Chapin Hall

Too often, families and communities have limited opportunities to shape the systems and services that affect them.

What new possibilities could emerge if the people most impacted by public systems and social services played a leading role in driving change? How much further could we go in designing solutions if we weren’t held back by the ways things have always been done?

Chapin Hall’s Blue Sky Possibilities Framework (the BSP Framework) is a facilitation model for building long-term, equity-centered collaboration between communities, public systems, and nonprofit partners. The BSP Framework is designed to help these groups discover their “blue sky”—an open space where the impossible becomes possible.

Grounding in Evidence

The BSP Framework draws on an evidence review of past efforts to center the leadership of impacted communities in public system change. That review revealed a set of core strategies for effective and equitable partnerships.

	Disrupt system mindsets Develop and implement a racial equity lens Shift expectations about timelines and outcomes
	Invest in community Position community to take the lead Recognize and cultivate community skills
	Reimagine community engagement Prioritize community relationships and trust Broaden the decision-making table Create accessible and meaningful engagement opportunities
	Transform systems with community in the lead Establish community ownership over system resources Scale up and share out
	Embed community leadership Build collaborative infrastructure Commit to continuous learning and evaluation

We know that equitable partnerships don’t happen on their own. They take time, intention, trust, investment, and continuous learning. The BSP Framework opens up space for that critical work.

The Blue Sky Possibilities Framework

The BSP Framework involves a set of facilitated experiences, or “modules.” The modules can be completed all at once through a series of in-depth sessions or they can be spaced out over time. Some modules can stand alone or be broken apart into smaller sessions, while others build on one another to support deeper planning and alignment.

Who Are You and How Did You Get Here?

This module is designed to build trust and relationships and inventory collective strength by asking:

What experiences have shaped who you are today?
What “superpowers” have you developed because of those experiences?

What We Mean When We Say “Equity”

Participants develop a shared definition of equity and create action plans, by asking:

How do you define equity, in your life and work?
How will we work toward equity, individually and as a group?

Defining our Blue Sky

In this module, groups identify root causes and draft a shared vision statement by thinking through:

What is the (im)possible Blue Sky destination we are working toward?
What is keeping us from getting there?

Rethinking Measurement

This module helps participants think creatively about impact and collaboratively develop an evaluation plan by asking:

What will look, sound, and feel different as we travel toward our Blue Sky?
How can we build equity into measures of success?

Inclement Weather Plan

Facilitators help participants prepare for conflict and roadblocks and identify assets and strengths by asking:

What resistance do we expect on the way to Blue Skies?
What strategies and superpowers can we draw on to maintain momentum?

The Flight Plan

This module sets groups up to create a theory of change and long-term partnership plan through a creative exercise, asking:

What makes up a flight plan, and how does that map onto our work together?
What do we need to get us to our destination?

How Could the BSP Framework Fit into Your Work?

The BSP Framework is designed for groups who are committed to working toward a shared goal, big or small. For example, BSP facilitators can help:

• strengthen relationships and trust,
• establish a shared definition of equity,
• codesign an evaluation plan with community
• create a road map for a new coalition, or
• align goals between groups in an existing initiative.

The modules are set up to engage a wide range of participants, such as community members, parents and caregivers, clients, service providers, and public system leaders. But no matter who is in the room, facilitation is structured so that the balance of power rests with lived experts and community.

Reach out!

Are you ready to dream big with your community? Is your organization looking for support in a collaborative planning process? We want to hear from you!

To explore how the Blue Sky Possibilities Framework could support collaborative planning in your agency, jurisdiction, or community, contact Donna L. Wilson or Yolanda Green-Rogers.