Scale 3D
What is Scale 3D about ?
SCALE 3D stands for Strategic Capacity development, Leadership and Evaluation for transformation in 3 Dimensions.
It consists of a framework (way of seeing) and a tool (a sheet and a canvas) that can be used to apply this framework in practice.
The 3D framework, has three layers and three dimensions: These consist of (1) network leadership, supporting and enabling the development of (2) transformative capacity, which contributes to realizing (3) transformative impact, across three dimensions: depth (structural & cultural embeddedness), width (wide-spread & coherent influence) and length (persistent & evolving reproduction).
Essentially, these three dimensions constitute a lens for understanding and shaping the network leadership roles and transformative capacities needed for scaling social impact that is wide-spread, fundamental and long-lasting.
Each of the three layers in the 3D framework consist of more specific elements, which are shown in the complete overview of the 3D framework below.
For example, co-organizing conferences with partner networks, offering courses and trainings, and coordinating research and advocacy projects are network leadership practices that can enable the spread and adaptation of social innovations across the world (widening), while also working towards changes in policies and mental models (deepening) and generating resources and resilience that support continuity of the efforts of social innovators and the institutional changes they seek to achieve (lengthening).
The SCALE 3D tool can be used to guide people in network leadership roles to develop strategies for scaling social impact and evaluation of networks and projects. That is, it can help to clarify strategic goals and actions for developing transformative capacity, and to develop indicators for evaluating progress and assessing achievements.
The sheet version of the SCALE 3D tool can be used for an in-depth understanding of the elements of the tool and for applying it for strategy and evaluation. The tool can be tailored to case-specific objectives, indicators and data collection approaches.
The canvas version of the tool can be used in a virtual / blended workshop setting.
The 3D framework was initially developed by building on Transformative Social Innovation theory resulting from the TRANSIT project, which studied 20 transnational networks in Europe and Latin America, including the Ecovillage and Transition movements, Basic Income, Slow Food and Impact Hubs. The framework was further refined and tested in a variety of cases, resulting in three articles, as part of Tim Strasser’s PhD thesis:
- revised version 3 dimensions of transformative impact and capacity
- revised network leadership roles and practices
- the results of testing the tool in practice
Email tim.strasser (at) yahoo (dot) de if you have any questions about how to use this tool, want to receive guidance in the process, or have feedback on the tool itself.
It can be used in various stages of a project or network development cycle:
In the beginning / design phase: to sharpen the objectives and identify evaluation questions and indicators. That is, to clarify how the objectives of a project or network as a whole and any specific intellectual outputs / organizations / working groups contribute to deepening, widening and lengthening.
In the middle / delivery phase: to monitor (collect data) and reflect on progress on objectives using the indicators initially articulated, to guide ongoing learning and respond dynamically to emergent processes. This can include revising objectives and indicators themselves or developing new strategies and roles, based on ongoing learning about what is most meaningful to do and by whom.
In the completion / evaluation phase: to measure, reflect and report on accomplishments from a 3D perspective, and thereby gain a holistic picture of how actions have contributed to transformative change processes, or even transformative impacts. Learnings from this phase can be harvested to inform future projects or the next phase in a network's strategy development.
Audience
Is participant experience relevant for Scale 3D ?
Audience description for Scale 3D
SCALE 3D is most suitable for people stewarding transformation networks at (trans)national scales (e.g. Transition Network), though it can also be useful for people involved in local initiatives (e.g. Transition groups in a particular city).
SCALE 3D can best be used by network coordinators, network weavers, project coordinators, systemic changemakers, social innovators, strategy consultants and evaluators.
Requirements
Run Through
• first understand the needs of the project / network to clarify how the use of SCALE 3D can be helpful: is there a need to design or clarify strategic objectives? to evaluate existing strategies or activities? to clarify (the synergistic relations among) roles of individuals / organizations co-responsible for contributing to strategic objectives?
• start with a simple discussion around overall ambitions of the project / network regarding its aims for widening, deepening and lengthening, before zooming in to the specific elements of those three types of capacity
• ‘impose’ the 3D framework without first clarifying how it can be aligned with the specific needs, perspectives, ways of working or rhythms of planning of the project, organization or network to which it shall be applied.
• try to work on too many layers and elements of the 3D framework in a short amount of time.
• think that a project / network needs to fully address all the transformative capacities and network leadership roles in the 3D framework. It can be important to focus on those few that are most important (at a particular time or for a particular actor in the wider network).
• focus only on what needs to be further developed / improved without first recognizing and celebrating existing strengths and achievements.
Online
The sheet and canvas versions of the SCALE 3D tool are well suited for being used online. While using post-its and a printed version of the canvas also is possible in person, the possibility for simultaneous input from many participants can work better online.
Material for
project
ERASMUS +
Co-funded by the Erasmus+ Program of the European Union. Find more information about the program and its goals here: https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/.
Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
Creative Commons license:
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