Summary
Systems mapping is an important element of any strategy for systemic change (see our guide on Systems Thinking for more on this). Since systems are made up of a complex web of forces and relationships, and underpinned by mental models (values, beliefs and assumptions), then “mapping” these forces, relationships and mental models can be a key step towards developing an understanding of the system you want to change and developing effective strategies to shift it. This guide dives into three tools that can be used for this purpose as part of a campaign design process: system maps, network maps and narrative power analysis.
If you’re new to systems thinking, then we recommend starting with our more general guide on Systems Thinking for Campaigning and Organising before delving into this one.
Table of Contents
- Disclaimer / request for your help 1
- Summary 1
- Who’s doing it? 1
- Impact / Why do this? 2
- When to do this 4
- What this requires (people, resources, etc.) 4
- Setup + stages 7
- Tricky parts + fixes 19
- Further resources 20
- Who can help with this? 21
- Attribution 22
Access the full document on Google Docs OR download the PDF from the box at the bottom of this page.
For other guides from Blueprints for Change see the Blueprints for Change collection on the Commons.
Explore Further
- For other guides from Blueprints for Change see the Blueprints for Change collection on the Commons
- Systems Thinking for Campaigning and Organising
- Systems Thinking and Campaigning: An Interview with Nicky Ison
- Open University Systems Thinking Hub
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