Why was the Beacon Assessment developed?​
As part of the Collaborating for Healthy Communities initiative, Blue Shield of CA Foundation (BSCF) engaged Cristobal Consulting to explore how multi-sector collaboration models, such as collective impact (CI), can advance the prevention of poor health and violence within communities when specifically designed to address disparity and promote equity. In particular, the Foundation recognized the critical role that backbone functions play in advancing collaborations and, as a result, has raised a series of questions to explore how the structure and function of the backbone can better facilitate equity within a multi-sector collaboration.
The questions explored include:
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What are the varying models of backbone functions and how might those models vary based on the maturity, scope or scale of the collaborative?
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How might existing models facilitate or hinder equity?
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How might we re-imagine backbones to truly distribute power and engagement across the network?​
The purpose of this engagement was to conceptually explore how to scale backbone functions that promote equity and social justice as a core tenet. This could inform new funding strategies for BSCF’s initiatives impacting social determinants of health and domestic violence.
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From this initial assessment, WE in the World created an assessment to be used in multi-sector collaboration by communities to measure the collective impact for social justice, community engagement and community organizing.
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Photo Credit to WE in the World
How was the assessment developed?
At the request of the BSCF, WE in the World sought to adapt a field-tested assessment, to help multi-sector collaborations (MSCs) know how much and how well they are implementing strategies to address inequities in their community outcomes, their collaboration, and within each of their partner organizations. Scoring of the questions allows for placement along the continuum from Forming to Learning to Thriving.
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To do that, the following steps were taken:
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1. Utilized Operationalizing Equity in Multi-Sector Collaborations: Strategies to Center Equity and Social Justice toolkit, authored by Blue Cross of California Foundation and Cristobal Consulting, which offers a comprehensive resource guide on how to center equity in multi-sector collaboration as a foundational point.
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2. Updated language for ease of use across the communities.
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3. Tested each of the 6 assessment areas with active communities.
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4. Evaluated efficacy of the assessment questions.
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5. Shared these with those who had participated in the design sessions for feedback and refinement.
Who developed the Beacon Assessment?
Well-Being and Equity (WE) in the World transforms relationships and systems to advance intergenerational well-being and equity on a foundation of racial justice. WE do this in partnership with people with lived experience of inequities, organizations, and communities across the world who are building a shared movement for thriving together.
Blue Shield of California Foundation supports lasting and equitable solutions to make California the healthiest state and end domestic violence. When we work together to remove the barriers to health and well-being, especially for Californians most affected, we can create a more just and equitable future.
Crsitobal Consulting is dedicated to creating lasting change and improving individual and community health by partnering with health care organizations, government, foundations, academia, and non-profits. Cristobal Consulting developed an earlier version of this assessment.