Leading for Equity in Complex Systems Institute

In-Person Institute

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About the Institute

Why do so many well intentioned equity efforts have such limited success—and even produce unintended negative consequences? Because we work in complex systems, where change is perpetual and uncertainty is a given, with complex problems where “solutions” abound but success is elusive. 

Equity challenges are particularly complex, with many entangled factors at play without a singular root cause. Traditional approaches to change and leadership are insufficient. Rather, emergent paths forward must be discovered through dynamic interactions of diverse people learning more about the challenge and taking many small actions that inform how they find their way forward together. 

In this Institute, you will:

  • Learn about what complexity really means and its implications for equity work;

  • Reflect on your own leadership through a complexity lens; and 

  • Learn frameworks and methods that can expand your approach to leadership and change work. 

Understanding more about complexity itself, and its implications for leadership, can open up whole new possibilities for approaching change efforts for equity. This course draws on an extensive body of theory, research and practice around complexity-informed systems change, as well as the National Equity Project’s 30+ years of experience in coaching and leading in complex systems.

Participants will:

  • Strengthen ways to see equity challenges within your system more clearly & understand the complex entangled factors leading to current outcomes and experiences

  • Understand the difference between complexity leadership and traditional leadership, why it matters for equity, and when to use either 

  • Explore key mindsets and approaches needed to address equity challenges and gain concrete strategies to move in the direction of your desired change 

  • Build your capacity to work with the discomfort of navigating complexity and tap into your agency to tackle equity challenges with others

  • Experience a supportive community of fellow colleagues working towards equity

  • Feel challenged and provoked to reconsider ways that you lead - and open new possibilities for your leadership 

  • Emerge better equipped and with greater confidence to navigate complexity as you lead for equity in your context and community.

Participants Say

I appreciated the opportunity to be able to think through a problem of practice in order to improve learning for the students in my school system.

– Troy Boddy, Montgomery Public Schools

“This institute is a must for leaders within any context who have the courage to both examine their leadership and it's impact on the complex systems they work within.”

– David Clifford, Learning Experience Designer

The National Equity Project always provides useful information and tools for my personal and professional life as I navigate the complex world of equity.

– Artrese Morrison, Health Leads

Frequently Asked Questions

    • Directors, Associate Superintendents, and others responsible for leading complex change efforts

    • Directors of Equity, DEI leaders, and/or school, district, and university teams working on equity or achievement gap initiatives

    • Executive and Leadership Teams

  • Because this Institute includes attention to building a learning community, we encourage full participation for the duration of the Institute.

  • Please see the event page for detailed payment info.

    Registration by credit card is our preferred method. We are a small (but mighty) organization and processing and collecting check payments for our events has a high administrative impact.

    Click here for information on paying by check or purchase order.

  • Information about cancellations and registration transfers can be viewed here.

  • Reach out to us at events@nationalequityproject.org