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