Collective Impact Blog

By Liz Weaver, Tamarack

In April 2013, Tamarack, FSG, Social Innovation Generation and Maytree hosted a workshop in Toronto for 150 leaders of collective impact backbone organizations. Called Champions for Change, this three day workshop explored a number of topics including a detailed look at the roles played by backbone leaders, dealing with complex issues in a changing and emergent environment, collective governance, and shared value.  

Be sure to read this great blog post by Jeff Edmondson, the managing director of the Strive Network, Ben Hecht, the president & CEO of Living Cities and Willa Seldon, a partner with The Bridgespan Group about the great work currently underway with CCER and the Road Map Project: The Transformational Power of Data (via the Huffington Post).

By Shawn Thomas, Director of Research, E3 Alliance 

The effective translation of data and information into a cohesive and efficient guide to improved education outcomes requires a set of integrated data and information systems and the ability to effectively use those systems. With its Central Texas Educational Research System, E3 Alliance is a leading provider of trusted, objective information. We are currently the backbone for a Collective Impact initiative in Central Texas. Our work requires using a data-driven approach to aligning education systems to help educators better meet the needs of and increase educational outcomes for every student. This requires not only complex academic research, but also in-depth data analysis designed to enlighten and inform the public and our education partners about trends and outcomes in schools. Our partner school districts and higher education institutions depend on E3 to help them conduct research to:

• Evaluate progress toward the goals of The Blueprint for Educational Change, our regional strategic plan
• Track educational trends
• Improve understanding of the impact of educational programs
• Identify best practices

by Chris Thompson, director of regional engagement for the Fund for Our Economic Future

FSG, the Strive Network, Tamarack, and the Aspen Forum for Community Solutions recently hosted a three-day workshop for leaders from backbone organizations of mature collective impact initiatives. This blog is part of a series sharing learning and reflection from the workshop.