Uncategorized

A visual keynote: The power of collaboration in community building

Last month, I had the pleasure of delivering the keynote address for the ConvergenceYYM conference in Wood Buffalo. The address, titled “The Power of Cross-Sector Collaborations in Community Building”, wove together reflections on the nature of community building, defining the nature of high quality collaboration, and the implications for the community as a whole. Instead of posting the transcript (which no one would read), my colleague Sami Berger drew this.  We thought you would appreciate a cartoon instead.

Collaboration, Complexity, Networks, Systems Change, Uncategorized

Networks: Lessons Learned and Launching Pads

Over the past seven years, the First 2000 Days Network has invested deeply in an adaptive learning approach. This report is a summary of the high-level lessons that came out of the Network’s efforts. Building a high-quality network is a long process and the Network’s success and failures are informative for other collaborative efforts. My co-author, Sami Berger and I entered into the First 2000 Days Network because of the incredible opportunity to build something using a unique, innovative approach. There is a freedom when you’re given permission to re-think what’s needed to achieve real change that is desperately needed. The Network […]

Networks

Networks: What, When and Why?

I co-authored this article with Sami Berger, founder of Curious Compass.   Learn from the people Plan with the people Begin with what they have Build on what they know Of the best leaders When the task is accomplished The people all remark We have done it ourselves – Lao-Tzu     net·work – noun “… a group or system of interconnected people or things.” Networks are foundational to how we connect to our surroundings, each other, and the built environment. Ecological networks depend on the number and types of interactions between different species, food and water sources. Our families […]

Systems Change

Exploring Mental Health Services and Supports for Children, Youth and Families in Calgary

This report, co-written with Kathy GermAnn and Gail MacKean for the United Way of Calgary & Area, explores the community-based mental health services and supports for children, youth, families and their natural supports in Calgary. The goal of the report is to identify gaps and challenges to improve the continuum of mental health care for children and youth in the city. The report recommends a philosophical shift to rethink existing ways of thinking and working, moving toward a system that truly focuses on what children, youth, and families need to achieve and sustain mental wellbeing and to live fulfilling and […]

Collaboration

Building Cultures that Help us Collaborate

This blog post explores the role that our cultural context plays in our capacity for high quality collaboration, co-written by myself and Sami Berger. You can find it here. This was also shared on Visible Network Lab’s website, a great resource to learn more about Social Network Analysis and the PARTNER tool.  You wake up in the morning and turn off your alarm. You get dressed in your jeans and button up shirt. You balance your cup of coffee in your hand as you lock your door. You ride the subway, looking at the ground, listening to a podcast. You […]