The purpose of the Change Lab is to enable groups to take concerted actions that will ultimately cause a deep shift in the system they are trying to affect. After members spend time immersing themselves in the problematic situation, developing collective wisdom, becoming aware of their role in the “mess,” and understanding what they must do now (using some of the tools described in previous newsletters), they arrive at the point of collective action and co-creation. To be effective, they need to find their “allies”—others in the group who have interest in a similar activity or approach. People do not need to be in consensus on these activities. Not everyone has to work on the same action. There just needs to be a few people or a team that is committed to piloting that idea.
This process, which is based on the principles of “Open Space,” establishes the actions the group is going to take and the work teams that will develop them.