Systemic Change
Systemic change refers to efforts aimed at addressing the root causes of financial inequities, barriers, or injustices that affect groups of people or communities, rather than focusing solely on individual cases. Financial mentors contribute to systemic change by identifying patterns, advocating for fairer policies, and working with organisations, communities, and policymakers to improve financial systems and practices.
This table combines the key aspects and practical applications to make systemic change in financial mentoring easier to understand at a glance.
| Key Aspect | What It Involves |
| Identifying structural barriers | recognise patterns of inequality or unfair practices in financial services, policies, or systems. |
| Advocacy at a broader level | support changes that benefit multiple clients or communities, such as policy reforms or improved access to financial resources. |
| Collaboration | work with organisations, community groups, or government agencies to address systemic issues. |
| Empowering communities | educate and support groups to collectively influence financial practices, services, or policy. |
| Promoting equity | ensure solutions are fair, inclusive, and culturally responsive to diverse communities, including Māori and other groups in Aotearoa. |
| Systemic change in practice | identify and document systemic issues affecting clients; contribute to policy development and reform; support community-led advocacy and social change; use professional voice to promote social justice. |