Collective Impact Forum

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Collective Impact Forum episodes

January 09How Does Emergent Learning Help Collaboratives Learn and Adapt?
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:
Why learning is most powerful when it is ongoing, shared, and grounded in real work rather than reports or one-time reflections
How clearly shared goals and thinking help partners remain aligned while allowing space to test different approaches
How simple practices like Before and After Action Reviewsand Emergent Learning Tablescan help groups turn experience into insight and action
How Emergent Learning can help collaboratives work through tensions, adapt to changing conditions, and even recognize when collaboration may not be the right path forward
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 Resources
Guide to the Principles of Emergent Learning
Fuller Impact
Mindful Metrics
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.
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/
59 min
October 22, 2025How Can a Collaborative Radically Restart?
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 Area
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.
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/
37 min
September 11, 2025How Can Your Collaborative Strategy Be Both Structured and Emergent?
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:
How to navigate complex challenges by embracing uncertainty while maintaining clear purpose and shared goals.
What methods can be used for co-designing solutions, fostering continuous learning, and adapting to shifting contexts.
Why embracing the messy, unpredictable nature within collaboration is critical to progress.
Resources and Footnotes:
CoCreative and the organization’s Creative Tools library
Collaborative Innovation Roadmap
6 Patterns in Collaborative Innovation
4 Agendas in Collaborative Innovation
Collaboration Advisor AI Tool
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.
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/
48 min
July 23, 2025Building Belonging through Conversations
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 Tāhono
Resource: What does belonging mean to you?
Resource: How to Hold a Conversation on Belonging
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.
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/
1 hr 21 min
May 21, 2025How to Influence without Authority
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 in Driving Effective Change Using 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
Book: Changing Education Systems: Wisdom Gained by E3 Alliance in Driving Effective Change Using Data and Collaboration by Susan Dawson
E3 Alliance
E3 Alliance Data and Trends Portal
The University of Texas at Austin College of Education
The University of Texas at Austin Education Research Center
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.
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/
48 min
April 07, 2025How Collaboration Can Support Communities Through Economic Transitions
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 Fund
Center for Community Growth
Indiana County Thrives
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.
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/
1 hr 2 min
February 26, 2025Defending and Advancing Democracy and Equity in Collective Impact Work
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:
What it means to assess and mitigate risks right now—individually and organizationally;
How organizations with more power or flexibility can provide cover and protect others, and how important it is to not “obey in advance.”
The need for honest conversations amongst partners, including if you have a shared understanding around organization ethics and mission;
The critical importance of storytelling to counter misinformation and support vulnerable communities;
How to analyze the current context amidst overwhelming noise;
How to identify both defensive and offensive strategies to protect and advance equity within the work. (Even if you can’t say “equity” right now at your job.)
Resources and Footnotes
Equity & Results
Junious Williams Consulting, LLC
Responding to Threats and Changes Planning Tool
Reckoning with the U.S. Election: 10 Reflections and Recommendations for Collective Impact Networks
Core Principles to Support Anti-Racism in Collective Impact
DEI, advocacy, and legal resources collected by Junious Williams
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.
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/
1 hr 23 min
February 18, 2025Why Community Listening is Critical to Achieve Effective Philanthropy
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 Insight
Time for a Three-Legged Measurement Stool
Funder Listening Action Menu
The Undocumented Americans by Karla Cornejo Villavicencio
The What, Why, and How of Advancing Funder Openness
Advancing Funders’ Openness Practices Report
Building Capacity to Support Community Listening
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.
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/
41 min
January 16, 2025Why is Backbone Leadership Different?
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:
The specific mindset shifts required in backbone leadership;
The skill sets that are crucial for effective backbone leadership;
The importance of building relationships as a vital aspect of backbone leadership(and why it’s necessary that relationship-building be specified as part of the backbone’s work, and not considered an add-on or “on the side”.)
Advice and insights on how backbone leaders can effective support collaboratives.
Resources and Footnotes
Report: Backbone Leadership Is Different
Webinar: The Skills and Mindset Shifts Backbones Need for Collective Impact
Resource: Racial Equity Toolkit
Online Platform: Kin Universe
Article: Centering Equity in Collective Impact
Blog: Making Meetings Work
Podcast: What Makes an Effective Backbone Leader
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.
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/
42 min
November 20, 2024Partnering with Companies to Advance Collective Impact
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:
Challenging preconceived notions about what it means to work in the nonprofit or private sector;
Understanding each partner’s strengths, resources, and limitations;
Strengthening relationships by fostering a culture of mutual understanding, shared learning, and transparency;
Moving beyond transactional relationships to establish a shared mission and values alignment.
Resources and Footnotes
FSG
Report: The Promise of Partnerships
Blog: Partnering for Change, Committing to Learning
Blog: What Business Leaders Wish NGOs Knew about Transformative Partnerships
Podcast: Shifting from Competition to Partnership in Private Sector Collaboration
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.
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/
46 min