In the human body, the backbone connects and provides infrastructure for the many smaller vertebrae. Let’s consider a parallel in the collective impact field, in which one backbone connects several conveners of outcome areas. The role of the backbone organization is to provide connectivity between these different outcome areas representing segments along the educational continuum. The relation of the backbone organization to the conveners is not one of authority but rather of support often in the form of data analysis, facilitation, communication and access to a leadership table who is willing to advocate for what works. It is through a Cradle to Career Partnership that collective impact is realized holistically. In a field where vernacular is so important, let’s try to be very clear about what we mean when we define the role of the Backbone versus the role of the Convener.
