Carrying a shared vision and process to fruition will only work if the communities or individuals most impacted by a particular challenge or circumstance have an active role in identifying that challenge, setting that vision or objective, and considering ways to address it. Along the way that means inviting new voices to be heard and ensuring the door is kept open to individuals, organizations, and communities as the work unfolds.
Outlining the design principles necessary for building thriving ecosystems to support entrepreneurs, participants at the inaugural ESHIP Summit talked about creating a culture of invitation where everyone is welcome. Participants from across the country were encouraged to be “radically inclusive” to bridge gaps in the ecosystem. They were reminded, “The first inclination for any new initiative should always be to invite new people and organizations into the community, to find new ways for actors to connect, collaborate, create, share credit and find mutual benefit.”
The Urban Neighborhood Initiative and the Midtown Community School Initiative are examples of movements that grew from grassroots efforts led by Kansas City families. Both groups were fueled by the energy of their missions, diverse and inclusive environments, and a unity of purpose to advance education in their communities.
The first inclination for any new initiative should always be to invite new people and organizations into the community, to find new ways for actors to connect, collaborate, create, share credit and find mutual benefit.
- from the first eship summit
The Urban Neighborhood Initiative was created through a partnership between the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and the United Way of Greater Kansas City. It established collaborative relationships with residents of Kansas City's east side and launched partnerships with business to increase prosperity and improve health and safety, and with foundations to establish a new charter school in partnership with the Kansas City Public Schools district.
The Midtown Community School Initiative issued its own national request for proposals soliciting partners with the capacity and willingness to launch and operate high-performing schools with a racially, culturally, and socioeconomically diverse student population. After being selected as a partner, Citizens of the World Charter Schools spent two years meeting with families and community organizations, paving the way for the launch of Citizens of the World Kansas City. In both cases understanding what needed to be built was key to getting a group together to begin assembly.
A group is capable of achieving more than any single person or organization is able to do individually. Longer-term, transformative returns on investment are more possible with more resources and greater commitment around the table. However, it’s important to note that true group collaboration implies compromise, longer time horizons, and a good faith effort to be part of a group seeking to achieve a common end. It’s difficult work and there will be missteps along the way, but it’s worth pursuing if we are willing to think together without all thinking alike.