Why a Policy Agenda is an Important Part of Collective Impact Work
The collective impact initiative KConnect shares what they have learned building a policy agenda to support local systems change efforts in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Collective Impact Forum · Maegan Frierson, Dr. Shayla Young, Courtney W. Robertson
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Show Notes
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
- KConnect
- KConnect Shared Policy Agenda and PACE Toolkit
- KConnect Community Engagement Compensation Frameworks
- KConnect 2023 Impact Report
- The Water of Systems Change
More on Collective Impact
- Infographic: What is Collective Impact?
- Resource List: Getting Started in Collective Impact
The 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.
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