Workshop Description:

Systems thinking is a holistic approach that examines the relationships or connections between various factors in a system, which can help reveal the underlying causes of a problem. This interactive workshop will offer valuable perspectives, tools, and strategies to create better solutions for health equity by enabling a deeper understanding of organizational or community challenges. Prior systems thinking experience is not required. Participants can expect to gain a foundational understanding of systems theory, be able to create system maps, and access tools to create a framework that can help anticipate possible reactions to change.

Learning Objectives:

1. Define systems thinking and other key concepts like equity and social change
2. Identify core elements and habits of systems thinking
3. Understand how systems thinking can help advance health equity
4. Explore tools to integrate systems thinking into existing frameworks for equity

Will Rucker is gifted to communicate with clarity, compassion, and creativity. He gives voice to what is possible while influencing the culture and developing the systems required to achieve it practically. Will brings a unique perspective of the world, and our places within it, to his mission of cultivating a global culture centered on compassion.

Will is engaged in local, statewide, and national platforms advancing socio-spiritual transformation efforts in restorative justice, health equity, and humanity first initiatives. Nearly twenty years of experience in leading individuals, teams, and organizations to extraordinary success informs his unique approach to change. Will’s educational background includes certifications in Cultural Transformation, Leadership, Interpersonal Skills, and Compassion. Will also holds a master’s degree in Executive Leadership.

Currently, Will is honored to serve his community by leading the development and expansion of health promotion programs for a national non-profit organization. He also serves as the co-leader of Compassionate Las Vegas, a grassroots organization whose mission is to make Las Vegas a more compassionate place to live, learn, work, and play. In addition, Will is a current board member of several non-profits, including the Interfaith Council of South Nevada, Community Partners for Better Health, Compassionate Las Vegas, and the Nevada Minority Health & Equity Coalition.

Funding Disclosure: *This project is supported by the Nevada State Division of Public and Behavioral Health through Grant Number 1 NH75OT000092-01-00 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Division nor the CDC. Any activities performed under this sub-award shall acknowledge the funding was provided through the Division by Grant Number 1 NH75OT000092-01-00 from the CDC.