WHY SYSTEMS CHANGE?
WHY NOW?

An intentional approach to shift the conditions that hold the current system in place. By doing so we will catalyse a shift away from the old, centrally controlled and often colonial humanitarian system to a new one, fairer and more just, that redistributes power and resources among local communities and to those directly affected by crises and disaster.

Supporting an alternative system to emerge

WHY SYSTEMS CHANGE?
WHY NOW?

An intentional approach to shift the conditions that hold the current system in place. By doing so we will catalyse a shift away from the old, centrally controlled and often colonial humanitarian system to a new one, fairer and more just, that redistributes power and resources among local communities and to those directly affected by crises and disaster.

Supporting an alternative system to emerge

Supporting an alternative system to emerge

A fundamental part of any systems change work is about describing and bringing to life the change that needs to happen - in this instance describing an alternative future for the humanitarian sector.

This is about creating a ‘north star’ that we and those we work with can align with and work toward. When we’re working within the messy, complex and changing humanitarian system; this north star gives us a shared direction to continue heading towards.

We’ve described some of the shifts in the system we think need to happen on the previous page. However our vision for a future humanitarian aid sector is:

‘A locally-led and proactive humanitarian system that is accountable to people affected by crisis, that saves more lives, promotes dignity and protects people from loss and harm.’

Achieving this vision can’t be achieved by Start Network alone. The challenges facing the humanitarian system or shifting toward a better and more equitable system will never be solved by a single organisation, group or network.

Aligning people, our work and our networks and experimenting with different ways to shift the system towards this new vision / north star; is the work of systems change.

It’s why we identify one of our organisational strengths as that of Influencer.

Start Network’s role in achieving this vision

We are [Start Network] an active part of the humanitarian aid system. This is important to say upfront. If we really want to bring about systems change then we have to acknowledge that we are not a passive or neutral player.

This means that we contribute to many of the challenges that exist within the sector, but also have the potential and a role to play in supporting the system to transform and change.

Right now, we hold a unique role in the sector. As we’ve outlined in our new strategy, we have a number of strengths that form our ‘Unique Offer’ as an organisation and network.

When brought together place us in a unique position to influence and support different parts of the humanitarian aid sector to shift or change.

As a Networker we support collaboration and linkages between our members and hubs to run initiatives and learning for system change

As a Funder we enable members to access rapid, early and risk-informed funding based on collective decision-making and local leadership

As an Innovator we promote continuous experimentation and testing of new ideas to tackle systemic challenges

As an Influencer we act as a catalyser and amplify voices of our network to accelerate change

Start Network’s role in achieving systems change vision
PREVIOUS: Why Systems Change
FORWARD: Experimenting towards a locally-led future