ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the emerging role that new entities called transformation catalysts (TCs) play in bringing about systemic change toward flourishing for all, particularly through narrative and sometimes through art. TCs recognize the fragmentation of system change efforts in the contexts in which they are interested and work to connect, cohere, and amplify the efforts of currently unconnected initiatives, bringing them into better alignment so that their work can be more effective. Because of the complexity of human socio-ecological systems and the “wicked” nature of problems in them, this chapter emphasizes the power of narrative, and sometimes art, to create powerful new stories or narratives that can help shape new understandings—core cultural myths that provide insight for people about how the world works and how they should and can act in it. Different attitudes, actions, and behaviors become possible in the context of such new narratives.
