Categories
Social System Mapping with sumApp and Kumu
Social System Mapping - A new approach to mapping, pioneered by Greater than the Sum, using our data-gathering tool sumApp and the Kumu.io platform. This is where we get started and find our way around.Visionaries/Envisioning: SSM for the Visionary Hat
Everything that happens BEFORE you start setting up sumApp: - How to catalyze a new mapping project. - How to engage the community from the beginning. - How to start to plan the map. Discussions related to purpose, buy-in, starting.Technicians/Mapping: SSM for the Technology Hat
Everything about getting the vision into sumApp and then into Kumu, so the SenseMakers can make use of the map: - Managing sumApp - Managing Kumu - Dealing with data - Visualizing data This is where we talk about the technology.SenseMakers/Sensemaking: SSM for the SenseMakers
Related to what to do with the map once it's done: - Learning - teaching others to 'read' the map. - Using systems-thinking and action-inquiry to mine the map. - Embedding the map into the everyday. Discussions about 'completed' maps.In the News
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Recent Topics
OnRamp - Session Recording - 7/10/23 - Katy Mamen shares an Ecosystem of Collaboration for Water Justice and Resilience
Thank you to Katy Mamen for sharing this mapping project around an Ecosystem of collaboration for water justice and resilience. It is so valuable to see these Social System Maps being used in a variety of contexts for community members to learn from andDeepDive - Session Recording - 6/19/23 - Jim Best Shares a Story of Use Cases from our Community Contributions to Social System Mapping
A huge thank you to Jim Best for leaning deeper into Mary Roscoe's work from last month to facilitate this DeepDive discussion on the use cases that have presented themselves from reflecting on the wealth of Social System Maps that have been shared inOnRamp - Session Recording - 6/12/23 - Drew Mackie shares The Octopus Community Network map
Thank you to Drew Mackie for sharing the Octopus Network Map with our Community of Practice for this OnRamp session! Be sure to stick around through the informal discussion portion of the video for the discussion on funding flows. The session recordingSenseMaking - Session Recording - 6/5/23 - Human Systems Dynamics, Pattern Spotting with Same and Different
In this SenseMaking session, Lisa Negstad joins Christine Capra to co-facilitate a discussion on the Human Systems Dynamics pattern spotting activity, Same and Different. In this Community of Practice session, we look at a prompt together and then discussDeepDive - Session Recording - 5/15/23 - Looking at Use Cases for Social System Mapping
Thank you to Jim Best and Mary Roscoe of our Core Mapping Team for their initiative and insight into this special DeepDive. Another big thank you to Amy Moritz for the walkthrough of how to interact with our community resources in Coda. Mary graciouslyOnRamp - Session Recording - 5/8/23 - Christine shares the Transformations Systems Mapping & Analysis Working Group map
In this OnRamp session, Christine shares the Transformations Systems Mapping & Analysis Working Group map. In this OnRamp we focus on showing the uses for and logic behind the Dual Elements functionality of sumApp. The session recording is below. LinksSenseMaking - Session Recording - 5/1/23 - Emergent Learning Framework
In this SenseMaking session Christine Capra and co-facilitator Lisa Negstad dig into the Emergent Learning Framework and how this framework can be helpful when used as a lens to look at Social System Mapping. The session recording is below. Links sharedDeepDive - Session Recording - 4/17/23 - Getting Started and Developing a Survey
In this DeepDive we take a look at approaches, mentalities, and observations when getting started and developing a survey. The session recording is below. Links shared in this session: Miro board Energy Stew Podcast Explainer GraphicOnRamp - Session Recording - 4/10/23 - Christine Capra shares the Human Systems Dynamics map
In this OnRamp session, Christine shares the Human Systems Dynamics map. We look at the directory view, a few different common filters, some observations around the importance of letting each map member self-report the strength of their connections toSenseMaking - Session Recording - 4/3/23 - Human Systems Dynamics, SenseMaking Social System Mapping, and Feedback Loops
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our April SenseMaking session. In this SenseMaking session, we look at the Human Systems Dynamics model in relation to Social System Mapping and the unexpected feedback loops that can occur from an iterative systemDeepDive - Session Recording - 3/20/23 - Liberatory Mapping
Thank you to community member Cindee Karns for facilitating this DeepDive on Liberatory Mapping: what mapping can tell us about our own propensity for dominance. The session recording is live below.OnRamp - Session Recording - 3/13/23 - Edem Ossai shares The NORRAG Network's South Also Knows Map
A big thank you to Edem Ossai for joining us to share the NORRAG Network's South Also Knows Map. This is a newer social system map that has had early adoption by its mapping support network as well as the map members. Edem shares the goal of this socialSenseMaking - 3/6/23 - Session Recording - Using the Pattern Spotters Methodology from Human Systems Dynamics to SenseMaking Social System Maps
In this SenseMaking session, Lisa Negstad joins to co-present the 'Pattern Spotters' methodology from Human Systems Dynamics. This is a great session to watch when learning to get comfortable with looking zooming out and in and SenseMaking your own socialDeepDive - Session Recording - 2/20/23 - Digging into the 'Role's' view in our CoP SSM
In this DeepDive we engage in some collective SenseMaking using our own Community of Practice map and a newly added 'roles' view that shows community members' interests and engagement levels. We discuss how using views like this can help activate theOnRamp - Session Recording - 2/13/23 - Cindee Karns shares her journey with the AnchorGardens Map
Cindee Karns joins us to share a different sort of OnRamp session with the community. By the end, it was voted a group favorite and a must-watch for anyone starting their journey into social system mapping for their community or network. This OnRamp sessionDeepDive - Session Recording - 1/16/23 - Practice Explaining Our New Explainer Graphic
In this DeepDive we reveal our new explainer graphic. Christine walks through the different stages of the graphic in a broad way to demonstrate how this graphic can be applied to anyone's network or system context. Christine gives a second explanationOnRamp - Session Recording - 1/9/23 - Christine Capra shares our Community of Practice map
In this OnRamp, Christine shares our own Community of Practice Map. This is a great session for beginners to Social System Mapping to see a map and have questions answered. Join us for future OnRamp sessions by signing up for our Community of PracticeOnRamp - Session Recording - 11/14/22 - Ben Roberts shares The Bioregional Regeneration Summit NETWORKING Map
Thank you to Ben Roberts for sharing another wondering application of Social System Mapping with our community. This Social System Map contains Dual Elements mapping between people and partners as well as mapping intended connections that community membersSenseMaking - Session Recording - 11/7/22 - Collective Patterns to Adopt in Transformational Networks
In this SenseMaking session, we consider the collective shifts needed for emerging transformational networks to make in order to transform their own networks by observation and reflection. We also reference and preview more thinking around our new SocialDeepDive - Session Recording - 10/17/22 - Preview of our Explainer Graphic
We've all run into challenges explaining the impact and benefits of Social System Mapping to others. Our Graphic Design team has been working on a one-page graphic that we hope will help address that challenge. In this DeepDive recording, we preview ourOnRamp - Session Recording - 10/10/22 - Sarah Shanahan shares the Updated RE-AMP Map
Thank you to Sarah Shanahan for sharing the Updated RE-AMP Map & learnings from sharing this map at the RE-AMP Annual Meeting. The session recording is below. Links shared in this OnRamp session: Ways to engage in our Community of Practice community.SenseMaking - Session Recording - 10/3/2022 - Visceral Responses to Complexity of Social System Maps
In this SenseMaking session, we consider the visceral responses to the complexity we experience when we look at social system maps. The session recording is live below. Links shared in this session: Menti Link for Slide Deck Joe's Video Eric Berlow videoDeepDive - Session Recording - 9/19/22 - Getting Started and Developing a Survey
Thank you to Jim for stepping in to co-facilitate this session on the fly! In this DeepDive we take a more informal approach to discuss the needs of our community members around the survey design for their social system maps in their network contexts.OnRamp - Session Recording - 9/12/22 - Ben Roberts' r3.0 Blueprint Map
A big thank you to Ben Roberts for bringing his r3.0 Blueprint Map to share with our community! The session recording is live below. Links shared in this session recording: Blueprint PDF The r3.0 Blueprint MapAdvanced SenseMaking - Session Recording - 8/22/22
Links shared in this session: Miro boardSenseMaking - Session Recording - 9/5/22 - Using HSD Models and Methods to dig deeper into Social System Maps
In this SenseMaking session, we expand on the Human System Dynamics theory of change, how the Ladder of Inference is equal to the Adaptive Action Cycle, and ways we can use Social System Maps as a Lens for Pattern Logic at Scale. Towards the end of theDeepDive - Session Recording - 8/15/22 - Generating ideas with RE-AMP for ways to use their map at their Annual Meeting
Thank you to everyone who joined us to help Sarah during this session. In this DeepDive we helped Sarah Shanahan and her team come up with fun ideas for ways of incorporating their newly updated map into their upcoming virtual Annual Meeting For thoseOnRamp - Session Recording - 8/8/22 - Jim Best's 50th High School Reunion Map
Thank you to community member Jim Best for sharing a fun example of how we can use Social System Mapping for community building in a different context. In this OnRamp session, we hear Jim's experience and approach to using a social system map for hisSenseMaking - Session Recording - 8/1/22 - Theory of Change and CDE Model from Human Systems Dynamics
In this SenseMaking session, we looked at the Human Systems Dynamics Theory of Change the Human Systems Dynamics model of Containers, Differences, and Exchanges (CDE Model) and how we can apply this to our own networks. Links shared in this video: SlideDeepDive - Session Recording - 7/18/22 - The Iteration Challenge
In this DeepDive we conducted a Power of Inquiry session focused on the Iteration Challenge of Social System Mapping. Links shared in this session recording: Human Systems Dynamics post 'Inquiry IS the answer' Coda post on 'The Iteration Challenge'OnRamp - Session Recording - 7/11/22 - Sarah Shanahan shares the RE-AMP Network map
Thank you to Sarah Shanahan for sharing the latest discoveries and methodologies of the RE-AMP Network map. We're grateful for Sarah being one of our earliest adopters of social system mapping and being a contributor to best practices for keeping an iterativeDeepDive - Session Recording - 6/20/22 - The Fundamentals of Navigating a Social System Map
Are you teaching your network members everything there is to know about navigating their map? Most people tend to use only the top 3-4 tricks in Kumu, overlooking the rest. Let's do a thorough walk-through to make sure everyone is getting the most benefitOnRamp - Session Recording - 6/13/22 - Laura Kaestele Shares the CircleWise map
Thank you to Laura Kaestele for sharing the CircleWise Map with our growing Community of Practice! This is a great into video if you're new to social system mapping, the sumApp and Kumu connection, conceptualizing how to start your network mapping projects,SenseMaking - Session Recording - 6/6/22 - The Four Truths Model
Another huge thank you to Lisa Negstad for joining us again to co-facilitate a practical overview of the Human Systems Dynamics model of the Four Truths when thinking in relation to Social System Mapping and our networks. The video is live below. LinksDeepDive - Session Recording - 5/16/22 - Jim Best's Model for a Social System Mapping Theory of Change
Thank you to Jim Best for sharing his new one-page graphic of our emerging Social System Mapping Theory of Change (ToC). The purpose of the ToC is to have something we all can use to explain to others what we do and what the potential of Social SystemOnRamp - Session Recording - 5/9/22 - Katy Mamen shares the Social Gastronomy map
Thank you again to Katy Mamen for sharing the Social Gastronomy map with our community! This is a wonderful mapping idea to get ideas about a few different views that have helped their network socialize their map between their members. This is a greatSenseMaking - Session Recording - 4/2/22 - Human Systems Dynamics: CDE Model
In this SenseMaking Session we look at the CDE Model of Human Systems Dynamics and apply it to our own Community of Practice Social System Map.DeepDive - Session Recording - 4/18/22 - Thinking about our roles in the world, in networks, and in Social System Mapping
We all play different roles in our communities, in our work, in our families, etc.. These roles shape and reflect our relationship to the world around us. They inform our identity and how we interact. How do we identify and honor that relationship-to-something-largerSenseMaking - Session Recording - 4/4/22 - Christine and Jim
In this SenseMaking session Christine shares a Pattern Spotting exercise from Human Systems Dynamics. This exercise helps us learn how to distinguish the signal from the noise. Links shared in this discussion: Pattern-Spotters handout - (link to landingOnRamp - Session Recording - 4/11/22 - Lisa Negstad Shares the Human Systems Dynamics practitioners map
Thank you to Lisa Negstad for a thorough walk through of the Human Systems Dynamics map. This is a wonderful OnRamp session to orient those who are new to a social system map as Lisa does a great job of pointing out design and functionality elements alongNext Page
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TechTalk - Session Recording - 3/22/21 - Transitioning into the New Survey Interface
In this morning's session Christine explained why we have to go back to the drawing board and start from square one with the much anticipated survey upgrade. Which means it will still be several months before we have a new survey tool and it won't look10/26/20 - Session Recording - TechTalk - Using Liberating Structures with map-hat wearers to connect and share ideas
Thank you to everyone who joined for this tech talk session. We are so appreciative that this Community of Practice is one that is willing to engage and get hands-on. This Tech Talk session introduces using Miro Boards with the group if you are additionally7/27/2020 - Session Recording - Tech Talk - Various approaches to incorporating people and organizations in a map
This Community of Practice Tech Talk video explores the new Dual Elements feature in sumApp as it solves a bunch of problems related to mapping people AND organizations/networks/initiatives. What if you don't need all that robustness? Or what if you don't have the budget for sumApp's 2 Tier IV projects? We'll discuss the possible work-arounds and trade-offs to consider if you can't justify using Dual Elements. Links that were shared in this video/chat discussion: Approaches to Mapping People ANDWhat is this forum for?
Use this forum to ask questions, initiate discussions, and offer suggestions about DEALING WITH DATA. sumApp does everything it can to help get your data cleaned up & structured so that it works well with Kumu. But even so, data gets messy, and the way data flows from one context to another sometimes demands thought. If you're stuck or confused or just think it could be handled better - let's talk about that here!6/17/19 Session Recording - Walk Through Several Social System Maps & sumApp Set-Up
Here's a link to the transcript
Sticky Posts
The Envisioning Forum: For the 'Envisioning' Phase of Mapping and Topics from the 'Visionary' Perspective
Relating to everything that has to happen to get a project underway - before there is something meaningful to look at. If a map doesn't yet exist for a specific group, and you want the group to make one - you're envisioning. You wear the 'Visionary Hat'. Your imagination is engaged with what could exist, but you can't make it happen on your own - because Social System Mapping is an inherently collaborative process. Therefore you need to get others on board - and we have some ideas that will helpWhat Deep Dive Conversations Topics Would You Like Us To Discuss?
Hi Everyone, Please let us know what topics you'd like to discuss during our Deep Dive sessions.What are the Social System Mapping Best Practices that We're Learning From Our OnRamp Sessions
Hey folks, In the after-half-hour this past Monday, Seth Horowitz suggested we start tracking what we're learning as best practices that are emergent learnings from maps we're sharing. I proposed that we crowd-source that list using a post in our online Community - so here it is. What principles are you learning from our OnRamp sessions and from your own mapping practice that you would suggest we consider 'best practices'.What Connection Options Have You Used And How Did You Choose Them?
Mappers, Defining connection options in sumApp probably requires the least amount of text needed in a sumApp set-up, but it seems to require the most thought. We could all learn from one another's thoughts on the subject. If you have a few minutes, I'd love for you to: If nothing else - share the connection options you've used in any of your maps (even if they're similar to others), If you're willing to expand a little - the process you used to decide, the factors that guided the decision,Hey! How do I engage with the community?
You can only submit tickets and comment in the community if you're logged into the knowledge base platform at help.sum-app.net. If you're finding this knowledge base & community from inside of your sumApp account - you can't interact from there (yet!). You need to go log into help.sum-app.net. Sorry about the hassle! We need to get some annoying validation functions set up before you can engage from inside of sumApp itself :-)