Addressing complex public problems through coalition-based approaches: Collective impact and the cep competencies

Abstract

The most intractable public problems can be resolved only with the engagement of broad-based cross-sector coalitions. On university campuses, interdisciplinary coalitions are formed in recognition that one discipline alone cannot address a systemic challenge. Collective impact (Kania & Kramer, 2011, 2013) has emerged as a collaborative community-based approach to addressing entrenched, complex issues and may extrapolate well to community-campus engagement. This article explores the intersection of university and community approaches to addressing complex issues through coalition-based strategies, in particular the emerging role of community engagement professionals in leading change. Next-generation community engagement professionals play a key role in convening, facilitating, and leading campus-community coalitions to solve complex public problems. The preliminary competency model for community engagement professionals (Dostilio et al., 2017) includes cultivating the conditions for change as a core theme, including the convening of collaborative groups in the context of the interdisciplinary, cross-sector environment typical at the nexus of campuses and communities.