Cross Sector Collaboration Event - Thriving Tomorrow: Navigating Resilience
To collaborate is to commit to the possibility of producing an event that would be greater than one that would be created in a silo.
There are many different types of functions of collaboration however one type that appeals to us is:
1. Drivers (leaders of the group)
2. Analysts (thinkers of the group)
3. Connectors (the glue that holds the team together)
From our experience, it is important to have all of these qualities in a successful collaboration. This was very evident within the working party that project managed the recent cross sector collaborative event named; Thriving Tomorrow: Navigating Resilience
Background
An idea that was germinated by Holly Snape (Community Waikato CE) in conversations with Jeremy Mayall (Creative Waikato CEO) and Jo Wrigley (Go Eco Kaiwhakakaha/CE) quickly transformed into the motivation for a cross sector collaborative event to occur.
From the initial conversations, a small group of people were identified from within the three partner organisations to form a working party and collaborate on bringing the event to life.
It was quickly identified that there was real synergy between the essence of the collaboration and the Waikato Wellbeing Project (WWP) so as a result, a representative from the WWP was invited onto the working party.
Additionally, the working party co-opted people with specific skillsets to provide additional support as required.
The timeframe for planning the collaboration was initially set at five months however all partner organisations agreed to extend the planning phase out to nine months so that the working party had a more realistic amount of time to collaborate on the planning and facilitation of the event, along with completing their everyday tasks.
This collaboration represents the shared vision and aspirations of those of us working to build the capacity, capability and well-being of our local landscape. It includes a holistic approach to building thriving communities.
Aims and Objectives of the Cross Sector collaborative event
Increase awareness of and connections with others with similar purposes and complementary skills and assets
(Re)new inspiration for cross-sector collaboration
Opening a conversation beyond crisis response to resilient preparation
Participants leaving the event with the skills to undertake their own asset mapping (focusing on the strengths) and having access to examples from the day.
Reflections
As the first collaborative event organised by Community Waikato, Creative Waikato, Go Eco and the Waikato Wellbeing Project, we were delighted to have participants from across our sectors attend. There were many highlights to the day and the working party certainly learnt a lot about collaboration as a creative community development practice.
It would be fair to say that there are a lot of strengths within our communities and these stand us in good stead for growing our collective responses to any challenges ahead.
Cross-sector community connections are also an important part of helping people thrive in uncertain times.
Shared experiences and storytelling help people to forge connections, imagine new solutions, and make meaning together.
Cross-sector community connections are an important part of helping people thrive in uncertain times.
Coming together as community-focused organisations to think collectively about how we approach a thriving future amid complexities, and being mindful in those moments of our interdependencies as we work on our relationships is a vital act in building resilience.
The power of graphical illustrations as created by the team at Interactionz to capture the immense scale of assets that a community can possess; (see illustration below)
Snapshot of Participant Feedback
A great opportunity for organic networking and building stronger networks
A wide range of people in the room – people who you don’t always connect up with
Appreciated the opportunity to come together and reflect on real life scenarios
A willingness to engage and participate no matter if you felt out of your comfort zone
Appreciated the opportunity to broaden the koorero around asset strengths within a community rather than only focusing on problematic issues within a community
Building further on the ideas shared on the day - opportunities for ongoing collaboration
Ensuring timeframes are realistic for pre-event communications
Working Party key learnings
All parties in a collaboration to be aligned in their view of the shared outcomes right from the outset of the planning phase
Connectors (the glue) with an overarching coordination role are critical towards the success of any collaborative event
Despite different personalities and perspectives – you can work effectively together
It is imperative to allow enough time for the collaboration and recognise it may take up to twice as long as if you were doing it on your own. This brings to mind an often quoted African proverb which aptly captures the essence of this collaborative experience:-
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
