Matthew Mezey's activity
In group: Systems Convening community of practice
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Matthew Mezey posted an update in the group Systems Convening community of practice 9 months, 3 weeks ago
Hi all – thanks for joining this new Q Group, for Systems Conveners.
Please take a moment to introduce yourself: what is it that particularly interests you in Systems Convening?
I first heard about Systems Convening at a communities of practice day in Leeds, some years back. My ears pricked up, but it was only when I found a chapter about it that I really realised that it described so well some of the (more impactful) things I’m sometimes able to do.
I had a feeling the role of he Systems Convener might resonate with some Q members too…
Amongst others, I shared the chapter with the Lankelly Chase Foundation – as it seemed so close to what they were trying to do.
When they finally got round to looking, they realised I was on to something, and they then organised an event with the Wenger-Trayners to create a community of practice for systems change folk, or something like that.
Though the event didn’t really work for its stated aim – possibly as they’d invited so many senior leaders, rather than likely CoP joiners – I did get into a conversation with Etienne and Bev Wenger-Trayner, and ended up asking them if they’d write a book about System Conveners. They wrote one, including interviews with some Q members. I convened the funding for the book from a number of different organisations 😉
The book seemed to really strike a chord with people, with many finally finding a name for what they have been doing. Some people even cried (the Wenger-Trayners have shared).
Latest development is that a community of practice is about to launch. It’s been a joint thing also involving the London Borough of Hackney and the Mayday Trust. I’ll post separately about it.
The launch is probably on Tuesday 31st October (11am – 1pm).
I am drawn to this CoP as throughout my career I have sought to find ways to connect people who see the world through different lens, but share a common goal. I recognise the complexity of systems that people work within as well as the diversity of views and priorities. That this multi layered, multifaceted world can make meaningful connections a real challenge, yet I believe unless we find ways to move out of our silos and work together then the challenges we each face, no matter what lens we use, will remain. I am curious to learn more from the CoP that I can apply in work I am doing with others to help build those connections and understanding which can lead to real change, achieved through those connections
Hilda
Hey everyone and thanks Matthew for convening the group and getting the introductions going.
I’m really drawn to this group as I’ve been systems convening for as long as I can remember but I had no idea that is what I did!!! To me, this just makes sense and is how I approach the world of change. I love meeting people from all different walks of life, thinking creatively and differently about a better world and then finding things that we can do together that we can’t do on our own.
I found it very intriguing to find this group and to also read the Wengers book about this and it helped me to better understand why I do the things I do, why it works and what some of the challenges are…
And hopefully so that more people do this and they system recognises its value 🙂
Great to meet others who either do this or have an interest in it, hence why I’m here. All the best, Will
Hello, I am currently working on a research project- https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/researcher/what-is-thrive/ – that will pilot system convening with academic teams and I am trying to learn as much I can about system convening and connect with others who are convening and or interested in getting involved in the co-design of the model/models.
I guess also I am a convenor on this project as it involves many stakeholders, and participants! One of my responsiblities is to uncover the wants/needs of everyone and weave this into a usable model…