Traditional nonprofit program design needs to address the diverse needs of marginalized communities in today’s multicultural society. Systems Change offers a redemptive approach, emphasizing justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) to dismantle systemic barriers and deliver culturally relevant social services. This article explores the importance of adapting systems to meet evolving societal needs and highlights the role of Systems Alternatives where resistance to change exists. Systems Change is not an attack on existing structures but a necessary evolution to ensure equity and efficiency in service delivery.
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By
Dr. Godwin Ude, MBA, PhD
Traditional nonprofit program design faces significant limitations in today’s multicultural societies, where diversity and inclusion are at the forefront of socio-political conversations. Systems Change, as a concept, has emerged as a redemptive approach aimed at addressing these limitations by promoting justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) in program delivery and service design. This article explores Systems Change in nonprofit program design, responds to common critiques, and defends its necessity in providing culturally appropriate services for diverse communities.
CONCEPTS AND STAGES OF PROGRAM DESIGN
Traditional program design in the nonprofit sector often follows several vital stages:
- Needs Assessment: Understanding the target population’s needs through surveys, interviews, or data collection.
- Program Planning: Outlining objectives, activities, and resources required for the program.
- Implementation: Launching the program with the necessary tools, staff, and resources.
- Evaluation: Assessing the program’s effectiveness using key performance indicators and feedback loops.
While these stages are critical to the process, they are not immune to the limitations imposed by systemic issues like cultural irrelevance, racial disparities, and lack of inclusivity. As Canada and other multicultural societies evolve, many programs rooted in outdated paradigms fail to adapt to the real needs of their communities, particularly marginalized groups.
LIMITATIONS IN THE LIGHT OF MULTICULTURALISM AND PROGRAM RELEVANCE
In multicultural contexts, traditional program designs often lack cultural relevance, ignoring the unique challenges faced by ethnic minorities and newcomers. Many existing systems are modelled on colonial frameworks that do not account for the complexities of today’s diverse demographic landscape. Programs rooted in these outdated systems tend to reinforce inequalities, unintentionally marginalizing those they aim to serve.
Furthermore, multiculturalism challenges organizations to deliver services that respect different cultural norms and values, a task that standard program design often overlooks. As a result, the services provided may only partially resonate with the lived experiences of marginalized communities, limiting their effectiveness and failing to foster meaningful change.
CRITIQUES OF SYSTEMS CHANGE AND JEDI NARRATIVES
Systems Change and the broader JEDI framework have faced resistance from some quarters, with critics arguing that these initiatives challenge the existing status quo or politicize social services. However, it is crucial to recognize that Systems Change is not an attack on any specific group or established structure. Instead, it seeks to dismantle systemic barriers—entrenched policies, practices, and institutions that disproportionately disadvantage marginalized populations.
Critics often frame Systems Change as unnecessary activism. However, it is essential to view it as a pragmatic response to real needs. As social systems become outdated and incapable of addressing emerging societal changes, efforts to improve and adapt these systems become necessary for the benefit of those historically marginalized and the system’s efficiency and productivity.
THE IMPORTANCE OF SYSTEMS CHANGE
Systems Change is essential to designing and delivering effective, comprehensive, culturally appropriate social services. It allows organizations to rethink traditional models, identify systemic barriers, and introduce new, inclusive approaches that better serve diverse populations. Key advantages of Systems Change include:
- Cultural Relevance: Programs are designed with input from their communities, ensuring services align with cultural norms and values.
- Equity and Inclusion: Systems Change emphasizes dismantling structural inequalities and providing equal opportunities for marginalized groups.
- Efficiency and Effectiveness: Systems Change ensures that programs remain relevant and productive by adapting to society’s evolving needs.
Systems Change should be viewed as a redemptive effort to address the historical inequities perpetuated by colonial practices. These practices no longer suit our current multicultural reality and must be replaced with systems that genuinely serve all communities.
THE ROLE OF SYSTEMS ALTERNATIVES
In environments where Systems Change faces significant resistance, Systems Alternatives often emerge. These alternatives—designed and delivered to meet the community’s real and felt needs—can challenge and eventually replace existing systemic barriers. Systems Alternatives offer innovative solutions to longstanding issues when effectively implemented, making outdated systems obsolete.
Systemic barriers are practices or policies that, intentionally or unintentionally, exclude or disadvantage particular groups based on race, ethnicity, gender, or socioeconomic status. These retrogressive barriers prevent equitable access to opportunities and services and impede community growth and development.
SYSTEMS CHANGE: A RESPONSE TO REAL NEEDS, NOT AN ATTACK ON THE STATUS QUO
Systems are created to increase efficiency, address real needs, and enhance productivity. However, no system is designed to last forever. As societies evolve, demographic shifts, changes in values, and new challenges necessitate adapting or overhauling existing systems. Failure to adapt leads to systemic obstructions, discrimination, and inefficiencies.
Systems Change is a necessary response to these evolving needs. It is not about undermining the existing structures but rethinking and improving them to better serve the population. Regular assessments, stakeholder consultations, and data-driven advocacy can guide organizations in designing programs that meet the needs of their communities in a culturally appropriate manner.
A CALL TO ACTION
As a social researcher and advocate for community-driven development, I support Systems Change as a redemptive approach to addressing marginalized communities’ natural and pressing needs. I call on the gatekeepers of the current systems that create barriers to embrace systems change to become more inclusive and equitable in their program delivery. Systems must adapt, change, or iterate to remain effective and inclusive. When Systems Change is not possible, Systems Alternatives should be pursued to meet the needs of diverse populations. Ultimately, these efforts are not acts of resistance but to create a more just, inclusive, and effective society.
References
Government of Canada. (2020). Social inclusion and social policy: Research reports. https://www.canada.ca/en/social-inclusion
McConnell, A., & Drennan, L. (2019). Governing community change: Systems, policies, and people. Canadian Journal of Public Administration, 62(2), 123-138.
United Way of British Columbia. (2021). Systems change in nonprofit program design. https://www.unitedwaybc.org/systemschange