We use this exercise to jump start a group thinking about the changes they really hope to make, what will get them there, and most importantly, why. Sometimes it is helpful to start by drawing a vision for change for the top of the map, or the long-term goal (rather than trying to articulate in words).

STEPS:

Assemble the most diverse group possible! Encourage people from the community being "served" by the program, as well as other key community leaders, actors, influencers. It makes the conversation so much richer, relevant and strategic. (If this is challenging, start with one group, and then at a later date you can continue the conversation with a more diverse group)
Have participants start out by articulating in small groups their long term goals. This can be down through drawing of concepts, ideas, if coming up with words proves challenging. Also, if it is just too much to start doing backwards mapping, we sometimes start with what people are doing now, and then ask them to build forward, articulating where they hope this will lead to. (This is often much easier, particularly if time is short, and gets them to still question and reflect on their logic and assumptions.)
Make sure groups are clear about what an outcome or a change is, give them examples so they are not talking about activities, but actual changes in conditions, knowledge, behavior, policies/laws, relationships, norms, resources, etc.
Have small groups try and assemble a "pathway" of change on their own. Tell them not to worry, it doesn't have to be perfect, and others will contribute their ideas as the process moves forward.
Have one group being and lay their changes (or cards) down on the floor. Then have the other groups come up one by one and either their cards, and see where there are similarities, overlaps, differences. Discuss these. (sometimes it is easier to have pathways in "streams" of certain issues or themes.
Once the cards are all down, combine those that are similar (or remove repeats). Then have someone "tell the story" -- explain the logic of how things are going to change and how. Here, it is the facilitators job to push back and ask, "is something missing here?", "Do we really think X will lead to Y and then Z? Add missing cards, and make shifts as needed. Remember, it doesn't have to be perfect, you are just capturing your thinking at this moment in time!
Finally, have the participants prioritize the changes. What are the KEY THINGS that need to happen to reach the ultimate vision and goals?
Lastly, don't forget to put together a list of Action Items which draw from what you've discussed and learned during the workshop.

Chile, Enero 2019

A community-friendly approach to Theory of Change thinking...

A participatory tool for visioning, analyzing the path forward and reflecting on what's happened