Systems mapping is a collaborative process that produces data-driven systems change using a public health model. Our core values and the core components of our approach ensure that our work is equitable and transformational. They ground us in how we approach our work, the work that we take on, and how we interact with each other.

The three core components of the Systems Mapping Center’s approach help to produce transformative systems change across each of its service offerings.

• Collaboration: Mappings are completed with multiple agencies and stakeholders, including individuals who have lived experience in the systems. Participants work together to identify gaps and resources and strategize the next steps.
• Data-driven approach: The Systems Mapping Center uses local, state, and national statistics to inform the development of your local, data-driven report and action plan. We work with your community to develop benchmarks for success to demonstrate progress and outcomes.
• Systems change: The Systems Mapping Center develops products, such as maps, reports, and strategic action plans, that assist with creating meaningful systems change. All products put together by the Systems Mapping Center are designed to be living documents. This allows jurisdictions to continuously update their maps and strategic action plans as things change. When priorities are achieved or revised, new services are launched, and service systems’ issues are improved or resolved, the products can reshape around the new landscape.

The Systems Mapping Center’s services are grounded in our core values to ensure equitable systems change:

• Trauma-informed approach: Communities are encouraged to adopt a trauma-informed lens to promote a person-centered, recovery-oriented system of care. Systems must go beyond “doing no harm” to deliver services in a manner that offers information, respect, safety, and choice to the people being served.
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion: Systems Mapping Center facilitators work with communities to identify inequities and disparities and come up with ways to address them. The goal is to ensure that resource provision reflects the communities most impacted.
• Person-first language: At the Systems Mapping Center, we strongly believe in the individuality, dignity, and equality of all people. Systems Mapping Center facilitators use person-first language to convey respect and affirm that an individual’s personhood is not defined by any disability, diagnosis, or life experience.
• Recovery is possible: Systems Mapping Center staff members believe that recovery is possible for all. We also recognize that recovery looks different for each person, and everyone has their own definition of success. Recovery is a journey with many ups and downs along the way. We encourage communities to help the people they serve along this road to recovery, to foster the understanding that recovery is possible, and to embrace how each person defines it.
• Stigma abolishment: There is often a stigma associated with certain common experiences. These include having behavioral health disorders, experiencing homelessness, receiving support from welfare or other entitlements, living with a disability, and others. Communities are encouraged to work collectively to abolish this stigma, to work with others with respect and empathy, and to provide assistance free of judgment to people on their road to recovery.