our approach

Cross-Sector Collaboration for Equitable Systemic Change

SIE’s unique approach is based on the core belief that for our country and society to thrive, it is critical to take collaboration for equitable systems change to a completely new level of adoption and institutionalize it as a standard practice for solving social problems

Our collaborative networks are cross-sector because the problems our society faces are too large and too complex to be solved through the efforts of any single constituency. They require a concerted effort that transcends sector lines, and shifts multiple systems levers concurrently to achieve equitable outcomes.

We believe that while philanthropy has a critical role to play, including as a catalyst, it must be one of many partners that includes business, government, nonprofits, and communities, as well as diverse political, socioeconomic, and racial groups.

Community participation is fundamental to our approach

Community members are engaged from the earliest stages and play a leading role in all decision-making and implementation.

Collaboration that shifts systems requires a mindset and practices outside of the current norm. It requires that many stakeholders take the time to build cohesive collaborative networks based on mutual trust. It asks each member to listen actively and seek shared understanding.

It relies on the ability of each member to put aside egos and agendas in service of a higher collective purpose. Last but certainly not least, it demands shared ownership among its members, each of whom is an equal partner.

Model of Systems Change

Effective systems change implementation requires a number of supporting elements, including funding of backbone organizations and collaborative multi-sector networks that work in concert to transform a system. Initiatives also need technical assistance and venues to deepen their knowledge with lessons learned from across the field.

Funding

SIE helps assemble philanthropic and other funding from a variety of sources to support systemic change initiatives and build a large flow of capital to these efforts.

Knowledge & Learning

SIE brings together thought leaders to develop and share knowledge on systems change strategies and implementations. We also create a variety of knowledge dissemination efforts from online platforms to in-person learning communities and cohorts.

Multi-Sector Collaboration

SIE catalyzes multi-sector collaborative spaces and vehicles where leaders from the community, philanthropy, business, government and nonprofits can work together across ideological, socioeconomic, racial and ethnic divides to create shared visions, goals and action plans, and then implement systemic change initiatives.

SIE’s Role

SIE serves as a field enabler working with collaborative networks to build the enabling conditions for systems initiatives to flourish. These conditions include collaborative infrastructure, funding, and knowledge that can catalyze more high-quality systems initiatives.