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STRATEGIES
ACTIVITIES
PLANS
THEORY (FRAMEWORK) FOR CHANGE
Political, Economic, Social Context
Self-Interest
Mental Models
Cultural Biases
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Definitions of Theory of Change
• An explicit presentation of the assumptions about how
changes are expected to happen within any particular
context and in relation to a particular intervention. A
theory of change maps out which actors have to do what in
order to achieve and sustain a vision of success, and
identifies the major linkages between them.
http://www.keystoneaccountability.org/glossary
• A description of all the building blocks required to bring
about a given long-term goal. This set of connected building
blocks–interchangeably referred to as outcomes, results,
accomplishments, or preconditions is depicted on a map
known as a pathway of change/change framework, which is
a graphic representation of the change process.
• http://www.theoryofchange.org/about/what-is-theory-ofchange/
Framework for Change
• a type of umbrella strategy for a group or
community tackling a complex challenge (e.g.
poverty),
• has roots in Theory of Change thinking,
• emerged/coined in Vibrant Communities
Canada from 2002-12 due to challenges in
traditional approaches to planning.
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Elements
Defining/Framing
Poverty
Roles/Functions
Of Change-Makers
Causes of Poverty
Principles, Values To
Guide Action
Pathways to Change
(Strategies)
Anticipated
Outcomes
The Case for a FfC
1. Sharpens shared strategic thinking about the
challenge of poverty.
2. Guides people in the selection of strategies
and activities.
3. Shapes evaluation measurements and
activities.
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The Challenge of Developing a FfC
Implicit
Explicit
Fragmented
Shared
Wobbly
Robust
Building Overlap (Alignment) in FfCs
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Examples
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VC Edmonton:
Evolution of Framework for Change
Start (2002)
Framing of Poverty Family Economic Success
(2008)
Family Economic Success
Target Group
Working Poor Families,
particularly lone parents, First
Nations, and recent immigrants
All “poor” families in two
vulnerable neighborhoods.
Underlying Causes
Low Paying Jobs, Weak Economy,
Low Minimum Wages, Inadequate
Job Skills
Low Paying Jobs, Low Minimum
Wages, Inadequate Job Skills, Poor
Links to Jobs on Outskirts
Pathways for
Change
Incubate “promising” initiatives
and/or help scale them up.
Link neighborhood residents to
good jobs outside of region.
Roles
Broker ideas and partnerships to
design, delivery and scaling of
promising initiatives.
Mobilize major players within a
neighborhood and the larger
economy to develop solutions.
Anticipated
Outcomes
Assist 1,000 families achieve
family economic success in three
years.
Reduce the number of families from
12,500 to 6,000 in the
neighborhoods in 10 years.
Discussion
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IN PAIRS
• Share with a colleague your answers to the following
questions:
How do you define
poverty?
What do you think
the causes of poverty
are?
What do you think the
pathways out of poverty are
In your community??
What is your overlap?
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