Collaboration is what makes Colorado unique. Our public, private and nonprofit sectors have always partnered to address the needs of our community, and our state’s response to COVID-19 is no different. We saw our community come together to quickly respond to the crisis. In last week’s Virtual Voices, we heard from leaders across sectors on how they’re working together to support our community.
Virtual Voices aims to keep alums informed and engaged as our community works through this challenging time. Each virtual meeting brings together leaders on the front lines of impacted industries to share their knowledge, perspectives and leadership lessons.
Christine Benero, president and CEO for Mile High United Way, Danielle Oliveto, deputy chief of staff for the State of Colorado, and Jay Salas, director of the Office of Financial Empowerment and Protection for the City and County of Denver, shared their insights on community collaboration with Denver Metro Leadership Foundation alums.
Check out our key takeaways and the video of the webinar below.
Listen to your community. Take time to listen and empower the community you’re serving. When you have everyone at the table and voices are heard, you have sustainable collaboration. Change is more effective if it comes from the community.
Power of partnerships. Colorado, as a state, understands the power of partnerships to create innovative and effective solutions. Our private, public and nonprofit sectors have worked together to navigate COVID-19 and to provide crucial resources to our community. And, whether the partnership is informal or formal, community members who will be affected by the partnership have to be at the table as well.
The collaboration spectrum. The spectrum of collaboration runs from conversations to integration. As a leader, it’s important to know which level of the spectrum is needed for that partnership.
Talk data. Data is key to understand what your community is asking for. Data allows you to listen and make smart decisions on what needs to be addressed. It also strengthens partnerships to focus on the facts.
Importance of innovation. In a crisis, innovation is critical to collaboration. When you have more of a need and fewer resources, you need to think creatively on how to address community need. And, we need to continue our innovations and learnings from this crisis to prepare for the future.
Support Colorado. Now more than ever we need leaders to participate – donate, volunteer or cheer on your community with a note of gratitude. You can also show your support by continuing to learn and engage with your community – it’s the power of conversation. And, don’t forget to wear a mask!
Join us for Virtual Voices. Check out our upcoming programs.
