Texas Change in Mind Learning Collaborative

The Texas Change in Mind (CIM) Learning Collaborative final evaluation report highlights the progress of a two-year initiative (2021-2023) designed to help social sector organizations integrate brain science and equity principles into their everyday practices. Facilitated by Social Current, this effort engaged a diverse group of 10 community-based organizations located across Texas in training, peer learning, and organizational change strategies. Despite challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and leadership turnover at many of the organizations, participating sites made meaningful, measurable progress.

The evaluation demonstrates that organizations in the learning collaborative significantly improved staff knowledge of brain science, increased the application of trauma- and resilience-informed practices, and advanced equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts. Many also strengthened their policies, board engagement, and community networks, leading to more sustainable and systemic change. Using a rigorous control-site comparison method, the evaluation found that similar organizations not participating in the collaborative did not show similar growth over the same period of time, which further validates the impact of Change in Mind.

The impact studies of Family Service in San Antonio and The Family Partnership in Minneapolis show measurable improvements in child and family outcomes that are attributable to new initiatives born out of their participation in Change in Mind years ago. This component of the evaluation speaks to the long-term impacts that are possible when organizations participate in transformational change efforts like Change in Mind.

The comprehensive evaluation documents the progress that participating organizations made, and shares stories, data, and lessons that illuminate what it takes to embed brain science and equity in real-world settings. The findings illustrate how this kind of culture shift can lead to enduring benefits for staff, organizations, and communities.

The Texas Change in Mind Learning Collaborative evaluation brief on racial equity focuses on the work; progress; and learnings around equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). It addresses on how the organizations grappled with and embedded EDI principles in their policies, practices, and cultures.

Through data from organizational surveys, pre- and post-initiative EDI assessments, and qualitative insights, the brief provides evidence of where gains have been strongest:

• Addressing inequities in service delivery
• Promoting workforce diversity
• Embedding equity into strategic priorities

It also shares where barriers remain:

• Sustaining EDI work amid resource constraints
• Navigating external political pressures

The brief is designed for practitioners, funders, and leaders who want actionable takeaways about what helps organizations move from intention to practice when it comes to advancing equity.