Core Capacities

To produce change, Making Connections works to build core capacities - the key components we believe are needed for change to be sustained in our community over time. The eight core capacities we seek to build are:

Shared vision. The vision for successful change - closing the gaps in results for disadvantaged families in specific neighborhoods - becomes shared, understood and embraced by diverse stakeholder groups in our community

Community leadership. Resident and consumer leaders are able to participate in or lead change agendas at both the neighborhood and community levels;

Relationships and partnerships. The relationships and partnerships among residents, institutions and others develop in new and different ways and are sustained as they work together for change.

Powerful strategies. New approaches and strategies designed to achieve the vision are implemented. Where their effectiveness is demonstrated, they are expanded to reach all who can benefit.

Transform systems. To provide efficient and effective services and to remove unfair or unintentional barriers that keep families from succeeding, public and private systems are changed.

Use of data, evaluation and results-based accountability. We provide the best information, evidence, and advice available - technical assistance - to inform change. And the community uses data to maintain a results-based, long-term focus in making decisions about the effectiveness and impact any new programs, strategies or approaches.

Communication. Community leaders understand and can articulate the need and vision for change, ensuring that it becomes embedded in the public will and stays a community priority.

Scale and sustainability. New approaches and ideas for change that work for a small group of people are expanded to benefit the entire Making Connections community, and momentum and capacity to achieve long-lasting change remain over time.

Examples
Examples of Making Connections at work include:

Working to change current public and private service systems to:

• Expand access to high quality early childhood services and supports to close the current gap in school readiness at the time of kindergarten entry;
• Expand workforce development and economic opportunities for residents, both in initial entry into the workforce and in moving into career pathways to ensure economic security; and
• Build assets within households to invest in their own and their families’ futures.

Activating and supporting Making Connections residents and consumers as they:

• Participate as leaders in change agendas at the neighborhood and community levels, creating the space for their active representation in all levels of community planning and decision-making; and
• Meet together and connect with one another, building social connections and resources that strengthen the neighborhood's support of all residents.