STRENGTHENING COLLABORATION IN YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

STRENGTHENING COLLABORATION IN YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

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At Elevate, we know firsthand the power of a supportive community. We also know the difficulties the nonprofit sector can face when there is a lack of collaboration within the community.

In this post, I would like to share with you some key challenges and opportunities we have identified so we can close the gap between discourse and meaningful action. In doing so, I hope we can begin a journey toward stronger outcomes for our youth.

THE CURRENT FRAGMENTED STATE OF COLLABORATION

In the nonprofit sector, we talk a great deal about the importance of collaboration. However, the partnerships we create often fall short because they do not extend beyond the surface level.

Here at Elevate, our mission is rooted in creating meaningful, transformative relationships. This same mindset applies to collaboration within our community. Without achieving deeper relationships, we will not achieve transformative results.

COMPETITION OVER COLLABORATION

With high demand and limited funding, nonprofits in Indianapolis are doing their best to work within stringent means. Because of this, organizations find themselves competing for resources instead of working together to use our resources more effectively.

As nonprofits working in youth development, we all share common goals. Rather than remaining siloed and competing for limited resources, the youth development community needs to come together toward these shared goals. By combining our efforts and resources instead of competing for them, we can implement more sustainable practices that lead to greater impact for the youth of our city.

HOW WE CAN ACHIEVE LASTING IMPACT

Leveraged Collaboration: A Collective Responsibility

The first step toward creating sustainable impact is to move away from one-time partnership opportunities. By investing in our partnerships, just as we invest in our youth, we share the commitment to achieving long-term outcomes.

Deep Collaboration Leads to Creative Innovation

Teamwork makes the dream work! By bringing together many creative and passionate minds, we can identify new solutions that will benefit the talented, yet under-supported youth we meet every day in our organizations.

Scaling Collaboration for Broader Impact

There is only so much we can do on a local level. To meet the broader needs of our city's youth, it may take a citywide initiative that brings together a diverse group of organizations and partners. After all, like we say in Elevate, no one gets there alone.

Continued Opportunity for Strong Leadership and Momentum

We have seen the need and desire for more coordinated efforts from our organizations to create lasting, systematic change. However, it can be difficult to relinquish control for the sake of the common good. This will require strong leadership to set the standard for a more collaborative mindset among nonprofits across the city.

Student-Voice-Centered Outcome-Driven Measureables

At the end of the day, it's not about us. It's about the youth we serve - youth whose voices are not being heard. By coming together, organizations can create a set of shared outcomes with our students' voices at the center.

We can be better together. With deep partnerships and long-term collaboration, we can create sustainable impact for the youth of our city.

Click below to read more on Elevate's report on the importance of community collaboration below.



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