Season 3, Episode 8, The case for policy

Together for Change podcast S3 Ep. 8: The Case for Policy

  Welcome to Together for Together for Change, the podcast where we explore the transformative power of systems change and civic infrastructure. Policy plays a critical role in the work of systems transformation. In this episode, we explore different approaches to policy work and show why it can be effective for achieving results at scale.…

A group of six high school graduates are wearing their caps and gowns and smiling at the camera.

Connecting data and resources to transform systems in South Carolina

Spartanburg, South Carolina, is one of the nation’s fastest growing communities, home to seven postsecondary institutions and committed employers. Collaboration abounds. The city and county governments work closely with nonprofit organizations, businesses and community partners, and the seven school districts regularly collaborate and launch initiatives together.   While there is much to celebrate, Spartanburg acknowledges that…

Featured guest is Danya Pastuszek, Co-CEO of Tamarack Institute for Community Engagement.

Together for Change podcast S3 Ep. 7: Working at the Intersection of Different Systems with Civic Infrastructure

  Welcome to Together for Together for Change, the podcast where we explore the transformative power of systems change and civic infrastructure. Part of the work in transforming systems is understanding how different social systems intersect: education, housing, health, criminal justice, etc. On the flip side, there is a large cross section of social impact…

Two students present in front of their peers, reading off of a paper that says "Table 6: Graduation Rates" at the top

Creating lasting change: Transforming systems in Northfield, Minnesota 

Located less than 40 miles south of Minneapolis–Saint Paul, Northfield, Minnesota is a town of about 21,000 residents.  In 2017, fewer than half of Northfield’s kids were ready for kindergarten, and kindergarten readiness was at just 10% for Hispanic/Latine children. Disparities like these are what prompted the launch of Northfield Promise, a community movement dedicated…

A teacher and a young girl look at a book together

Making opportunity possible: Transforming systems in Dayton, Ohio 

  In Dayton, Ohio, transformative change is creating more opportunities for young people. StriveTogether Cradle to Career Network member Learn to Earn Dayton is using data, collaborating across the community, and shifting power and resources to get better, more equitable outcomes.   Learn to Earn Dayton has developed the region’s civic infrastructure — the connections between…

A female teacher wearing a blue medical face mask kneels next to a table, helping a male student who is also wearing a blue medical face mask.

Transforming systems with data and collaboration in Central Texas 

  In Central Texas, Cradle to Career Network member E3 Alliance is transforming education systems through data and collaboration. Since 2006, E3 Alliance has worked with school districts, higher education institutions, businesses, nonprofits and policy leaders across the region. Now, their work has earned the Systems Transformation designation along the StriveTogether Theory of Action™. E3…

How to measure systems to hold them accountable

Communities across the country are building civic infrastructure to get better, more equitable results for kids. Like physical infrastructure, civic infrastructure connects key elements of a community, including people, ideas and resources. It focuses on outcomes rather than programs and uses data to improve. At StriveTogether, we’ve learned a lot about building effective civic infrastructure…