11 Oct, 2018

I have enjoyed working with agencies and communities across the Triangle area of North Carolina. Over time, I have seen a growing desire to be data driven. Many agencies have improved their ability to track program outcomes and share their success stories. However, as communities begin to look at solving more systemic problems, there is a growing need to identify and measure community level outcomes. Recently, I was invited to host a webinar on "The Roadmap to Common Outcomes," sponsored by

03 Aug, 2018

We met recently with Joey Hopkins, the lead engineer for NC Department of Transportation's Raleigh region, to develop a new process that will strengthen community input into the the design phase for the project: I-440 interchange improvements at Glenwood Avenue in Raleigh. Partners for Impact worked with the NCDOT team to design a listening process that will ensure all voices are heard and citizens, neighbors, and business owners are able to provide input about what matters most to them at the

07 May, 2018

So I first learned the concept of the adaptive cycle at an evaluation workshop sponsored by the Tamarack Institute. It has its roots in the study of ecosystems. Some of us may be familiar with the growth and conservation parts of the cycle; represented by the "S' curve on it side. We have a starting place that is low and it grows, and may even plateau. The adaptive cycle completes the loop and forms an infinity symbol. The focus of this part of the cycle is on release (or collapse) and

16 Sep, 2018

Are you considering how to help in the aftermath of Florence? I have a couple of suggestions, whether you're thinking about volunteering or making a financial contribution. First, consider things that matter to you, ways in which you would contribute anyway. For example, are you a pet lover, then think about contributing to or getting involved with a local pet fostering program or shelter. Have you wanted to be involved in sustaining a healthy environment? Then consider a contribution or

23 Jul, 2018

So I was talking with Beth about this adaptive cycle framework and said, "I guess you better be careful about using a framework that is an infinity symbol because it keeps unfolding like the petals on a blooming flower and makes you reflect even more."  She laughed.  As I make another trip around the loop and continue researching this through organizations like Tamarack Institute and FSG, I discover more ways this is applicable to me, organizations, and collaborative partnerships working on

06 Jun, 2018

As we step into the adaptive cycle a little deeper (I introduced the concept here) , we can use it as a framework for organizational growth or program design. One of the programs that I've watched evolve of the years is Housing First. A little over 10 years ago a new strategy emerged in the fight to end homelessness. Shelters and transitional housing had become a "bottleneck" in the homeless system. Households were staying up to two years. No people on the street could find emergency shelter and