Metropolitan Universities, Issue 28.4, “Collective Impact Strategies” released.

Organizations in communities across the world are working to accomplish similar goals in tackling social issues, however, they often have to compete for already limited resources. Competition then limits their capabilities to effectively serve communities and populations. Collective impact, a new and emerging practice brings organizations together to achieve the same goals but through partnerships and resource sharing, thus eliminating inefficiencies, redundancy, and a further scarcity of resources from unnecessary competition.

Urban and metropolitan universities have a unique opportunity and responsibility to initiate and promote social change in a way that also advances their mission and participating in collective impact is becoming increasingly popular. The newest issue of Metropolitan Universities includes case studies and practical papers that illustrate the role of universities in these efforts and provide guidance and best practices for how to initiate, facilitate, and strengthen collective impact initiatives in their communities.

Joseph Allen, PhD, of CUMU member institution University of Nebraska at Omaha, served as guest editor of Issue 28.4. His scholarship in collective impact and organizational psychology guided the development and execution of this issue. Dr. Allen also published “Moving Toward a Collective Impact Effort: The Volunteer Program Assessment,” along with Sheridan Trent, and Kelly A. Prange.

Other articles include:

“We’re all in this together: How One University Drew on Collective Impact Principles to Advance Student Success in Higher Education”
Bruce Jones, Maureen Croft, Teri Lonacre – University of Houston (CUMU Member)

“Capacity Building for Social Innovation: A Collective Impact Approach”
Ellen J. Szarleta – Indiana University Northwest (CUMU Member)

“Applying Collective Impact to Wicked Problems in Aboriginal Health”
Kylie Gwynne – University of Sydney

“What Does it Take for Practitioners to Use Data to Change Behavior in Collective Impact?”
Jeff Raderstrong, JaNay Queen Nazaire – Living Cities

A Community in Crisis: The Opioid Epidemic on Staten Island
Patricia A. Tooker – Wagner College (CUMU Member)

“The Emerging Role of Universities in Collective Impact Initiatives for Community Benefit”
Jason Smith, Lynn E. Pelco, and Alex Rooke – Virginia Commonwealth University (CUMU Member)

“Collective Impact Approach: A “Tool” for Managing Complex Problems and Business Sustainability”
Alessandra De Chiara – University of Naples

Keep an eye out for Issue 29.1, “Equity and Inclusion: Expanding the Urban Ecosystem,” guest edited by Tia McNair, PhD, Association of American Colleges & Universities, and Judith Ramaley, PhD, Portland State University.