Seeing, Thinking and Acting in Systems is a five week foundational course in systems thinking, systems change and systems aware storytelling. The course is informed by everything we’ve learnt at TACSI about working effectively in complex systems.

This short course is based on, what learners have told us, are the most transformational modules in Foundations in Social Innovation (FINSI). You’ll explore working in systems through key theories, thinkers, practitioners and case studies from around the world as well as TACSI’s own work.

The course is relevant to practitioners, leaders and funders who aim to do, support, or create the conditions for working in systems. Whilst the course is relevant for beginners, practitioners with decades of experience have also found it valuable.

If, after completing this course, you want to complete the full Foundations in Social Innovation course (and we hope you do) we’ll discount what you paid from this course from the price of FINSI.

Based on the principles that guide TACSI's work

  • Allyship with First Nations Peoples, Knowledges and Country

  • Thinking and acting systemically

  • Rigour in imagination and experimentation

  • Decision making through diversity

  • Learn and grow together

Your facilitator

Chris Vanstone

Chief Innovation Officer, TACSI

Chris started his career designing biscuits and razors before transitioning into social innovation over 20 years ago. As TACSI’s CIO, he’s responsible for keeping TACSI at the cutting edge of social innovation, playing a big role in the development of our practice, major initiatives and strategy. Chris’ goal is to democratise social innovation. He’s always striving to get important concepts into the world in ways that are clear.

What you'll experience

  • 5 x 1hr live zoom sessions - With a group of your fellow learners, live sessions recap on the main learning points, provide a space for personal reflection and feature interactive learning experiences to deepen your understanding.

  • The course podcast – Hosted by Chris featuring thinkers, writers and practitioners from around the world talking about their work. Each episode introduces a module.

  • The coursedeck – Somewhere between a course book and a slide deck the course deck summarises the main learning points, frameworks, and visual references, complementing the podcast and live sessions.

  • Read or listen list – A list of books, articles and audiobooks to extend your systems learning.

Six things you'll learn

  • Strategies for thinking in systems

  • Six ways to model systems

  • Three processes for facilitating change in systems

  • A set of principles for storytelling systems

  • Case studies in systems change work

  • What this means for you, your organisation and the system that you work in

Timing and pricing

August 2024 Intake

**Class almost at capacity, contact [email protected] to check for places or join waitlist**

Duration:
5 weeks, starting 30 August 2024

Commitment:
One hour a week podcast listening, and one hour a week live zoom session.

Timing:
Live sessions are held 12:30pm - 1.30pm AEST on Fridays
30 August; 6, 13, 20 & 27 September (5 weeks)

Technology:
Hosted online via Zoom
Learning materials accessible via web browser including 5 hours of podcasts

Price: 

To support learners with limited access to professional development funding, we offer two prices for enrolments.

For organisation-funded learners:

This price is for learners with access to organisational funding such as professional development budgets.

AUD $875 per participant inclusive taxes
(AUD $795.45 ex GST in Australia)

For self-funded learners:

This price is to support learners without access to funding from an organisation. 

AUD $563 per participant inclusive taxes
(AUD $511.82 ex GST in Australia)


Receipt:
On purchase you will receive a receipt  by email that will show GST for customers in Australia.

Scholarships and subsidies:
Limited free places available for First Nations people, people with lived experience, and low-income earners. If you are seeking one of these places, email [email protected] for more information.

Course curriculum

  1. Welcome!

  2. Essential Links

  3. Week 1: Thinking in Systems

  4. Week 2: Modelling Systems

  5. Week 3: Acting in Systems

  6. Week 4: Stories of Systems

About this course

  • $875.00
  • Starts 30 August 2024
  • 5 Modules

Secure your spot

Any questions? Get in touch with TACSI’s Learning Coordinator ([email protected])

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What learners said

“Chris casts the net of this course broad enough that both Social Innovators and people from adjacent fields will find new value and stretch within the diverse content but also deep enough that it will likely provoke revelations for all. The group dialogues accompanying each module allow the time to explore topics deeply and draw parallels with your own practice. I also don't know of another course that more comprehensively weaves First Nations storytelling throughout.”

Participant, 2022

“FINSI creates a much needed space for those practicing and interested in social innovation to explore in depth the current practices and methods in Australia and the world. The course foregrounds First Nations wisdom and masterfully weaves stories and practice with what these concepts mean for your context. Highly recommended for those looking for a well rounded, carefully crafted experience that prioritises learning, reflection and connection.”

Participant, 2021

FAQs

  • Are there any scholarships or subsidies?

    Yes, we reserve two free places per network cohort for First Nations applicants, folks with lived expertise, and low-income earners. Contact our Learning Coordinator, via email ([email protected]) to request your place. We also offer reduced fees for learners who don't have access to organisational funding, please see purchase page for option to select that price.

  • Can I pay in instalments?

    Yes you can. Contact our learning co-ordinator on [email protected] to arrange.

  • Can I register a group?

    Absolutely. Creating the conditions for social innovation is a collective endeavour. Enrolling as an organisation (or group of organisations) will help you build a shared understanding and shared language, while giving you the opportunity to work through challenges specific to your context. Contact our Learning Coordinator, via email ([email protected]) to talk about your options.

  • How long will I have access?

    You will have lifelong access to the course materials.

  • Will I get a certificate?

    Yes, you will be presented with a certificate on completing the course.

  • What if I can’t make all the sessions?

    You will still have access to all the materials from that session. We do not record sessions, but we will endeavour to catch you up in the next session.

  • What if I realise I can’t attend the course after purchasing it?

    Courses are non-refundable. If you are not able to make a course, and let us know more than 14 days before the start date, we will issue you a credit note (valid for 12 months) for use in a later network or course. At any point before the start date of the network you can transfer your place to a colleague at no additional cost. Contact our Learning Coordinator, via email ([email protected]) if you have any questions.

  • Can I get a tax invoice?

    When you purchase via our secure online platform a tax invoice will be sent to your email address.

  • Who can I talk to about any other questions?

    You can speak with our Learning Coordinator, via email ([email protected]) or the contact form below.