based • Power-based Coalition building seen as cooperation-based • Relationship based • Bring diverse groups together to create change • Can be contentious • Builds a sense of common cause

Community Organizing

Coalition Building

Coalition Building Favored Change agents have a growing awareness that community problems are interrelated and so require holistic, community-wide solutions It is increasingly difficult to clearly identify enemies in our technological and transnational society “Our survival depends on creating common cause” – Bernice Johnson Reagon

Alternative Settings “Any instance in which two or more people come together in new relationships over a sustained period of time in order to achieve certain goals. ” Sarason (1972) Characteristics • Radical, proposing new/untried ways of addressing social problems • Radical: structure, goals, ideologies • Alternative not synonymous with progressive Creation • Shaped long before inception • Form out of dissatisfaction with existing settings and optimism about having a positive effect • Departure of founding members • Many do not survive the first year

Alternative Settings Healthcare • CVS • In-home • In schools Education • Charter schools • Learning Centers • Metropolitan Learning Alliance Communities • Celebration, FL

Alternative Setting Challenges § How to become established while remaining radical § Seeking funding may jeopardize the goals/mission § Collaboration with other agencies correlates with legitimacy and longevity § Organization structure for sustainability • Remain flexible, true to the mission • Clear goals • Meaningful identity • Participatory decision making • Oppose the status quo • View setting as transitory • Establish opportunities for reflection and criticism