Learning is better together.

Join our Spring 2026 Second Order Change cohort and grow as a leader.

Second Order Change

AYDC supports improved opportunities for youth by offering training for youth development professionals.

Second Order Change builds your skills to create spaces where all young people thrive. This six-week series strengthens your own social-emotional learning, cultural responsiveness, and healing-centered practices as a foundation for your work with youth. You’ll connect with other youth professionals, reflect on your work, and grow as a leader.

About Second Order Change

Second Order Change is about looking beyond day-to-day tasks to understand the deeper systems that shape how organizations serve youth and communities. This section introduces the purpose and philosophy behind the approach, explains when and where we meet, and outlines what participants can expect to gain. You’ll also find the story of how this work began and how it continues to evolve through collaboration, reflection, and shared learning.

What Second Order Change Means

This program takes its name from organizational psychology research on two types of change. First order change describes improving what already exists: adjusting routines, refining processes, or communicating more clearly. These shifts are helpful but do not alter the underlying system.

Second order change goes deeper. Instead of improving the current system, it helps us see and operate differently. This kind of change takes practice. It’s transformational. It requires self-awareness, cultural responsiveness, and willingness to see things differently. (Levy, 1986; Watzlawick, Weakland & Fisch, 1974)

The Story Behind Second Order Change

The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) featured this program at their 2022 SEL Exchange Virtual Summit. Watch the 8-minute video about how we developed Second Order Change in partnership with Communities of Schools of Atlanta.

AYDC Second Order Change was developed with leadership funding from Cook Inlet Tribal Council, Inc.

What You'll Gain

Second Order Change emphasizes relationship-building, mutual learning, and reflection. You’ll have the opportunity to build meaningful connections, create more inclusive spaces and strengthen your emotional intelligence.

We use the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning framework, focusing on five core social-emotional learning domains. These domains will guide us as we explore topics such as:

Resilience and healing-centered engagement — acknowledging the impact of trauma and fostering environments that focus on individual and community strengths.
Cultural responsiveness — valuing the unique identities of youth and communities.
Embracing resistance — seeing challenges as opportunities for growth and advocacy.
Mindfulness and coaching — practicing self-awareness and supporting others with empathy.
Effective communication — building trust and fostering meaningful dialogue across differences.

Since the program’s launch in 2016, participants have reported significant growth in emotional intelligence and cultural responsiveness, especially among those who maintained consistent attendance. See the 2025 Second Order Change Evaluation Report and .

"My role... requires a strong role of assurance and confidence in what I provide and present. This course gave me lots of opportunity to reflect on my role and obtain feedback from other professionals that was valuable... Our jobs create a lens in which we see much of our work through and I felt very challenged through various forms of feedback to step back and look at my interactions with clients, coworkers, those I supervise and those along side me with new perspective."

"I found [Second Order Change] helpful personally in that I was able to recognize my strengths / weaknesses and challenged me to make progress. I see this affecting my personal and work life in a positive way."

"[Taking part in the SOC series] ...has given me strategies to have more meaningful connections and interactions with people."

"I was very thankful to participate in this [SOC series], met wonderful community professionals and especially delighted to gain a close connection with others within a short window of mutual training."

Spring 2026 Second Order Change Cohort

Apply now through February 6, 2026. Spots are limited.

When and Where We Meet

When:
Second Order Change offers breakfast to participants from 9–9:30 AM. Sessions run from 9:30 AM–1 PM with breaks and refreshments offered throughout each session.

Session 1: Social and Emotional Learning Basics (February 18)
Session 2: Self-Awareness and Resilience (February 25)
Session 3: Social Awareness and Cultural Responsiveness (March 4)
Session 4: Building Relationships and Communication (March 18)
Session 5: Self-Management and Wellness (March 25)
Session 6: Decision-Making and Mindfulness (April 1)

Where:
Sessions meet in person at the Fireweed Center (725 E Fireweed Ln, Anchorage, AK 99503). All six sessions are mandatory and in person. The learning community we create together requires everyone’s presence and participation.

Questions:
Contact Rebekah Wilcox at rebekah@safealaskans.org.

Registration Information

Who should apply:
Staff, volunteers, and board members from youth-serving organizations throughout Anchorage are welcome. We encourage people from all roles and experience levels to apply. Diverse perspectives make our learning stronger.

Registration Timeline:

Applications open: December 8, 2025
Applications due: February 6, 2026
Payments due: February 13, 2026
Notification: Rolling basis

Cost:
$250 per person. Discounts are available for groups and Contributing AYDC Members. Financial assistance is available. No one is turned away due to cost.

Resources and Tools

Find practical materials to support your learning and application of Second Order Change between sessions. From reflection guides and facilitation tools to recommended readings and templates, these resources are designed to help teams turn insights into action and strengthen organizational culture in meaningful, sustainable ways.

Social & Emotional Learning (SEL) Deck

The AYDC SEL Reflection Deck was developed to support staff and leaders in exploring and strengthening their emotional intelligence.

Second Order Change (SOC) Evaluation Report (2025)

This report presents a summary of the feedback provided by Second Order Change participants after the 2025 series. https://safealaskans.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Second-Order-Change-Evaluation-2025.pdf

Collaborative for Academic Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL)

The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning is helping make evidence-based social and emotional learning an integral part of education from preschool through high school. https://casel.org/

Collaborate with Us

Change is most effective when organizations learn and grow together. Learn how you can collaborate with Safe Alaskans—whether by joining a cohort, hosting sessions, or exploring tailored support—and find opportunities to connect with peers who are committed to building more inclusive, responsive, and resilient systems for youth and communities.

Have Your Team Attend Second Order Change

We offer group discounts on Second Order Change registration. Learn how you can engage your staff in Second Order Change.

AYDC Professional Learning and Development Opportunities

We offer regular trainings for youth serving professionals. See AYDC events for upcoming opportunities.

Center for Safe Alaskans

4241 B Street, Suite 100
Anchorage, AK 99503

Phone: (907) 929-3939
E-mail: info@safealaskans.org

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