Before You Start
Given that communities are all unique, local systems change strategies may subsequently look different across various communities. It is critical that these strategies are thus implemented as part of a community-based effort that engages diverse community members and makes decisions based on data, research, and community buy-in. The following areas are essential precursors to implementing systems change strategies that appear on this menu.
An Understanding of Systems Change
The largest determinant of an individual’s health status is the community and environment in which they are raised and interact with others. This includes a person’s physical surroundings as well as the social and economic forces and structures that influence their decision-making and behaviors. Because the intervention is subsequently focused on changing the community or environment broadly and can thus have an impact on an entire population, we refer to these intervention efforts as systems changes, which include the creation or improvement of public policies, regulations, and community systems or structures.
Learn more about the importance of systems changes to address risk and protective factors.
Learn more about how we can identify and address core components of the systems and policies that either hold a problem in place or promote healthy behaviors in order to create positive and sustainable change.
A Focus on Deep Equity to Eliminate Health Disparities
The proposed systems change strategies in this menu focus on shifting structures within communities and environments that can have an effect on entire populations. While the subsequent reach of these efforts is admirable, these changes often do not address the true underlying conditions that most harmfully impact those who are part of groups that experience negative health outcomes more than others. Given this, there is a need to focus on deep equity, which involves partnership with those most impacted by health disparities in a community.
Learn more about how Deep Equity and Systems Change must occur simultaneously in order to achieve equitable systems change and reduce health disparities.
Strong and Healthy Community Coalitions
Community coalitions have the potential to catalyze important changes in the health and well-being of their communities by bringing together multiple agencies and individuals who share a common goal related to addressing large and complex community problems. Coalitions can help concentrate those involved on this common goal, create partnerships that may not have existed otherwise, and align the community’s approach to strategically address the areas of need related to the local problem.
If Focused on Youth, Practice 'Nothing About Us Without Us'
Positive Youth Development (PYD) engages youth within their communities to empower them to reach their full potential as they grow into adulthood. The PYD approach provides opportunities, builds skills, and builds authentic relationships with youth through engaging youth as partners, being collaborative, strengths-based, and inclusive, and ensuring sustainability.
Learn more about how to put PYD into Action in your community.
Informed by Local Data and Community Voice
Implementation of these systems change strategies should only occur when there is a need for the systems change strategy and buy-in from the local community. To understand whether a need exists and if there is broad support from the community, community coalitions should access and use local data and community voice.