MEMBER PORTAL

The Collective Impact Approach

Our Approach

Forum for the Future follows a Collective Impact model to achieve big goals

Collective impact is a collaborative approach to solving complex social problems that breaks down silos and brings organizations from different sectors together in a structured and coordinated way. This approach allows Forum for the Future members to leverage their unique strengths, share resources, and work together in a coordinated and aligned manner towards common goals, which leads to lasting, systemic change. 

The collective impact approach involves 5 key elements:

A common agenda

Everyone involved shares a common understanding of the problem and commits to a shared vision and approach.

Shared measurement

 Everyone tracks progress in same way, using common data indicators to measure success.  input from childcare providers, early childhood professionals and policymakers, and parents.

Mutually reinforcing activities

 Everyone plays their own role, but our coordinated efforts fit into a larger plan of action.

Continuous communication

Consistent and open communication builds trust and keeps everyone on the same page.

Backbone support

One team is dedicated to keeping the work organized and moving forward. Maintaining momentum isn’t left up to chance.

Forum for the Future is made up of
four primary and overlapping groups

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Backbone

The Mississippi Early Learning Alliance (MELA) serves as the backbone for Forum for the Future.
Learn More about MELA

Data Team

The Systems Change Lab of Mississippi State University’s Social Science Research Center provides data and research support for the backbone, steering committee, and working groups.
Learn More about the Systems Change Lab

Steering Committee

The steering committee is responsible for helping refine the vision of Forum for the Future, track progress effectively, and expand the reach and impact of this movement. Members help define the scope of the overall initiative, provide strategic direction, determine measures of success, and champion our work to others.

Working Groups

Working groups are the implementation teams within a collective impact initiative. These groups complete specific projects that will move us closer to our long-term goal. Working groups form in response to a specific need, then dissolve when that need has been met. These groups are not standing committees - they are project teams that are responsible for completing specific tasks and deliverables within a certain time frame.

Members

Forum for the Future members may participate in working groups or the steering committee, but also agree to remain actively engaged in the work. Read full membership requirements & benefits on the "Become a Member" page.

Forum for the Future Principles

Forum for the Future is committed to six core principles to guide our work. The principles are designed to help us create the right conditions to work effectively with current and future partners. The principles also help us determine who needs to be involved with different aspects of the work, guide how decisions are made, and shape how success is defined. 

Overcome Mistrust:

We make space to understand, connect and build meaningful relationships. All project members and partners are treated with respect and kindness. We assume good intent, but acknowledge the missteps and wrongdoings of the past. We understand that trust is not declared, it is co-constructed over time.

Balance Power:

We Consciously redistribute power and create with others, not for them. We elevate the voices of parents, caregivers, and direct service providers as we intentionally seek their input and recognize it as expertise. This is based in an understanding that the best solutions require the contributions of people from diverse backgrounds and divergent points of view.

Dismantle Inequities:

We work to make inequities visible. Our public systems (education, healthcare, criminal justice, housing, etc.) were not created to produce equal outcomes or experiences for everyone. These structures – past and present – maintain inequity by design. In response, we must be bold. It takes bold leadership to redesign unjust systems and catalyze positive change.

Trust the Collective Impact Process:

This means we establish and celebrate realistic and meaningful benchmark, commit to transparent communication about our work and progress, and practice patience. We understand that change happens over time.

Resist False Dichotomies:

We embrace respectful conflict and understand that effective solutions will be created collaboratively and with compromise. We always seek a third way.

Own the Work:

We share and maximize our resources, avoiding competition for resources or duplicate efforts. We speak with one voice and use shared language to describe the work. We understand that this work is not intended to exist in addition to what members do, but as an enhancement of their existing work.