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Joel Hartter

This course focuses on communities and organizations in transition, and using the skills and new knowledge you have to lead change. In this course, we will discuss fundamentals of sustainability and resilience. We then go over the essentials of being a change maker. This course will provide further opportunity for skill building. We will go over asset mapping and needs assessments, two important skills that will be used for you to work with your clients so understand community and organizational needs, and have broad engagement, and use a systems-based approach to so that that the community can define its own needs and identify its own assets. This course will have three modules. Sustainability & Resilience will provide the basic principles of sustainability and resilience so that you will know the difference of these concepts and potential means of implementing them in your workplace and place of practice. In Needs Assessment & Asset Mapping, I will go over two important techniques that provide the community and organization needs front and center and allow you to engage stakeholders so that they have a voice and are involved throughout the process. Systems Thinking for Change will focus on using systems thinking principles as a changemaker, and provides tips and motivation for making change. Whether you work in a Fortune 500 company or a small non-profit, are a community organizer, it is time for you to step up and step out and put your new knowledge into practice. The road won’t always be easy and often non-liner. But real change requires radical change and true and genuine engagement with the people who will see and experience that change every day.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Sustainability and Resilience
Needs Assessment and Asset Thinking
Systems Thinking for Change
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores the fundamentals of sustainability and resilience, providing a comprehensive foundation for understanding these important concepts
Emphasizes the role of change makers in implementing sustainable and resilient practices, highlighting the importance of leadership in driving positive change
Provides practical tools and techniques for community engagement, such as asset mapping and needs assessments, empowering learners to effectively engage with stakeholders and identify community needs

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Reviews summary

Learn to lead community change

According to learners, this course provides a solid theoretical and practical foundation for leading change in communities and organizations. Many found the course concepts valuable, particularly the modules on Sustainability & Resilience and Systems Thinking. The techniques of Needs Assessment & Asset Mapping were highlighted as useful tools. While the course is widely seen as inspiring and motivating, some learners noted it can be challenging to apply the concepts directly in real-world complex situations without additional context or practice. Overall, it's considered a highly recommended program for those looking to understand and initiate community transformation.
Relevant to various professional fields.
"As someone in non-profit management, I found this directly relevant to my work."
"Even working in a corporate setting, the principles of systems thinking and stakeholder engagement are applicable."
"The course feels useful for community organizers, policy makers, and engaged citizens alike."
"It brings together ideas relevant across sectors, from business to community development."
"Useful for anyone involved in leading or participating in group initiatives."
Motivates learners to become change makers.
"This course is truly inspiring and makes you feel equipped and motivated to actually 'step up and step out'."
"It wasn't just academic; it really pushed me to think about my role in creating change."
"Felt empowered by the course's focus on becoming a changemaker in my own community."
"Provides the push needed to start applying the learned skills in real situations."
"The call to action resonates strongly and encourages practical application."
Covers essential principles of change.
"The systems thinking module really opened my eyes to the complexity of change and how to approach it holistically."
"Gained a much deeper understanding of sustainability and resilience beyond just environmental aspects."
"The theoretical grounding in sustainability and resilience was robust and well-explained."
"I found the concepts of systems thinking particularly insightful for long-term strategy."
"It provides a solid conceptual framework for understanding how change happens."
Offers practical techniques for community work.
"The sections on needs assessment and asset mapping were incredibly practical and gave me concrete tools to use immediately."
"I appreciate learning about asset mapping; it's a shift from just focusing on needs and feels more empowering."
"The course provides valuable frameworks like asset mapping that I can integrate into my work with local groups."
"Learned about needs assessment and asset mapping, which are directly applicable skills."
"These techniques are vital for engaging stakeholders effectively in any project."
Applying concepts can be challenging.
"While the concepts are clear, bridging the gap from theory to implementing 'radical change' in complex organizations feels challenging."
"I wish there were more case studies or examples showing how these tools work in diverse, messy real-world scenarios."
"Applying the systems thinking approach requires significant practice beyond the course material."
"Translating the course's high-level ideas into concrete action steps can be difficult."
"The course provides the 'what' and 'why', but the 'how' in specific contexts needs more development."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Transforming Communities with these activities:
Review Principles of Sustainability
Reviewing the principles of sustainability will prepare you with the necessary foundational knowledge to build upon during the course.
Browse courses on Sustainability
Show steps
  • Read the course materials on sustainability principles.
  • Take notes on the key concepts and definitions.
  • Create a mind map or concept diagram to organize your understanding.
Revisit Sustainability Core Concepts
Reinforce your understanding of essential sustainability principles to prepare for this course.
Browse courses on Sustainability
Show steps
  • Review key concepts such as triple bottom line, life cycle assessment, and environmental justice.
  • Explore case studies to see how these principles are applied in practice.
Develop a Sustainability Mission Statement
Articulate your commitment to sustainability by creating a concise mission statement that aligns with the course content.
Browse courses on Sustainability Goals
Show steps
  • Brainstorm and gather input from stakeholders.
  • Draft a mission statement that reflects your core values and sustainability aspirations.
  • Refine and finalize the mission statement.
Six other activities
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Show all nine activities
Conduct a Needs Assessment
Conducting a mock needs assessment will provide you with hands-on experience in applying the techniques you will learn in the course.
Browse courses on Needs Assessment
Show steps
  • Identify a specific community or organization to focus on.
  • Develop a survey or interview questions to gather data on needs.
  • Administer the survey or conduct interviews.
  • Analyze the data to identify key needs.
  • Prepare a report summarizing your findings.
Community and Stakeholder Engagement Exercises
Enhance your skills in engaging with communities and stakeholders to foster collaboration and support for sustainability initiatives.
Browse courses on Community Engagement
Show steps
  • Practice conducting stakeholder interviews.
  • Develop a community engagement plan.
  • Role-play scenarios involving stakeholder conflicts.
Participate in a Local Sustainability Project
Gain practical experience and contribute to real-world sustainability efforts by volunteering with an organization in your community.
Show steps
  • Research and identify local sustainability organizations.
  • Contact the organization and express your interest in volunteering.
  • Participate in project activities and learn from experienced professionals.
Attend a Sustainability Leadership Workshop
Expand your knowledge and network with like-minded professionals by attending a workshop focused on sustainability leadership and change-making.
Show steps
  • Research and identify relevant workshops.
  • Register for a workshop that aligns with your interests.
  • Attend the workshop and actively participate in discussions and activities.
Develop a Change Management Plan
Creating a change management plan will allow you to apply the principles of systems thinking and change management to a real-world scenario.
Browse courses on Change Management
Show steps
  • Identify a specific change initiative to focus on.
  • Conduct a stakeholder analysis to identify key stakeholders.
  • Develop a communication plan to engage stakeholders and manage resistance.
  • Create a timeline and budget for the change initiative.
  • Monitor and evaluate the progress of the change initiative.
Develop a Sustainability Plan for a Local Organization
Apply your knowledge and skills to create a comprehensive sustainability plan for a local organization, fostering their transition to more sustainable practices.
Show steps
  • Conduct a sustainability assessment for the organization.
  • Develop goals, strategies, and action plans.
  • Present your plan to the organization's leadership and stakeholders.

Career center

Learners who complete Transforming Communities will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Community Organizer
A Community Organizer works with community members to identify and address issues. A Community Organizer may also develop and implement community programs and services. This course may be useful to a Community Organizer as it provides a foundation in sustainability and resilience. It also covers needs assessment and asset mapping, which can be helpful for understanding community needs and developing effective programs.
Environmental Consultant
An Environmental Consultant helps businesses and organizations comply with environmental regulations. An Environmental Consultant may also conduct environmental impact assessments and develop sustainability plans. This course may be useful to an Environmental Consultant as it provides a foundation in sustainability and resilience. It also covers systems thinking for change, which can be helpful for developing and implementing effective sustainability plans.
Urban Planner
An Urban Planner designs and plans cities and towns. An Urban Planner may also work with community members to develop and implement plans. This course may be useful to an Urban Planner as it provides a foundation in sustainability and resilience. It also covers systems thinking for change, which can be helpful for developing and implementing effective urban plans.
Policy Analyst
A Policy Analyst researches and analyzes public policy issues. A Policy Analyst may also develop and recommend policy solutions. This course may be useful to a Policy Analyst as it provides a foundation in sustainability and resilience. It also covers systems thinking for change, which can be helpful for developing and implementing effective policy solutions.
Systems Engineer
A Systems Engineer designs and develops complex systems. A Systems Engineer may also work with other engineers to integrate different systems. This course may be useful to a Systems Engineer as it provides a foundation in sustainability and resilience. It also covers systems thinking for change, which is essential for developing and implementing effective systems solutions.
Grant Writer
A Grant Writer writes grant proposals to secure funding for nonprofit organizations and government agencies. A Grant Writer may also research and identify potential funding sources. This course may be useful to a Grant Writer as it provides a foundation in sustainability and resilience. It also covers needs assessment and asset mapping, which can be helpful for understanding community needs and developing effective grant proposals.
Program Manager
A Program Manager plans and implements programs and services. A Program Manager may also oversee the budget and staff of a program. This course may be useful to a Program Manager as it provides a foundation in sustainability and resilience. It also covers needs assessment and asset mapping, which can be helpful for understanding community needs and developing effective programs.
Sustainability Manager
A Sustainability Manager develops and implements strategies to reduce a company's environmental impact. A Sustainability Manager may also work with employees to promote sustainability practices. This course may be useful to a Sustainability Manager as it provides a foundation in sustainability and resilience. It also covers systems thinking for change, which can be helpful for developing and implementing effective sustainability strategies.
Nonprofit Manager
A Nonprofit Manager oversees the operations of a nonprofit organization. A Nonprofit Manager may also develop and implement programs and services. This course may be useful to a Nonprofit Manager as it provides a foundation in sustainability and resilience. It also covers needs assessment and asset mapping, which can be helpful for understanding community needs and developing effective programs.
Project Manager
A Project Manager plans and executes projects. A Project Manager may also oversee the budget and team of a project. This course may be useful to a Project Manager as it provides a foundation in sustainability and resilience. It also covers systems thinking for change, which can be helpful for developing and implementing effective project plans.
Social Worker
A Social Worker helps people cope with personal and social problems. A Social Worker may also develop and implement programs and services to address social issues. This course may be useful to a Social Worker as it provides a foundation in sustainability and resilience. It also covers needs assessment and asset mapping, which can be helpful for understanding community needs and developing effective programs.
Operations Manager
An Operations Manager oversees the day-to-day operations of a business or organization. An Operations Manager may also develop and implement policies and procedures. This course may be useful to an Operations Manager as it provides a foundation in sustainability and resilience. It also covers systems thinking for change, which can be helpful for developing and implementing effective operating procedures.
Business Analyst
A Business Analyst analyzes business processes and systems. A Business Analyst may also develop and implement solutions to improve business efficiency. This course may be useful to a Business Analyst as it provides a foundation in sustainability and resilience. It also covers systems thinking for change, which can be helpful for developing and implementing effective business solutions.
Consultant
A Consultant provides expert advice and guidance to businesses and organizations. A Consultant may also develop and implement solutions to business problems. This course may be useful to a Consultant as it provides a foundation in sustainability and resilience. It also covers systems thinking for change, which can be helpful for developing and implementing effective consulting solutions.
Community Health Director
A Community Health Director leads efforts to improve the health of a community. A Community Health Director may help develop, implement, and evaluate health programs and services. This course may be useful to a Community Health Director as it provides a foundation in sustainability and resilience. It also covers needs assessment and asset mapping, which can be helpful for understanding community needs and developing effective programs.

Reading list

We've selected eight books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Transforming Communities.
Provides a comprehensive overview of community organizing and development, covering topics such as leadership, power dynamics, coalition-building, and advocacy. It offers practical guidance for community practitioners and organizers.
Explores the concept of resilience, focusing on how individuals and communities can adapt and thrive in the face of challenges. It provides practical strategies for building resilience and promoting well-being.
Introduces the principles of design thinking, a human-centered approach to problem-solving and innovation. It provides practical tools and techniques for applying design thinking in various contexts.
Explores the concept of collective impact, a collaborative approach to solving complex social problems. It provides a framework for aligning stakeholders, measuring progress, and evaluating impact.
Offers a comprehensive set of principles for personal and professional success. It provides insights into decision-making, goal-setting, and managing relationships.
Explores the concept of disruptive innovation and its implications for established organizations. It offers insights into how to manage innovation and adapt to changing市场 dynamics.

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