Gather and Ground
Gather and Ground
GATHER AND GROUND
Gathering and grounding is our foundation as a coalition. We create space to connect, to build trust, and to root ourselves in purpose, together. By naming and addressing social inequities and lateral oppression, we lay a more honest and solid foundation for our relationships and our work. Where parity is not just a value, but a practice.
The Partners were drawn together out of steadfast devotion to their babies, families, communities and ancestors. Their actions stemmed from an unwavering commitment to reclaim cultural strengths, heal from historical trauma, dismantle systemic racism and forge a future where their communities thrive. Devotion has sustained them in success and challenge.
Reflection:
Form and lead through a devoted alliance.
Devotion: loyalty, fealty, and faithfulness to something or someone to which one is bound by pledge, duty or love.
Merriam Webster Dictionary
Gather and Ground
Engage Champions
Gauge Readiness
Express Purpose, Vision and Guiding Principles
Outline Governance and Roles
Steps to Gather and Ground
Engage Champions
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Engage 3-6 devoted partners who will govern, oversee, and commit to the work, and learn about each other.
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Identify coordination needs and partner with a backbone organization to support administration and project management; this will free the partners to lead.
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Outline shared expectations for the partners that address engagement, communication, conflict resolution and ceremony.
Gauge Readiness
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Assess readiness via critical partnerships (engage relevant government, systems, funders, and a fiscal sponsor; policy influencers).
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Assess readiness via critical resources e.g. money, and people; prioritize raising funds to pay people for their expertise.
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Assess readiness via community need and appetite for engagement.
Express Purpose, Vision and Guiding Principles
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Articulate why you exist (your mission) and the ways you will advance your mission.
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Articulate the outcomes you will and are achieving.
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Articulate the ways you will NOT advance your mission.
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Communicate who you are to others.
Outline Governance, Structures and Roles
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Design a governance structure with clear accountability and leadership.
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Design a strategy and implementation structure that embeds community guidance throughout the work.
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Bring in other key stakeholders to help implement the work.