A group of seven girls smile at the camera. Three of them are sitting on a bench and four are standing behind the bench.

Changing systems from cradle to career in Marin County 

  In Marin County, California, more than 100 community, organizational, philanthropic and governmental leaders are changing systems to ensure every child in the county achieves their full potential. This work is facilitated by StriveTogether Cradle to Career Network member Marin Promise Partnership.    In a recent assessment, Marin Promise Partnership earned the Systems Change designation along…

Changing systems so every child succeeds

Partners for Rural Impact earned the Systems Change designation this month for advancing equitable outcomes. Serving the Appalachian counties of Eastern Kentucky where 127,650 children and young people experience poverty, this cradle-to-career network member shows what systems change looks like in a community. Systems Change communities are shifting policies, practices, resources and power structures that…

Learning through a crisis

How shifting grantmaking practices leads to better results Authors: Kara Shibiya and Brittany Speed The philanthropic sector is well-positioned to lead and support an equitable recovery in our country; however, redesigning systems amid a pandemic requires rethinking how communities are accessing the resources they need, as well as the role funders can play as a trusted partner. At StriveTogether, we’ve…

Building back better and to last with the American Rescue Plan Act

The StriveTogether Cradle to Career Network is uniquely positioned to leverage the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) given our decade-long experience building civic infrastructure in nearly 70 communities across 29 states. We have the knowledge, skills, tools and relationships to support districts and municipalities with the direction of American Rescue Plan Act funds. Our aim…

Shifting power: Systems transformation series, part 4

One year ago, we saw the beginnings of systemic disruptions sparked by the COVID-19 pandemic and the convergence of health, racial and economic crises that heightened public awareness of structural racism. The StriveTogether Cradle to Career Network rose to the challenge of meeting immediate needs while pursuing efforts to transform systems, close opportunity gaps and…

Kids sitting criss cross applesauce at graduate tacoma

Updates to our approach: Defining systems transformation and more

The StriveTogether Theory of Action™ guides the Cradle to Career Network in building the civic infrastructure required to improve outcomes for youth and families. The nationally validated framework is the foundation of the Network’s approach. Over the years, the Network has taken a continuous improvement approach, revising the theory of action periodically to reflect insights…

Shifting resources: Systems transformation series, part 3

One year ago, we saw the beginnings of systemic disruptions sparked by the COVID-19 pandemic and the convergence of health, racial and economic crises that heightened public awareness of structural racism. The Cradle to Career Network rose to the challenge of meeting immediate needs while pursuing efforts to transform systems, close opportunity gaps and advance…