50 Shades of Alignment
FCSS Director’s Network
2016
Alison Gerrits
Kelly Micetich
1. What is at stake if we don’t align?
2. How do we align?
3. What is your role in alignment?
4. Challenges to getting there!
Key Questions
It interferes with progress on a project!
We don’t look like professionals!(and it’s not very pretty!)
Key risk is to the client
Individuals
Families
Communities
This isn’t brain surgery, it’s more complicated than that!
What’s at stake if we aren’t aligned?
Creates gaps where clients can fall through the cracks!
Many ways to align…...
Mission Vision
Values Goals
Outcomes Mandate
Philosophy Practice
Mandate Example: High risk youth with addictions /AB Works.
High Risk Unit in Edmonton
How do we align?
Facilitator
Innovator
System Creator
Advocate
Creating connections and connecting the dots so stakeholders understand the opportunity and the jeopardy of the issues.
What is our role in alignment?
Leadership challenges!
Disagreement on priorities – Politics vs Needs
Disagreement on financial investment
Disagreement on accountability
Lack of understanding of the issues
Disagreement or lack of awareness of the needs
Challenges to alignment!
Syrian Refugee priority of Federal Government becoming integrated into a local city CIC grant
Summer Program mandate
Challenge: CIC Grant Funding
Find the common ground
Identify and collect believers
Find a champion in a decision-making position (influencer)
Facilitate a conversation to identify the need, goals and advantages of the project
Create a plan, track & celebrate achievements
Don’t give up when you hit the barriers!
Ingredients for Alignment
11 Ministries
Front line practice and services
Justice Ministry Judges mandating Treatment Programs as a support alternative to punishment. Agreement in philosophy. Challenge of funding.
Example: Provincial Family Violence Initiative
Local Initiative
Strathcona County
Local initiative – Men as Allies
Deliver Make it Our Business, and Family, Friends and Neighbours presentations to local business and community groups.
Elder Abuse Response Team
Received a Community and Family Safety Grant to develop a continuum of services targeting men and boys to stop intergenerational domestic violence.
Example: Family Violence
Issue Role
Transportation Facilitator - Innovator
Homelessness Facilitator - System Creator
Housing Facilitator - Advocate
Creating connections and connecting the dots so stakeholders
understand the opportunity and the jeopardy of the issues.
Examples of the roles we play
Issue: TransportationRole: Facilitator - Innovator
Issue: HomelessnessRole: Facilitator – System Creator
Issue: HousingRole: Facilitator - Advocate
Questions?
Thank you!
50 Shades of Alignment