Collective Impact Forum

When collaborative partners come together to tackle complex challenges, learning must be part of the work itself and not an afterthought. In this new podcast episode, we talk with Lauren Gase of Mindful Metrics and Lori Fuller of Fuller Impact about Emergent Learning and how the principles and practices that are part of Emergent Learning can support collaboratives that are navigating uncertainty, complexity, and change. This discussion offers practical insights for anyone working in collective impact, backbone roles, or cross-sector partnerships, including: If you are looking for practical ways to support learning, adaptation, and progress in collaborative work, we invite you to listen to the full episode. Resources and Footnotes: Emergent Learning Community and ResourcesGuide to the Principles of Emergent LearningFuller ImpactMindful MetricsMore on Collective Impact What is Collective Impact?Getting Started in Collective ImpactThe Intro music, entitled “Running,” was composed by Rafael Krux, and can be found here and is licensed under CC: By 4.0. The outro music, entitled “Deliberate Thought,” was composed by Kevin Macleod. Licensed under CC: By. Have a question related to collaborative work that you'd like to have discussed on the podcast? Contact us at: https://www.collectiveimpactforum.org/contact-us/

What does it look like for a collaborative to shift from nearly sunsetting to achieving a vibrant renewal? We tackle this challenging question in the 100th episode of our podcast, where we dive into the realities of what it means to rebuild collective work from the ground up. To explore this topic, we talk with Annie Burke, the executive director of Together Bay Area, a regional coalition focused on climate resilience and equity in the Bay Area of California. Annie details the difficulties the coalition faced when experiencing a near collapse in 2018, the reckoning that followed, and what it looked like to rebuild. This included extensive partner and community engagement, improving governance, rebuilding trust, and developing a sustainable business model for the coalition to move forward. From those challenges, a vibrant collective was reborn, and has since been championing the social and environmental changes needed for healthy lands, people, and communities. If you have wondered what it can look like to rebuild a collective through challenging times and to come together for a renewed purpose, this is a great conversation to listen to. Resources and Footnotes Together Bay AreaThe Water of Systems ChangeMore on Collective Impact What is Collective Impact?Getting Started in Collective ImpactThe Intro music, entitled “Running,” was composed by Rafael Krux, and can be found here and is licensed under CC: By 4.0. The outro music, entitled “Deliberate Thought,” was composed by Kevin Macleod. Licensed under CC: By. Have a question related to collaborative work that you'd like to have discussed on the podcast? Contact us at: https://www.collectiveimpactforum.org/contact-us/

What does it look like for a collaborative to balance planned strategies with new and rising needs? In this new podcast discussion, we talk with Melissa Darnell, Heather Equinoss, and Luzette Jaimes from the organization CoCreative, and learn how they work with collaboratives to blend structured and emergent strategies when doing collective work. Listen in as we explore: Resources and Footnotes: CoCreativeCreative Tools libraryCollaborative Innovation Roadmap6 Patterns in Collaborative Innovation4 Agendas in Collaborative InnovationCollaboration Advisor AI ToolMore on Collective Impact What is Collective Impact?Getting Started in Collective ImpactThe Intro music, entitled “Running,” was composed by Rafael Krux, and can be found here and is licensed under CC: By 4.0. The outro music, entitled “Deliberate Thought,” was composed by Kevin Macleod. Licensed under CC: By. Have a question related to collaborative work that you'd like to have discussed on the podcast? Contact us at: https://www.collectiveimpactforum.org/contact-us/

In a time when so many are grappling with division and polarization in their communities, where does one start to build connections to better understand when and why do you feel like you “belong” in your community? In this new podcast conversation, we talk with Anjum Rahman and Atarau Hamilton-Fuller from Inclusive Aotearoa Collective Tāhono, based in Aotearoa New Zealand. In the aftermath of the horrific Christchurch mosque attacks in 2019, their collective’s work focused on visiting communities across the country to foster understanding, empathy, and a sense of belonging by encouraging participants to share personal experiences of inclusion and exclusion. Anjum and Atarau share about the unique, culturally grounded approach that they developed as their group hosted and facilitated “belonging conversations” across 46 cities and towns. These conversations, created with three simple yet revealing questions, helped create spaces where participants felt safe to be truly heard, learned the power of deep listening without judgement, and helped understand each other's shared humanity. As part of this discussion, we also demonstrate the conversation, exploring the three core questions to help understand why these discussions have been so powerful for participants. This discussion is essential listening for anyone seeking practical ideas for how to build understanding and foster genuine connection across different groups within the same community. Resources and Footnotes: Inclusive Aotearoa Collective TāhonoWhat does belonging mean to you?How to Hold a Conversation on BelongingMore on Collective Impact What is Collective Impact?Getting Started in Collective ImpactThe Intro music, entitled “Running,” was composed by Rafael Krux, and can be found here and is licensed under CC: By 4.0. The outro music, entitled “Deliberate Thought,” was composed by Kevin Macleod. Licensed under CC: By. Have a question related to collaborative work that you'd like to have discussed on the podcast? Contact us at: https://www.collectiveimpactforum.org/contact-us/

A backbone’s role in a collective is often to facilitate collaboration among partners and help the group make progress toward a shared goal. This can be a complex challenge, as the backbone doesn’t hold formal authority or decision-making power. Instead, it must rely on its central coordinating position to influence, build alignment, and advocate for the collaborative’s mission. In this new podcast episode, we explore how a backbone can influence partners to take action, without holding a position of authority. We talk with Susan Dawson, the founder and former CEO of E3 Alliance, and author of the new book, Changing Education Systems: Wisdom Gained by E3 Alliance and Driving Effective Changes in Data and Collaboration. Through her years at E3 Alliance, Susan learned many ways a backbone can influence change. In this conversation, she shares the necessary “best-ats” or core competencies a backbone team needs to activate multiple layers of influence, including: - Delivering results - Building relationships of trust - Having the best data - Facilitating stakeholders with diverse missions and perspectives - Being doggedly persistent The discussion also dives into powerful examples of E3's work, showcasing their own dogged persistence to deliver meaningful results in education for children and families in Central Texas. Resources and Footnotes Changing Education Systems:: Wisdom Gained by E3 Alliance in Driving Effective Change Using Data and CollaborationE3 AllianceE3 Alliance Data and Trends PortalThe University of Texas at Austin College of EducationThe University of Texas at Austin Education Research CenterMore on Collective Impact What is Collective Impact?Getting Started in Collective ImpactThe Intro music, entitled “Running,” was composed by Rafael Krux, and can be found here and is licensed under CC: By 4.0. The outro music, entitled “Deliberate Thought,” was composed by Kevin Macleod. Licensed under CC: By. Have a question related to collaborative work that you'd like to have discussed on the podcast? Contact us at: https://www.collectiveimpactforum.org/contact-us/

How can a community shift their economic future? In this episode, we explore how communities heavily reliant on a single industry can come together to diversify and build a more resilient economy. This kind of transformation is complex and requires collaboration across a broad range of partners to support the wellbeing of the whole community. We discuss what it looks like to diversify single-industry communities with Heidi Binko of the Just Transition Fund and Sherene Hess, an Indiana County Commissioner from Western Pennsylvania. We discuss the challenges these communities face, including job losses and economic uncertainty, and delve into development strategies that can support diversification, including how to leverage local assets, foster collaboration across communities, and access a variety of funding streams. This is a helpful conversation for anyone seeking to better prepare your community to withstand economic shifts and shocks, and proactively plan for long-term economic sustainability. Resources and Footnotes Just Transition FundCenter for Community GrowthIndiana County ThrivesMore on Collective Impact What is Collective Impact?Getting Started in Collective ImpactThe Intro music, entitled “Running,” was composed by Rafael Krux, and can be found here and is licensed under CC: By 4.0. The outro music, entitled “Deliberate Thought,” was composed by Kevin Macleod. Licensed under CC: By. Have a question related to collaborative work that you'd like to have discussed on the podcast? Contact us at: https://www.collectiveimpactforum.org/contact-us/

Collaboratives based in the U.S. that are working to solve for and reduce disparities in their communities are facing compounding challenges with the current chaotic sociopolitical climate, including sudden funding cuts, mass job losses, mis- and disinformation campaigns, demoralizing messaging from national leaders and those they have deputized, and vigorous attacks on both equity and democracy. When everything seems to be coming down at once—overwhelming by intention, it feels like a tsunami of Executive Orders, department directives, and social media missives that range the spectrum from unprofessional to potentially illegal (or “extralegal”). The current context feels confounding. What do we do? What can we do? In a candid and grounded podcast conversation that is both sobering and hopeful, Collective Impact Forum senior advisor Junious Williams talks with Erika Bernabei and Theo Miller (Equity & Results) about this current chaotic time for U.S. collective impact initiatives. Together, they discuss: Resources and Footnotes Equity & ResultsJunious Williams Consulting, LLCResponding to Threats and Changes Planning ToolReckoning with the U.S. Election: 10 Reflections and Recommendations for Collective Impact NetworksCore Principles to Support Anti-Racism in Collective ImpactDEI, advocacy, and legal resources collected by Junious WilliamsMore on Collective Impact What is Collective Impact?Getting Started in Collective ImpactThe Intro music, entitled “Running,” was composed by Rafael Krux, and can be found here and is licensed under CC: By 4.0. The outro music, entitled “Deliberate Thought,” was composed by Kevin Macleod. Licensed under CC: By. Have a question related to collaborative work that you'd like to have discussed on the podcast? Contact us at: https://www.collectiveimpactforum.org/contact-us/

Listening to community members and tapping into community expertise are key factors when trying to understand why social issues are happening, and what potential solutions may be best to address these challenges. This is especially true for philanthropy, a sector committed to traditionally funding social change through more “top down” strategies, rather than seeking and empowering community-driven solutions from the beginning. Over the last 10 years, the funder collaborative Fund for Shared Insight has been working to support philanthropy to better engage and uplift community voice by promoting resources and building capacity around community listening, centering community voice and expertise, and learning how to shift from “power over” to “power with” their community members and partnering organizations. In this new podcast discussion, we talk with Melinda Tuan, Shared Insight's managing director. Melinda shares key takeaways from the last decade, including what it takes to support and encourage change in how foundations work with communities. From participatory practices to community advisory boards, we explore strategies that have helped foundations better connect to their constituents and reach their funding goals. Resources and Footnotes Fund for Shared InsightTime for a Three-Legged Measurement StoolFunder Listening Action MenuThe Undocumented AmericansThe What, Why, and How of Advancing Funder OpennessAdvancing Funders’ Openness Practices ReportBuilding Capacity to Support Community ListeningMore on Collective Impact What is Collective Impact?Getting Started in Collective ImpactThe Intro music, entitled “Running,” was composed by Rafael Krux, and can be found here and is licensed under CC: By 4.0. The outro music, entitled “Deliberate Thought,” was composed by Kevin Macleod. Licensed under CC: By. Have a question related to collaborative work that you'd like to have discussed on the podcast? Contact us at: https://www.collectiveimpactforum.org/contact-us/

What are the skills and mindsets necessary to be a backbone leader for a collaborative? In this new podcast discussion, we talk with Paul Schmitz and Dominique Samari, authors of the recent report, “Backbone Leadership Is Different.” We explore how backbone leadership is unique and why It differs from traditional, more hierarchical leadership styles. In the discussion, we dive into: Resources and Footnotes Backbone Leadership Is DifferentThe Skills and Mindset Shifts Backbones Need for Collective ImpactRacial Equity ToolkitKin UniverseCentering Equity in Collective ImpactMaking Meetings WorkWhat Makes an Effective Backbone LeaderMore on Collective Impact What is Collective Impact?Getting Started in Collective ImpactThe Intro music, entitled “Running,” was composed by Rafael Krux, and can be found here and is licensed under CC: By 4.0. The outro music, entitled “Deliberate Thought,” was composed by Kevin Macleod. Licensed under CC: By. Have a question related to collaborative work that you'd like to have discussed on the podcast? Contact us at: https://www.collectiveimpactforum.org/contact-us/

Companies can be a critical partner in collective impact work. However, working with companies can pose unique challenges, from understanding how to initiate these partnerships to understanding how to best partner to sustain these relationships over time. To learn more about how collaboratives can engage and partner with the private sector to advance social change work, we talk with Nikhil Bumb, Managing Director at the social change consulting firm FSG. In this conversation, we discuss the multiple ways that nonprofits and companies can collaborate, from reaching out through corporate philanthropy to building deep, cross-sector partnerships. We also explore some of the unique advantages and challenges associated with partnering with companies, including the importance of: Resources and Footnotes FSGThe Promise of PartnershipsPartnering for Change, Committing to LearningWhat Business Leaders Wish NGOs Knew about Transformative PartnershipsShifting from Competition to Partnership in Private Sector CollaborationMore on Collective Impact What is Collective Impact?Getting Started in Collective ImpactThe Intro music, entitled “Running,” was composed by Rafael Krux, and can be found here and is licensed under CC: By 4.0. The outro music, entitled “Deliberate Thought,” was composed by Kevin Macleod. Licensed under CC: By. Have a question related to collaborative work that you'd like to have discussed on the podcast? Contact us at: https://www.collectiveimpactforum.org/contact-us/

Achieving long-term change requires having government—whether local, state, or federal—at the collaborative table as a key partner. However, many collaboratives share that building these partnerships can be challenging, intimidating, or confusing. To better understand how to build and sustain effective relationships with public sector partners, we talk with Caroline Whistler, CEO and co-founder of Third Sector, a nonprofit technical assistance provider that advises U.S. government agencies on effective ways to reshape policies, systems, and services toward better outcomes for all people no matter their race, background, and circumstances. This discussion explores the opportunities and challenges collaboratives may face when partnering with government agencies. The conversation highlights: Resources and Footnotes Third SectorCaroline WhistlerMore on Collective Impact What is Collective Impact?Getting Started in Collective ImpactThe Intro music, entitled “Running,” was composed by Rafael Krux, and can be found here and is licensed under CC: By 4.0. The outro music, entitled “Deliberate Thought,” was composed by Kevin Macleod. Licensed under CC: By. Have a question related to collaborative work that you'd like to have discussed on the podcast? Contact us at: https://www.collectiveimpactforum.org/contact-us/

Later this fall, Tamarack Institute’s Co-CEO Liz Weaver will retire, closing a chapter that includes many decades supporting community change, collective impact, and poverty-reduction work across Canada and beyond. Liz is a long-time collaborator and dear friend of the Collective Impact Forum, and it has been a true honor to work alongside her as she has served so graciously and thoughtfully as a change leader, mentor, catalyst, partner, and a lifelong learner. In this special podcast episode, Liz reflects on her career navigating the many complexities within collective change work, including: Resources and Footnotes Tamarack InstituteThe Water of Systems ChangeThe Innovation Ambition ContinuumThe Cynefin Framework: Defining a Collaborative Problem or OpportunityBuilding a Plan on a PageMore on Collective Impact What is Collective Impact?Getting Started in Collective ImpactThe Intro music, entitled “Running,” was composed by Rafael Krux, and can be found here and is licensed under CC: By 4.0. The outro music, entitled “Deliberate Thought,” was composed by Kevin Macleod. Licensed under CC: By. Have a question related to collaborative work that you'd like to have discussed on the podcast? Contact us at: https://www.collectiveimpactforum.org/contact-us/

Last year, Independent Sector published research on how advocacy by the nonprofit sector has evolved over the last 25 years, and specifically, how it has severely declined, with only 31% of nonprofits reporting advocacy activities over the last 5 years. Compare that to the year 2000, where more than double that—74% of the nonprofit sector--was participating in advocacy activities. That dip in advocacy has multiple rationales, including increased confusion about what counts as advocacy and experiencing “advocacy fatigue” from how long advocating can take to create long-term policy and systems change. To better understand how collaboratives CAN participate in advocacy to support policy change and their collective goals, we talk with Arts for LA, an arts advocacy organization that supports creative arts and jobs in Los Angeles County, California. We learn about the Creative Jobs Collective Impact Initiative (CJCII), and how they have used data to strengthen their collaborative and advocacy efforts. To learn more about how collectives can get involved in advocacy (and how to avoid or mitigate advocacy fatigue), we hear from Ricky Abilez and Gabriel Gutierrez from Arts for LA, and Adam Fowler from CVL Economics. They share what has worked, what has been challenging, and how partners with different motivations and backgrounds can still work together to achieve advocacy wins. Resources and Footnotes Arts for LACreative Jobs Collective Impact InitiativeCVL EconomicsArts for LA Campaign CenterPublic Comment: A Webinar on Using Your Voice for ChangeCreative Jobs Collective Impact Initiative (CJCII) Report about Policy RecommendationThe Retreat of Influence: Exploring the Decline of Nonprofit Advocacy and Public EngagementAdvocacy: What You Can and Can’t DoMore on Collective Impact What is Collective Impact?Getting Started in Collective ImpactThe Intro music, entitled “Running,” was composed by Rafael Krux, and can be found here and is licensed under CC: By 4.0. The outro music, entitled “Deliberate Thought,” was composed by Kevin Macleod. Licensed under CC: By. Have a question related to collaborative work that you'd like to have discussed on the podcast? Contact us at: https://www.collectiveimpactforum.org/contact-us/

How can inclusive design spur community connections and build stronger partnerships in the process? During the COVID pandemic, the Van Alen Institute and the Urban Design Forum collaborated to launch Neighborhoods Now, a program shepherding resources, both funding and people, toward pandemic recovery and strengthening community partnerships across four boroughs in New York City. One notable community partnership was with Think!Chinatown, an intergenerational non-profit based in Manhattan’s Chinatown that fosters community through neighborhood engagement, storytelling and the arts. Manhattan’s Chinatown was severely impacted by the pandemic, not only due to the health crisis but also a rise in anti-Asian hate. Through partnering with Neighborhoods Now, Think!Chinatown sought to unite the community, spark joy and connection amongst community members, and create a warm, welcoming space where residents could once again feel safe. From this partnership, the Chinatown Night Market was born. Launched the following summer, the Night Markets not only created a welcoming, safe, and joyful space for community members, but they also brought partners from across the City together to rebuild trust and re-focus on community needs through the implementation of inclusive design. In this new podcast, we learn how this partnership grew, how trust was rebuilt, and how this project kept Manhattan’s Chinatown community at its core. We talk with Andrew Brown (Van Alen Institute) and Yin Kong (Think!Chinatown), as they share the key elements that made this community partnership successful, and discuss how programs like Neighborhoods Now can create lasting positive change for communities. Resources and Footnotes Van Alen InstituteThink!ChinatownNeighborhoods NowMore on Collective Impact What is Collective Impact?Getting Started in Collective ImpactThe Intro music, entitled “Running,” was composed by Rafael Krux, and can be found here and is licensed under CC: By 4.0. The outro music, entitled “Deliberate Thought,” was composed by Kevin Macleod. Licensed under CC: By. Have a question related to collaborative work that you'd like to have discussed on the podcast? Contact us at: https://www.collectiveimpactforum.org/contact-us/

When building a collaborative strategy or working through your implementation plans, it might feel like what you need most is a crystal ball (or a mystically accurate Magic 8 ball) to reveal which activities will work, which won’t, and where you can pivot so you and your partners can keep making progress. Moving ahead while surfing through ambiguity and questions like, “what will happen if…” can make the process of working together even more uncertain and stressful. The practice of futurism can be helpful when working through questions about where your collaborative work can go, and how your work may be affected by shifts in , political, financial, environmental, and other conditions. In this new podcast episode, we explore how futurism can be used by collaboratives. We talk with Trista Harris, President of FutureGood, an organization that supports funders and nonprofits by tapping into future thinking. We discuss how these practices can support scenario-planning, risk mitigation, and imaging what an “ideal future” might be. In the discussion, we also explore the future trends that collectives may need to consider, including the impact of artificial intelligence (AI), disaster planning, and imagining a bright future when facing daunting challenges. Resources and Footnotes FutureGoodPast FutureGood webinarsMore on Collective Impact What is Collective Impact?Getting Started in Collective ImpactThe Intro music, entitled “Running,” was composed by Rafael Krux, and can be found here and is licensed under CC: By 4.0. The outro music, entitled “Deliberate Thought,” was composed by Kevin Macleod. Licensed under CC: By. Have a question related to collaborative work that you'd like to have discussed on the podcast? Contact us at: https://www.collectiveimpactforum.org/contact-us/

Without proactively removing the structures and systems that have contributed to inequity, place-based collaboratives can not make a meaningful impact on the lives of those most excluded and underestimated in communities. However, given the increasing anti-DEI political and cultural headwinds unfolding in the US and several other countries, communities are facing increased challenges pursuing their equity work. To explore this topic, we share an audio recording from the Day 3 opening panel discussion at the 2024 Collective Impact Action Summit. The panel discusses the challenges collaboratives are facing in their work to advance equity and how collaboratives can navigate through this adversity to continue making progress towards their collective goals. This session was originally held on May 2, 2024. Featuring: Jennifer Splansky JusterMonique MilesPaul SchmitzJunious WilliamsResources and Footnotes Aspen Institute Forum for Community SolutionsLeading Inside OutJunious Williams Consulting, Inc.Targeted UniversalismCentering Equity in Collective ImpactRacial Equity ToolkitPower Building, Trust, and Relationships: Supporting Movement Beyond Moments of Reckoning'More on Collective Impact What is Collective Impact?Getting Started in Collective ImpactThe Intro music, entitled “Running,” was composed by Rafael Krux, and can be found here and is licensed under CC: By 4.0. The outro music, entitled “Deliberate Thought,” was composed by Kevin Macleod. Licensed under CC: By. Have a question related to collaborative work that you'd like to have discussed on the podcast? Contact us at: https://www.collectiveimpactforum.org/contact-us/

Navigating and managing change is key to a collaborative’s journey, but it’s also one of the most challenging as each partner’s relationship, personal history, and ability to participate in change can vary. Differences in how partners navigate change, if not recognized and explored, can make it difficult for the collaborative to achieve meaningful progress towards shared goals. How does one lead and navigate through these varying responses to change? In this new podcast episode, we explore this question and more with Dr. Nicole Caridad Ralston and Ileana Ortiz from the racial equity consulting firm Beloved Community. They have created a curriculum on navigating change, and we discuss the variety of skills needed to both lead and support change efforts, including: Resources and Footnotes Beloved CommunityChange IntelligenceWhite Supremacy CultureHow Community Leads the Way with Participatory Action Research (PAR)From Dr. Nicole Caridad Ralston, here are some reflection questions for a change management process: From Dr. Nicole Caridad Ralston, here are more commonly used change management frameworks: Lewin's Change Management Model: Main Principles: Lewin's model, based on the Unfreeze, Change, Refreeze stages, emphasizes the importance of addressing psychological resistance to change. The unfreeze stage aims to create awareness and challenge existing mindsets. The change stage introduces new behaviors, and the refreeze stage solidifies the new norm. McKinsey 7-S Model: Main Principles: The 7-S Model focuses on the interconnection of seven elements: Strategy, Structure, Systems, Shared Values, Skills, Style, and Staff. Alignment across these elements is essential for successful change. ADKAR: Main Principles: ADKAR focuses on individual change adoption through stages: Awareness, Desire, Knowledge, Ability, and Reinforcement. It recognizes the psychological journey individuals undergo during change. Bridges Transition Model: Main Principles: The Bridges Model emphasizes managing emotional transitions during change through stages: Endings, Neutral Zone, and New Beginnings. Kotter's 8-Step Model: Main Principles: Kotter's model outlines eight steps for successful change, emphasizing leadership's role in setting direction, creating urgency, and anchoring changes. More on Collective Impact What is Collective Impact?Getting Started in Collective ImpactThe Intro music, entitled “Running,” was composed by Rafael Krux, and can be found here and is licensed under CC: By 4.0. The outro music, entitled “Deliberate Thought,” was composed by Kevin Macleod. Licensed under CC: By. Have a question related to collaborative work that you'd like to have discussed on the podcast? Contact us at: https://www.collectiveimpactforum.org/contact-us/

Addressing issues related to disability and access are often cordoned off within the social sector and philanthropy. Disability is often deemed as “separate” from issue-specific systems change work, such as education, climate, economic mobility, or health equity. Funders supporting causes like these may think that their focus does not require including disability, or that addressing disability may make things “too complex” and “out of scope” for their issue-focused grantmaking efforts. This exclusion of disability from the wide spectrum of grantmaking has its own reverse multiplier effect. Instead of scaling change to reduce inequity and create the conditions for more people to thrive, excluding disability means that change only addresses a subset of people while overlooking communities deeply affected by systemic inequity. In this episode, we talk with a group of philanthropic leaders who are each dedicated to advancing disability justice. We discuss why addressing disability is imperative for all grantmaking to be successful, and how funders can embed disability across all of their philanthropic work. Featuring:- Miya CainRebecca CokleyRyan EasterlySandy HoResources and Footnotes Disability Rights at Ford FoundationDisability Inclusion FundWITH FoundationDisability and Philanthropy ForumSins InvalidDisability Visibility ProjectRamp Your VoiceThe Curb-Cut EffectImani Barbarin: Creating Accessible Spaces for BelongingMore on Collective Impact What is Collective Impact?Getting Started in Collective ImpactThe Intro music, entitled “Running,” was composed by Rafael Krux, and can be found here and is licensed under CC: By 4.0. The outro music, entitled “Deliberate Thought,” was composed by Kevin Macleod. Licensed under CC: By. Have a question related to collaborative work that you'd like to have discussed on the podcast? Contact us at: https://www.collectiveimpactforum.org/contact-us/

Understanding a community’s “context” and its readiness for complex change work is a critical factor for launching and advancing collective impact work. Knowing the local context is necessary to support work with and within a community--who is part of the community, what are they experiencing, and what are their challenges, needs, assets, and opportunities? Where do relationships exist, and is there enough trust among participants to support a foundation for long-term work? Without a basic understanding of community context, supporting change within a community is difficult and runs the risk of causing more harm than good. In this episode, we learn about the state-wide initiative Community Organizing for Prevention (COFP), which is working with 30 communities across Colorado to support youth and prevent substance misuse. By coaching and supporting community mobilizers who train local partners to advance collective impact work, COFP strived to create a collaborative infrastructure of support across the state, but early feedback indicated that each community had their own circumstances and needs, and there wasn’t one strategy that would address them all. We talk with Kit Jones (Colorado School of Public Health) and Marc Morgan (Community Organizing for Prevention, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment) about how COFP moved forward with humility and deep listening, evaluating and evolving their strategies to support what their communities needed to equitably move forward. We also discuss how COFP, as a state funder, is working with other funders to sustain the work and create a stronger infrastructure for collective change across Colorado. Resources and Footnotes Community Organizing for PreventionCommunity Organizing for Prevention EvaluationFull ReportExecutive SummarySystems Change and Deep EquityThe Water of Systems ChangeMore on Collective Impact What is Collective Impact?Getting Started in Collective ImpactThe Intro music, entitled “Running,” was composed by Rafael Krux, and can be found here and is licensed under CC: By 4.0. The outro music, entitled “Deliberate Thought,” was composed by Kevin Macleod. Licensed under CC: By. Have a question related to collaborative work that you'd like to have discussed on the podcast? Contact us at: https://www.collectiveimpactforum.org/contact-us/

A core element of collective impact is changing systems in the pursuit of equity. Pursuing policy change and advocacy efforts are some of the key levers to effectively change how systems operate. But how can cross-sector partners within a collective impact initiative work together to co-create a policy agenda that addresses inequities and closes disparities? In this discussion we learn how a policy agenda can drive collaborative action and strategy to support collective impact work, how it can communicate where a collaborative stands on issues, what are the challenges in building a collaborative policy agenda (including bringing partners onboard), and how to approach shifts in the political environment. Joining for this discussion to share about their policy agenda work are Maegan Frierson and Dr. Shayla Young from KConnect, a backbone organization that supports a network of public, private, and independent organizations in Grand Rapids, Michigan. KConnect aims to facilitate and advance a common agenda to ensure all children in Kent County have a clear path to economic prosperity through quality education, family, and community support. Resources and Footnotes KConnectKConnect Shared Policy Agenda and PACE Toolkit KConnect Community Engagement Compensation FrameworksKConnect 2023 Impact ReportThe Water of Systems ChangeMore on Collective Impact What is Collective Impact?Getting Started in Collective ImpactThe Intro music, entitled “Running,” was composed by Rafael Krux, and can be found here and is licensed under CC: By 4.0. The outro music, entitled “Deliberate Thought,” was composed by Kevin Macleod. Licensed under CC: By. Have a question related to collaborative work that you'd like to have discussed on the podcast? Contact us at: https://www.collectiveimpactforum.org/contact-us/