Call for Submissions : Exploring the Intersections of Equity, Systems Change, & Collective Leadership✨

Illuminate, a cluster of “systems change” practitioners, academics, and funders seeks 10  high-quality content pieces (articles, audio-visual submissions, photo-essays) that explore the intersections of equity, systems change, and collective leadership for a series of online publications in 2024.

This online series aims to create dialogue while engaging in knowledge production about systems change, collective leadership and equity. Illuminate invites systems change, equity and collective leadership  practitioners of all backgrounds and persuasions to write articles/blogs and create content on insights from systems change initiatives within their respective fields.

As a first step we are asking authors/creators to submit an abstract or summary of the intended piece. Submissions will be accepted in English or Spanish until October 21, 2023.

Please note that an honorarium of $3,000 (US) will be provided to those invited to submit completed pieces/articles.

Background

Systems thinking is becoming more popular among funders and social change organizations as a way of working effectively with the complexity and emergence that’s inherent in systemic challenges. However, while thinking and acting more systematically is in concept a positive development, if the underlying power dynamics and our biases toward siloed, unilateral action don’t also shift, we’ll fail to realize the real potential of systems change. It’s imperative that we learn how to integrate systems thinking, collective action, and equity practices if we are to truly realize systemic change.

To facilitate this process Illuminate has created an Editorial Team co-ordinated by an Editorial Coordinator. This Editorial Team will shape and hold the frame and intent of the series through the selection and review of authors, written content, audio-visual submissions, photo-essays, and reader engagements. Each writer will be expected to engage in at least one engagement activity related to their blog to support reader learning and interaction with the articles/blogs/contents. The intent is to increase engagement, learning, and action associated with the content over time so we plan to offer engagements, such as webinars, related to the content topics.The pieces will be published through Illuminate and leverage our unique network of practitioners, funders and organizations.

Focus

We believe that equity, systems change, and collective leadership are mutually reinforcing in powerful ways, and may even be interdependent requirements for achieving lasting systemic change. We, therefore, see these three areas as our “three dimensions of systems change.” We encourage authors and content creators to share their diverse perspectives on why that might be the case, how these three dimensions reinforce or need one another, what the synergies are when we embrace all three, and what negative outcomes we might produce when we embrace some dimensions to the neglect of the others. We want pieces that are rich in illustrative examples or case examples. Example article topics might include:

• Exploring interactions or interdependencies between two or more dimensions, for example: systems thinking doesn’t mean equity: the imperative for integration or why systems change requires diversity and inclusion

• Exploring dynamics or underlying mindsets that influence all three dimensions, such as reconfiguring power in systems: case studies and reflections, the power of letting go: how philanthropy can enable more equitable and more powerful systems for change, or decolonizing systems change: how dominant ways of knowing, being, and doing undermine systemic change and what we can do about it.

Author Eligibility

The editorial team intends to gather a set of 10 authors and content creators who represent diverse and compelling and/or challenging perspectives on this topic. We encourage seasoned authors and content creators who know that they would benefit from editorial support in order to produce and promote their work. Some of the criteria we will look for when reviewing the abstracts (for conventional articles) and/or content concept notes are:

·       An informed perspective based on your own direct research and/or experience with one or more of the dimensions we’re focusing on.

·       Proven ability to deliver well-developed, engaging content for dissemination online. 

·       Ability to conduct thorough research and synthesize insights from diverse sources into engaging and informative content.

·       Creativity and the ability to bring your original ideas and perspectives to the content creation/writing process.

·       Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Submission Assessment Factors 

To help ensure that submitted works achieve the desired impact of this series, we will assess proposed works based on the following factors.

1. Exploration of interplays among three pillars: Equity, Systems Change, and Collective Leadership. The extent to which the submission explores and analyzes the dynamic interplays between the three pillars of Equity, Systems Change, and Collective Leadership.

2. Has high transformational potential in the field of systems change. The extent to which the submission offers ideas, perspectives, insights  or raises questions that have the potential to significantly contribute to the advancement and transformation of systems change practices.

3. Presents non-dominant perspectives that have the potential for impact. The extent to which the submission showcases perspectives that challenge dominant hegemonic viewpoints, offering fresh and impactful ideas from underrepresented voices.

4. Presents unique perspectives, innovative ideas, and creative approaches to the theme of the series. The extent to which the submission showcases creative and original approaches to the theme, fostering new ways of thinking and engagement. Note that we prefer original, unpublished pieces.

5. Clear message and structure. The extent to which the submission presents a clear central message or argument, supported by well-structured content that flows logically.

6. Please note that the word count for accepted written articles will be 1,500-3000 words and for video or audio content, 5-30 minutes length.

Author Responsibilities

1. Research: Conduct thorough research on the assigned topic, consulting diverse and credible sources to gather compelling insights and illustrative examples.

2. Content Planning: Develop a clear outline or structure for the piece , organizing key points, subheadings, and supporting details to create a logical and coherent flow of information.

3. If Writing: Draft a well-crafted blog article that engages readers, showcases a conversational and inviting writing style, and delivers valuable insights or information related to the topic.

4. Image Selection: Identify 2-3 relevant and engaging images to complement the article, ensuring proper attribution and copyright compliance.

5. If Creating Content: compile coherent, impactful and relevant content in the form of a photo-essay, audio-visual submission and/or another intellectually challenging, critical and creative output.

6. Timeliness: Complete the article within the given deadline, allowing sufficient time for editing and revisions if necessary.

7. Collaboration: Communicate effectively with the Editorial Coordinator, editorial team, incorporating feedback from the editorial team,and making necessary revisions to meet editorial guidelines and maintain the Blog Series style and tone.

8. Engagement: Be available to join at least one engagement activity ie. a webinar

 TO APPLY

As a first step we are asking authors/creators to submit an abstract or summary of the intended piece.. Please prepare the following proposal elements and submit them here

Your name and biography; for papers with multiple authors, please designate the corresponding author

• Title of proposed article/content piece 

• Proposed article abstract or content concept in the case of non-written submissions

• Why you believe the proposed article/content piece will advance or challenge current thinking and practice in our field(s)

• Your background and experience and its relevance to the proposed topic

• 2 example articles, or content pieces, in the case of non-written submissions

Submissions will be accepted in English or Spanish until October 21, 2023.

We prefer original, unpublished pieces. If you have questions regarding our preferences, criteria, or any aspect of the application process, please email Illuminate: illuminatesystemschange@gmail.com