Connection, healing and coherence are the foundations of systems change work. Our September hui brought around 80 people to Te Mahurehure Marae to explore why and how to bring connection, healing and coherence into systems change work. We were fortunate to be able to draw on internationally renowned John Kania, founder of the Collective Change Lab (CCL), and colleague Laura de la Balceron to open the event alongside our associate (and CCL senior Associate) Louise Marra. John, one of the authors of The Water of Systems Change set in place some foundation stones for the day’s korero, identifying three elements at the heart of healing-centred systems change; placing the lens of trauma and collective healing at the centre of the work; acknowledging that unresolved trauma is the root of what ails us, that if people are traumatised, systems are; and shifting from trauma-led to healing-led systems.
Later sessions explored Haumanu as a restorative system change approach that is grounded in Aotearoa, and learning from collectives around the world, and the experience of Future Search in Aotearoa as an example of how system coherence can be grown via a large scale collaboration process.
In her opening remarks, Louise talked about aroha as the most transformational energy. The aroha, energy and commitment to the mahi by participants was evident throughout the day.
A masterclass on using Haumanu practices to bring healing into system change work was held the following day.
