Text alternative description for the IonE Theory of Change and FoodS³ connections

Overview

This webpage is intended to provide a text alternative to the image of IonE’s Theory of Change and how it links to Foods Cubed. Return to the about page here.

The image is in 2 parts. The larger part on the left visualizes and presents the components of IonE’s Theory of Change. The background is a vibrant, illustrated, cross section of a layered garden, from soil to sky, overlaid with white text boxes describing components of the Theory of Change. Using the garden as a visual metaphor, it shows how inputs such as “Interdisciplinary Expertise” support Activities, Outputs, and ultimately Outcomes, such as “Systems Change.”

On the right is a list of ways that Foods Cubed contributes to the IonE strategic plan. 

IonE Theory of Change Elements

Key:

In the top left of the image, a key shows four categories presented in the “layered garden” visual hierarchy: Inputs (brown, at the bottom, represented by roots and soil), Activities (green, represented by plants and evidence of human activity, such as a watering can), Outputs (yellow, represented by flowers), and Outcomes (blue, represented by pollinators such as insects and birds). At each level of the hierarchy, the white text boxes include an icon and border with their corresponding category color. For example, the white text box for “Systems Change” has a blue border and an icon of three gears rotating on a blue background.

Introduction text:

In the top center of the image, text reads: Cultivating Our Impact. IonE catalyzes sustainability outcomes. We do this by strengthening an ecosystem of activity from the ground up – investing in people and supporting work that drives change.

Logo:

In the top right of the image, the University of Minnesota “M” logo is presented above “Institute on the Environment.”

Theory of Change components:

The text alternative in this section will be described from the bottom of the image to the top, to reflect the image’s intention of presenting the components of the Theory of Change as a garden growing from the roots to plants, to the flowers, to the sky. There is not a one-to-one relationship between individual components across the hierarchy. All individual components of the Inputs, Activities, Outputs, and Outcomes are interrelated. For this reason, each component will simply be listed under its relevant component category below. 

Inputs

Represented by brown soil. This is the fertile ground from which the garden grows.

White text boxes read:

• Interdisciplinary Expertise
• Physical Space & Facilities
• Resources & Funding
• Operational Infrastructure
• Digital Platforms & Tools

Activities

Represented by green plants and evidence of human cultivation, including a watering can and plant markers.

White text boxes read:

• Interdisciplinary Research
  • Community-engaged, outcomes-oriented projects and programs
• Network-Building Activities
  • Programs that serve to connect people and seed collaborations
• Learning & Development Offerings
  • Building skills and knowledge across all ages and career stages
• Public Interest Communications
  • Storytelling and publications that advance sustainability goals
• Reporting & Recognition 
  • Tracking – and celebrating – outcomes and impact over time

Outputs

Represented by yellow flowers: the blooms created by well-tended and nourished plants.

White text boxes read: 

• Actionable Solutions
  • Evidence-based answers to specific sustainability challenges
• Activated People
  • Skilled and knowledgeable individuals, connected to one another
• Amplified Ideas
  • Sustainability innovations and insights, accessible and widely shared

Outcomes

Represented by insects and birds, pollinating creatures that interact with the garden who also move and roam beyond it, part of a larger ecosystem.

White text boxes read:

• Solutions Take Root
  • Communities, organizations, and governments adapt and adopt solutions at scale
• Communities Thrive
  • Locally, regionally, and globally, people are inspired and equipped to drive progress
• Systems Change
  • Our state, region, and world are transformed – realizing a just, sustainable future

Foods Cubed Connections

Foods cubed connections

These correspond to the layers of the IonE Theory of change, with colored cubes used as bullets that match the colors in the key from the Theory of Change graphic.  The description reads from top to bottom.

Outcomes:

• Solutions Take Root
  • FoodS³ provides a level of detail and customization that facilitates understanding and behavior change.
• Communities Thrive
  • We help organizations see the big picture while strategically targeting the most impactful interventions.
• Systems Change
  • We make the invisible actionable.

Outputs:

• Actionable Solutions
  • We provide data and insight that empowers organizations to improve the sustainability of their supply chains.
• Amplified Ideas
  • We address sustainable supply-chain knowledge gaps.

Activities:

• Interdisciplinary Research
  • We are systems-based thinkers, guided by science.
• Network-Building
  • We are a resource for agricultural and food companies, industry groups, and environmental NGOs.
• Public Interest Communications
  • Open source science encourages collaboration and accelerates progress.