Collective Impact The Best Chance We Have at Addressing Wicked Problems By Trevor Cook

Wicked Problem Innumerable causes Difficult to describe No single solution Competing opinions of how to handle the problem A solution for one aspect of the problem can lead to more problems

Five Components Developing a Common Agenda Developing Shared Measurement Mutually Reinforcing Activities Continuous Communication Backbone Organization “Collective Impact is a framework to tackle deeply entrenched and complex social problems. It is an innovative and structured approach to making collaboration work across government, business, philanthropy, non-profit organizations and citizens to achieve significant and lasting social change.” Kania, J. & Kramer, M. (2011). Collective impact. Stanford Social Innovation Review. Retrieved from

Common Agenda 1. Engage broadly with several actors from various sectors 2. Define the problem being tackled 3. Develop a plan of action

Shared Measurement To truly have a common agenda, there needs to be a system of measurement that every partner can agree upon. This ensures that each partner is aimed at the same purpose

Mutually Reinforcing Activities To have shared measurements, activities must be aligned in a coordinated way. Each partner engages in the activity they excel at in a coordinated way that supports the activities of other partners. Multi-problem individuals Multi-faceted problem

Continuous Communication Internal Communication For a partner to engage in an activity that supports the collective impact effort, they need to know their interests are equally as valued as every other partner. External Communication To have success in collective impact, it is important to communicate with external stakeholders and clients. Their insight could provide necessary information for service changes. Reporting progress and impact

Backbone Organization A collective impact effort cannot exist long-term without an organization or group dedicated to coordinating collaborators and their activities. A position based on trust first. Role: Guide vision and strategy Support aligned activities Initiate shared measurement practice Build public trust Advance policy Mobilize funding

Conclusion Wicked problems are extreme complex issues that cannot be solved by multiple organizations addressing parts of the problem on their own. Collective impact efforts brings these various actors together from the public, private, and nonprofit sectors in a coordinated fashion. Their differentiate activities can be coordinated to tackle various aspects of the wicked problem. The effort can also scan the environment to address emerging aspects of the wicked problem. By utilizing a successful collective impact strategy, wicked problems can potentially be made less wicked.