Today is a very exciting day! For the first time since 2001, the Systems Thinking, Systems Changing™ is available for purchase!
I was introduced to the Systems Thinking, Systems Changing™ simulation during my time as the Health Education Curriculum Specialist at the Oregon Department of Education during 2003-2006. I fell in love with the simulation, as I know many of you have! I observed genuine learning, growth, networking, and effective communication, all things both simulations hope to achieve.
Over the years, I befriended David Crandall, the Executive Director of The NETWORK Inc, the original non-profit that developed the simulations 35+ years ago. David and I discussed many revisions, opportunities, and edits as time progressed. In December of 2021, after negotiating terms and price, my national education business Cairn Guidance, fully purchased the intellectual property of both the Systems Thinking, Systems Changing™ and Making Change™ aka, “Change Game” simulations. Since that time, we have been working on updating a few things:
- In some cases, we have updated the names and titles of the 24 People you ‘play’ in the game.
- In some cases, we have updated the stages across the top of the gameboard.
- We have updated the logos, brand, and feel of the simulations. This means the game boards have an updated feel and look, as well as the wooden People pieces (we call them Meeples) and a few other details, for example, the Bits are a different color.
- The handouts have been updated with any People names or titles that were changed, but overall have the same content, but a different design.
- The Facilitator’s Guide has more information to support you, as the facilitator.
- The box you purchase will come with two game boards and materials, up to twelve people can play (six Participants per team).
- The handouts and materials are now online and downloadable.
The algorithm and process/play of the game is the same. The Activities are overall the same, with a few subtle title changes. If you knew the original versions, you could pick up these new versions and play with little to no preparation.
Our team offers a variety of options related to the simulations:
- Purchase the simulation online and facilitate yourself.
- Hire us to facilitate the simulations for you. We have an inquiry form that brings you to a survey asking a few questions on your needs. From this information we will provide a cost proposal.
- Attend the Training of Trainers (ToT), two-day, in person training, in Louisville August 14-15. For the first 25 people to purchase the Systems Thinking, Systems Changing™we are offering a free registration to this ToT.
The Systems Thinking, Systems Changing™ simulation is now available for purchase on our website at https://cairnguidance.com/store/ The Making Change™ aka, “Change Game” simulation is right behind it and we hope to have that available later in the Fall of 2024!
We are so excited to have these ready to go for the field again after over twenty years! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions. We would love to hear from you!
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