Chapter 7 Engage & Map

Business is no longer just about profits, but good citizenry. It not just a matter of giving back. It’s a matter of mission. To be in business today is to connect what we do to a greater social good.

Often when one looks to the history of many social organizations, they will find a faith story. Authentic faith always translates into good works. Today’s church is shifting from weekend services on church property to weekday serving in the community.

Non-profits are the front lines of social services - seeing each day a never ending line of needs. Non-profits often focus on a single. issue (housing, employment or foster care), which may force them to say, “I’m sorry we don’t handle _________ here.”

Governments see need for social services and provide either leadershipto address a social issue or funding to organizations they deem necessary and vital for community flourishing. Many people unfairly expect them to provide solutions they simply are not designed to handle.

Research Proof

Aspen Institute shows initiatives involving all four sectors (Government, Business, Nonprofits and Faith Communities) are 73% more likely to achieve sustainable outcomes.

The Reality - Working in Isolation

The Problem: Communities face a crisis of coordination, not resources. Dedicated people work tirelessly but in isolation, creating inefficiency and limiting impact.

of community initiatives operate in silos

duplicate services that already exist

wasted annually on uncoordinated efforts

of resources already exist locally

Key Quote

"When we work in isolation, we force the people we're trying to help to become experts in our organizational maze rather than focusing our expertise on solving their actual problems."

The CityServeX Four-Lane Model

Overview: Each sector brings unique strengths that, when combined strategically, create exponential impact and address all aspects of community flourishing.

Business Sector

Capital and financial resources
Efficiency and innovation
Job creation and economic development
Market-based solutions
Professional expertise

Faith Communities

Large volunteer networks
Meeting facilities and infrastructure
Moral authority and community trust
Deep community relationships
Spiritual care and hope

Government Partners

Policy change capability
Public resources and funding
Systemic solutions
Regulatory support
Data and research

Non-Profit Organizations

Direct service delivery
Specialized expertise
Community trust and credibility
Advocacy experience
Connection to vulnerable populations

Key Quote

"Cross-sector partnerships leverage the unique strengths of each sector while compensating for individual weaknesses." - James Austin, Harvard Business School

Building Your Coalition-Step-by-Step Process

Overview: Success requires a systematic approach that builds trust, establishes clear structure, and creates sustainable momentum.

Phase 1: Pre-Formation
(Months 1-3)

Stakeholder analysis and mapping
Community readiness assessment
Individual champion conversations
Research existing coalitions

Phase 2: Formation
(Months 4-6)

Host convening meeting
Develop shared vision statement
Create operating agreements
Establish communication protocols

Phase 3: Implementation
(Months 7-12)

Launch collaborative initiatives
Establish measurement systems
Create sustainability plans
Build public communication strategy

Key Quote

The power of coalitions lies not in their size, but in their ability to move together with purpose - a clear step-by-step process transforms diverse voices into unified action.

Resource Coordination and Gap Filling

Overview: John McKnight's research shows communities typically have 80% of needed resources—they just lack coordination systems. CityServeX creates this infrastructure.

Financial Resources

Grants and donations
In-kind contributions
Shared funding opportunities
Cost-sharing arrangements

Human Resources

Volunteers and skilled professionals
Board members and advocates
Mentors and coaches
Community connectors

Physical Resources

Meeting spaces and facilities
Equipment and technology
Vehicles and transportation
Storage and distribution

Knowledge Resources

Expertise and best practices
Data and research
Training and development
Networks and connections

Success Indicators

Most communities aren't poor in resources - they're poor in connection.
The food, shelter, and support exist, but without coordination, generosity becomes a treasure hunt for those who need it most.

Today, You Become That Someone

Your community has abundant resources and passionate people.
The only thing missing is someone willing to bring them together strategically.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
- Margaret Mead

“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” - Chinese Proverb