When we embrace theories of change that disproportionately favor those positioned to move levers of norms, markets, and code, we need to acknowledge these pitfalls.

The trick, as with all the behavioral possibilities of complex systems, is to recognize what structures contain which latent behaviors, and what conditions release those behaviors—and, where possible, to arrange the structures and conditions to reduce the probability of destructive behaviors and to encourage the possibility of beneficial ones.

in spite of their best intentions, those who aren’t directly impacted only see the surface layer(s) of the impact, and thus come up with surface solutions that don’t address the deep-seated multi-pronged need in the community.

The “intervenor’s” role is meant to be temporary, but gradually the people with the problem become dependent on the intervention, and never…

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