In late 2019, we spoke to a dozen local leaders about the various collaborative groups they were involved in. They all agreed that the groups were operating reasonably well.

At the same time, we spoke to lower-level people in those same organisations. And they disagreed. They described the groups’ frustrating bureaucracy, their lack of impact, and the lack of community involvement.

The reason for the discussions was we hoped to invite Liz Weaver to our city to run a workshop on collaborative governance. COVID-19 soon interfered with that plan, but now Liz is able to share her insights as a podcast guest instead.

As one of the CEO’s of the Tamarack Institute in Canada, Liz shares her personal story of the first collaborative group she was involved in and how that has influenced Tamarack’s work. Tamarack plays a lead role in guiding a nationwide movement in poverty reduction, youth wellbeing, and climate transitions.

If you've been having one of those demoralising days or weeks where you feel like you are doing this all alone, then this conversation is going to leave you feeling really uplifted.

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