Theory U: Transforming Capitalism Lab
I think a lot...and act on a tiny fraction of it. Fives are always gathering more information in preparation for sharing what they know with the world (see my post on Dawdling). I'm using the Transforming Capitalism Lab framework/process to gather and distill my thoughts about solutions to poverty (move from idea to action). This will also inform/support our (COTS) existing theory of change--which is agile enough to learn and at any given time is prototyping and piloting in various points in the organizational system. What I'll be sharing here is from my TCL Online Workbook https://www.presencing.org/#/transforming-capitalism-lab .
Workbook Process for Prototyping
From the Theory U framework, this helps me to move from the top left side of the U where the mode of "downloading past patterns" is brought into awareness to "suspending" in order to see with "fresh eyes" is practiced. So, my "intention" is a work in progress [emerging thoughts in brackets in gray] because it's likely being informed based on past patterns, downloading, and ways of seeing--which in turn are the result of "the interior of the intervenor". This process will guide me in connecting my intention to the future I am trying to create--disrupting the "downloading" that has us all creating results that none of us want. This, is the start of Leading From the Future...
Aligning your deeper intention
Describe the intention that brings you here, what future are you trying to create?
I believe that solutions to the key challenges of humanity lie with and within the collective knowledge Thinking and connecting globally, joining others across sectors in bringing a systems approach to moving people out of/eliminating poverty is now possible.
Poverty is about much more than a lack of money. Its roots are deeply hidden and often un-discussable. The wars on it lack real intelligence data and the proper weapons (truth) to address the real perpetrators (causes). I want to help bring this hidden part of the system into clearer view in a way that highlights that it is indeed a result that we are all producing and that nobody wants (even if they believe that they do). [those in power who benefit from our the current extreme form of capitalism and support low wages and other drivers within the system aren't making the connection to outcomes that they don't want. They don't have a true view of the entire system and what it is that they--as a part of the system-- are reproducing]
There seem to be differences in how poverty exists and persists in a system depending on one's place on the planet (down to the neighborhood). As I read about poverty and solutions in other parts of the world beyond the United States I think I see differences...but this may be the result of old ways of thinking, etc. . No doubt some things are common to the system but not all. [actually, it all has to be connected since ultimately everything is connected but bringing this part of the system into awareness may reveal different drivers and strategies needed ].
The wealth and income gap has a greater impact on those with the least (at the bottom). While the system has attempted "fixes" to poverty and even wages unsuccessful "war on poverty" the root causes persist and exists unaddressed. What we have and continue to see is the generational persistence of poverty. In my mind it is the acknowledgement of the system by the system that poverty exists in the future through the children in families living in poverty now. That being said, I find myself wondering what questions those of us focused on eliminating poverty are not asking. AND at the same time I am very encouraged by some of what is emerging:
https://kresge.org/library/marygrove-partnership-unprecedented-model-neighborhood-revitalization
I serve at COTS, an organization that is taking a long-term approach to engaging families in poverty through coaching, mentoring, and partnership. We believe that these relationships are the revealers of solutions and a part of our learning journeys individually and organizationally. Our Theory of Change calls for partnership with families in poverty beyond any time-limited programming or funding because we believe sustained relationship has to be at the center of any successful intervention or effort.
The future that I am trying to create is one where the mechanisms or drivers of poverty at the root/below the waterline are addressed until they no longer exist/are transformed. Capitalism as it is in it's current form is a driver and mechanism of poverty and must be transformed; and that is what the Transforming Capitalism Lab is about.
