Stories

Creating a Strategic Plan Minneapolis, MN

Tasked with creating a strategic plan to prevent violence, the Minneapolis Youth Violence Prevention Steering Committee began with a commitment to honor all viewpoints. Committee members agreed that partnerships and collaboration were vital to success, and that “a spirit of cooperation, trust and respect will drive our process.” In meetings co-chaired by the mayor, the Committee developed a shared vision by exchanging observations, stories, and expertise.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/child-abuse-neglect/communication-resources/efc-building-community-commitment.pdf

Developing a Prevention Vision Statement in Otoe County, NE

To raise awareness about its child abuse prevention initiative, Otoe County in Nebraska developed a compelling vision statement. The partners wanted the vision statement to articulate their goal and be something everyone in the community could support – “Bright futures begin at birth! Every child will receive the nurturing care essential to become compassionate, contributing members of their communities.”

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/child-abuse-neglect/communication-resources/efc-building-community-commitment.pdf

Engaging Influential Allies in Breckenridge, MN

The violence prevention collaborative based in Breckenridge, Minnesota, engaged influential allies as one of its first steps. It brought together professionals on the front lines, those who witness how violence affects children, such as social workers, schools, law enforcement, and emergency room staff. These allies had agreed from the outset to “stay open and listen without preconceived notions” and continued to support the initiative after community input called for a shift in the collaborative’s focus. The support of these powerful groups added legitimacy to the initiative and increased referral rates for hard-to-reach families.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/child-abuse-neglect/communication-resources/efc-building-community-commitment.pdf