Design Systems for Sustainability
To design for sustainability, we have to be brave enough and daring enough to rip apart the pieces of who we have always been to make room for who we want to become.
One thing I propose is the re-designing of regionalization for growth. We’ve operated in regional structures for a while now, but we have not seen or experienced the success regionalization was supposed to bring. I propose a multi-level restructuring of our regions that would disrupt how we are used to doing things but align us more closely with our mission and values while operating more seamlessly.
First, we will work to fully staff all regional leadership teams! This will include hosting longer nomination periods and regional incentives for a complete team. Additionally, we will critically examine each regional leadership team’s current officers and reduce the size if necessary to ensure that it meets the level of work that needs to be done.
Next, I will work in collaboration with Regional Directors to streamline regional timelines across the entire organization. This will require regions to “let go” traditions that are not serving us to ensure that events and initiatives are scheduled at times when we can leverage collective support and collective planning.
We will also work to align all regional goals with national goals and the strategic plan. Regional leadership teams will be required to critically examine their by-laws for change opportunities, as well as submit a “change package” and/or annual goals as it aligns with the strategic plan.
Lastly, in a 2-year cycle, each region will be required to set growth goals. Goals should be co-created between RLTs and members of the region taking Undergraduate and GAP intake, as well as expansion and re-activation opportunities into consideration. Regions will work in collaboration with the national leadership teams to support their initiatives and meet their goals.
This proposal will bring regions to the forefront and hold our regional leadership teams accountable for aligning with national goals.