C4: Reframing Problems for Social Change

As changemakers, many of us struggle with the most complex issues of our time. Systems of oppression are not only entrenched but interconnected. And even as we work to solve problems on the daily, a paralyzing thought can creep in … are we even solving the right problem?

Greater Good Studio has been working with social sector clients to reframe problems for the past 13 years. We have found that the original problem statement often has one or more of the following issues:

• It’s focused entirely on symptoms, while root causes continue undeterred
• It’s centering the wrong humans, or no humans at all
• It’s so vast that the only thing it inspires is overwhelm

Whether you’re a leader planning organizational strategy, or a mentor looking to better support your mentees, this workshop will give you concrete tools for tackling challenges in a more strategic, action-oriented, and equitable way. You will learn and practice methods for:

• Mapping root causes
• Writing positive goals
• Centering bright spots

These methods build on concepts, such as appreciative inquiry, positive deviance, and human-centered design, which Greater Good Studio has practiced with hundreds of clients across the social and public sectors.

Each participant will start with a challenge or issue that has them stuck. They will end the workshop with an ambitious-yet-achievable “positive goal,” as well as a plan to achieve that goal.

Organizational teams are encouraged to participate, as this experience is ideal for building alignment within groups.

Learning Objectives

• Map possible root causes to a problem
• Write “positive goals,” which make any challenge actionable
• Engage strategically with the people most impacted by their challenges

Presenters

Sara Cantor
Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director
Greater Good Studio

George Aye
Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director
Greater Good Studio

Back to event