Building Bridges
Building bridges is about creating ways for different sectors to work together effectively. Through our collaborative approach, we provide the structure and tools that enable organizations to connect across boundaries, find allies with shared goals, and work together to create lasting positive change.
Breaking Through Traditional Barriers
Traditional collaboration approaches often get stuck in predictable ways. Understanding these challenges helps us build better solutions:
Action targets surface-level issues, overlooking root causes
- Pressure to show quick results leads to rushed solutions
- Action chases 'quick wins' and minor tweaks rather than opportunities to create lasting change
- Initial energy gets distracted and drained; partners lose faith as short-term thinking takes over
Authority to Co-operate
Our Open Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishes a framework for genuine cross-sector collaboration. This creates:
Equal Partnership
- Enables organizations to collaborate across boundaries
- Establishes clear expectations for working together
- Offers flexible participation options
- Supports genuine cross-sector collaboration
Connection Infrastructure
- Platform to find others working on similar challenges
- Tools to share what you're working on
- Ways to connect with potential collaborators
- Forums to discuss shared challenges
Our Governance Model
Our governance model provides a balanced structure that enables effective cross-sector collaboration while maintaining autonomy and flexibility for all partners:
Governance Pillars
Our model establishes supportive, resilient co-governance that upholds our shared mission and values across all sectors.
Steering Committee
Action Clusters
Backbone Support Network
CoLab Foundation
Our Operating Model
We use proven approaches that help diverse organizations work together effectively while respecting their unique contexts and needs.
The Five Conditions of Collective Impact
These conditions create the foundation for effective cross-sector collaboration, enabling every organization to contribute their unique strengths while working toward shared goals.
Common Agenda
A shared vision and understanding of the problem
We are a neutral, inclusive pathway for allies who share our mission to collaborate across sectors and borders. Our common agenda unites diverse partners under a shared purpose.
- Independent platform fostering trust and collaboration across sectors
- Shared commitment to responsible, community-centered innovation
- United vision for ethical and equitable AI development
- Alignment on 'for good and for all' as a non-negotiable principle
Shared Measurement
Collecting data and measuring results consistently
We focus on measuring what matters - the small steps that add up to big improvements in how people work together and how communities benefit.
- Track cross-sector collaboration effectiveness and growth
- Measure community voice and leadership in decision-making
- Monitor ecosystem health and systemic changes
- Evaluate impact through community-defined outcomes
Reinforcing Activities
Different activities coordinated through a joint plan of action
Our Action Clusters coordinate diverse capabilities to achieve more than any single organization could alone.
- Action Clusters align complementary initiatives and capabilities
- Clusters are led by diverse Alliance members to pursue shared goals
- Partners share resources, knowledge, and networks
- Activities build on existing momentum and successful initiatives
Continuous Communication
Consistent and open communication builds trust and motivation
Our backbone support network facilitates ongoing communication and coordination across the Alliance.
- Regular steering committee meetings for strategic alignment
- Open documentation and shared learning resources
- Cross-sector partner engagement and updates
- Transparent sharing of progress and challenges
Backbone Support
Dedicated staff and infrastructure to coordinate the initiative
Backbone Support Network, coordinated by the CoLab Foundation provides the foundations for effective collaboration.
- Guide vision and strategy alignment
- Support and coordinate activities across sectors
- Establish shared measurement practices
- Build public will and advance policy
- Mobilize resources and funding
- Manage collective impact infrastructure
Connecting Understanding to Action
Our collaborative infrastructure and shared frameworks work together to help organizations create lasting positive change. Through this approach, we:
- Help organizations find and connect with aligned partners across sectors
- Provide frameworks that enable genuine cross-sector collaboration
- Support coordination through clear, flexible organizing structures
- Enable relationship building through practical collaboration