Program on the Environment

Based on the belief that no single organization can solve complex issues on its own, the Collective Impact Framework (CIF) provides a set of guidelines for collaborators of different specialities and backgrounds to come together and work to solve complex issues like climate change collaboratively, and more effectively. The Sustainability Ambassadors (SA), a local environmental organization utilizes this framework throughout their operations. During my internship with them, I recognized that some principles of the framework are easier to utilize whereas others are more challenging. The purpose of this research is to understand what aspects of the CIF are most beneficial to Environmental organizations like the SA when engaging in collaborative processes. Additionally, aiming to identify obstacles to implementing the CIF and to develop potential strategies for overcoming them. To answer these questions, I spoke with core members of the SA, referenced critiques of the framework, and cross-examined implementations of the CIF across social sectors. What I found was that the CIF allows for the creation of more meaningful partnership and a closer sense of community, especially when utilized locally through an organization like the SA. This study reveals the limitations of the CIF as well as the opportunities for growth within the SA as an organization aiming to rapidly advance us towards a sustainable future. The CIF by itself is not a one size fits all solution to the climate crisis but can encourage actors of various backgrounds to come together and guide us towards effective climate solutions.