Shared goals and accountability amongst the entire Partnership, including the Eastside Pathways Backbone, is an essential part of the Collective Impact framework we follow. 

After affirming either their individual or organization’s commitment to providing an agreed-upon amount of resources, Partners will participate in the Ages & Stages networks where they will begin to focus and engage with communities, share their own experiences and knowledge, and develop shared performance measures (see January’s newsletter for more details). From there, Partners can choose to move into campaign work within Collaborative Action Networks (CANs).

The bottom line is that Eastside Pathways is still focused on “every child thriving, cradle to career,” and there is a renewed focus on an intentional approach to this work. 

Adaptive leadership defines the culture within Eastside Pathways in which the Partnership works. It is a practical leadership framework that helps individuals and organizations adapt and thrive in challenging environments. It is being able, both individually and collectively, to take on the gradual but meaningful process of change. 

Under this framework, challenges fall into two categories: technical or adaptive.

Technical challenges are 1) easy to identify, 2) often fixed with quick or simple solutions, 3) often fixed by bringing in an expert skill, or 4) require change in only one place, e.g.: you lose internet connectivity, you can restart the router, get the IT person, change ISPs, etc. There are known solutions. 

Adaptive challenges are thornier. They’re often difficult to diagnose, and require changes in values, roles, beliefs, approaches, etc. Most importantly, the people with the challenge do the work of addressing it because it requires such a deep dive and fundamental mind-set change. A facilitator can help guide the process, but the work of addressing an issue has to be done back in the affected organization. Think of the difference between fixing lost internet connectivity on a college campus versus implementing a new online Learning Management System for use by students and faculty. One is easily diagnosed and addressed with known solutions; the other requires a fundamental mind-set change. 

It’s no wonder that people gravitate to the technical. It’s usually a quick or easily identified fix, whereas an adaptive challenge takes time and often a cultural shift. 

In the Eastside Pathways Partnership, our trained neutral facilitators work with various stakeholders to diagnose adaptive challenges and provide them with the tools and methods needed to improve on these challenges back in their organizations. 

For more info on adaptive vs technical, check out this three-minute video.

It’s important to understand the differences between technical and adaptive challenges

for work in the Eastside Pathways Partnership.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue serves more than 11,000 youth between the ages of two and 1/2 and 18 across their 15 Bellevue sites. Their mission is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need their services the most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens. BGCB provides a safe affordable place with caring adults mentors, fun and friendship, and high-impact programs for youth during critical non-school hours.

The organization has a long association with Eastside Pathways. “Eastside Pathways has spent a lot of time and energy on their new strategic plan to strengthen the Partnership’s impact. The new timeline is exciting as it is data-driven and has measurable goals for the CANs and the organization,” stated Nicole Jackson, senior director of program quality for Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue and one of their representatives in the Eastside Pathways Partnership.

The Data Council met to further refine priorities to support implementation of the Strategic Plan within the Partnership.

The full Backbone staff continued their monthly calls with StriveTogether, where they share best practices from their organization and other networks around the country. 

February 10 – Eastside Pathways 101 ( register)

February 28 – Eastside Pathways Institute ( register)

March 10 – Eastside Pathways Institute ( register)

Giving every child the opportunity to thrive from cradle to career requires dedication and teamwork. That’s why Eastside Pathways helps individuals and organizations collaborate to focus their efforts, find efficiencies and increase their impact. Together, using a proven framework and data-driven strategies, we create better outcomes for our youth. 

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