Second Order Change

Join our leadership training for youth-serving professionals.

The world young people are growing up in looks different than it did a decade ago. Second Order Change supports youth-serving professional’s own social-emotional learning, and prepares them to better support young people.

Join Second Order Change

What You'll Learn

The six-week series focuses on five social-emotional learning (SEL) domains drawn from the CASEL framework. Each session explores real leadership challenges through relationship-building and mutual learning. Second Order Change consists of six sessions offered annually in Anchorage each spring:

Session 1: Social and Emotional Learning Basics
Session 2: Self-Awareness and Resilience
Session 3: Social Awareness and Cultural Responsiveness
Session 4: Building Relationships and Communication
Session 5: Self-Management and Wellness
Session 6: Decision-Making and Mindfulness

Registration Information

Who should join: Second Order Change is designed for staff, volunteers, and board members from youth-serving organizations throughout Anchorage. Whether you work directly with young people or shape organizational strategy from behind the scenes, this training is for you.

Contact Rebekah, Anchorage Youth Development Coalition Program Manager, to be notified about upcoming trainings:

About Second Order Change

Second Order Change emphasizes relationship-building, mutual learning, and reflection. Participants have the opportunity to build meaningful connections and strengthen their social emotional learning skills. This program is led by Anchorage Youth Development Coalition, which has served youth professionals in Anchorage for over 20 years.

What Does Second Order Change Mean?

Not all change works the same way. 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)

What Does Second Order Change Teach?

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.

What Are the Results from Second Order Change?

In 2025, 24 participants from 12 Anchorage organizations completed Second Order Change, reporting a 23% average increase in social emotional learning skill scores. Participants showed the greatest growth in self-awareness and stress management. Ninety-two percent of participants recommended the series to a colleague. See the 2025 Second Order Change Evaluation Report and 2024 Second Order Change Survey Report. 

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.

"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."

What's the History Behind Second Order Change?

Anchorage Youth Development Coalition (AYDC) Second Order Change was launched as a pilot program in 2016 with leadership funding from Cook Inlet Tribal Council, Inc. The curriculum was developed to address professional learning needs recognized in an AYDC survey.

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

Additional FAQ's

Do I receive a certificate for completing Second Order Change?

Yes. Certificates of completion and a digital badge are presented to participants who attend at least five sessions.

Is attendance required for all sessions?

Yes. All six sessions are mandatory and in-person. The learning community we build together requires everyone’s presence and participation.

Do I need leadership experience?

No. We welcome staff, volunteers, and board members at all experience levels. Diverse perspectives make our learning stronger.

What if I can't afford to join?

Financial assistance is available. No one is turned away due to cost. Contact us to discuss options.

Are discounts available?

Yes. Discounts are available for groups and AYDC Sponsors.

Resources and Tools

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.

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.

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 throughout the year. See AYDC events for upcoming opportunities, or contact us to collaborate.

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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