Over the past several years, you may have heard folks across Cooperative Extension speaking more about systems change as a complement to behavior change in efforts to create sustainable improvements in the health status individuals, families, and communities.  If you are not exactly sure what is meant by "systems change" and the role you can play in systems change, Community Commons has created a number of resources that you might find useful.

"Systems change for well-being and equity involves rethinking and reshaping how interconnected social, economic, political, and environmental systems affect community health and quality of life. Unlike interventions that target individual problems, systems transformation aims to overhaul structures that create and sustain health disparities. This holistic perspective builds more equitable and resilient communities by addressing the drivers of inequity and poor health outcomes."  (Community Commons, 2024)

Systems change is undertaken by stewards—people or organizations who coordinate to create the conditions that all people need to thrive. Stewards believe in the power of working across differences and in solidarity with marginalized communities and work together to reshape systems in ways that promote equity, resilience, and sustainability." (Community Commons, 2024)

Visit the Community Commons suite of systems change resources at https://www.communitycommons.o...on-to-Systems-Change