Collaboration is hard work. Yet to get at the roots of social problems, it’s essential to include multiple perspectives, particularly the voices of those marginalized within systems. Without understanding injustice or the systemic dimensions of social or ecological problems, we cannot navigate toward durable solutions. Moving from conflicted or entrenched situations to spaces of openness and possibility requires issues to be addressed honestly, people to feel heard, and risk-taking to be supported.
In this module, you’ll apply tools for collaboration, as well as practices to build trust, listen deeply and find common values, even amidst conflict. These skill sets are integral to building innovative organizations while simultaneously supporting wider partnership with allies and unusual suspects.
You’ll practise the relationship skills and perspective-taking needed to move beyond personal experiences of conflict and build alignment across diverse perspectives. You’ll study cases of cross-sector collaboration that illustrate both successes and failures, to help you consider the unique strengths and contributions of different actors and sectors in advancing change.
