Virtual Series
Cross-Sector Alignment: Built to Last
Theory of Change Charette
The Cross-Sector Alignment Theory of Change grew out of many years of work and learning within the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Since its launch one year ago, the Aligning Systems for Health team has been gathering feedback from research and practice to advance the Theory of Change to its next iteration.
On June 24, the Cross-Sector Alignment Theory of Change charette collected stakeholder input into how the Theory of Change can better support the work of those implementing cross-sector alignment, including the organizations supporting that implementation, researchers, and funders.
According to the Oxford dictionary, a charette is a meeting in which all stakeholders in a project attempt to resolve conflicts and map solutions. We began by hearing about the Cross-Sector Alignment Theory of Change’s origins from Hilary Heishman, senior program officer with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, followed by a brief description about how the theory of change is guiding the work of Aligning Systems for Health. We then divided up into small, facilitated conversations around the theory of change and gathered your input, insights, and feedback. Finally, we came back together as a group to raise up themes we heard in our small-group work. The output of this session will drive the next iteration of the Cross-Sector Alignment Theory of Change.