Mapping Community Systems

Haleemah Sadiah

Partner with a community-based organization to identify a social or environmental challenge. Create two interconnected maps: (1) an ecosystem map showing who is in the system, who is included and excluded, and stakeholder relationships; and (2) a systems dynamics map showing feedback loops, intervention points, and potential pathways for change. Use these maps to identify leverage points for design interventions.

4 weeks

Parameters

• Work directly with a real community organization (school, nonprofit, neighborhood group)

• Conduct stakeholder interviews (minimum 5–8 people)

• Use participatory mapping methods where possible

• Identify both visible and invisible system elements

• Focus on equity and inclusion throughout the process

• Present findings back to the community partner

Deliverables

• Ecosystem map showing actors, relationships, and power dynamics

• Systems dynamics map with feedback loops and leverage points

• Interview documentation and synthesis

• Design intervention proposals (3 options) based on leverage points

• Presentation to community partner

• Reflection on participatory design process (1500 words)

• Resource guide for organization to continue the work
  

Resources

• Article: “Systems Mapping as a Tool for Social Change” by Viliana Dzhartova on Medium

• Thinking in Systems by Donella Meadows

• Article: “Tools for Systems Thinkers: Systems Mapping” by Leyla Acaroglu on Medium

• Kumu.io (systems mapping software)

• Guide: “Systems Mapping Tools for Campaign Design”, The Commons

• Designing for the Social Good

• FSG Systems Thinking Resources, https://www.fsg.org/

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Listen to this episode of Climify Season 4, episode 5 here.