When Government Gets It Right: How a Strategic Visioning Process Aligned Nested Government Systems to Champion Local Relevance and Determination

Mary Marczak; Jessica Rochester; Tess  Bailey; Jolene  Gansen; Amber Zapata; Lucas Kosobuski; Carrie  Lindquist; Patricia Olson

doi:10.24926/ijps.v7i2.3477

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Published

2021-04-23

Issue

Vol. 7 No. 2 (2020): Fall/Winter: Partnership-Based Models of Government Programs

Section

Articles

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How to Cite

Marczak, M., Rochester, J., Bailey, T. ., Gansen, J. ., Zapata, A., Kosobuski, L., Lindquist, C. ., & Olson, P. (2021). When Government Gets It Right: How a Strategic Visioning Process Aligned Nested Government Systems to Champion Local Relevance and Determination. Interdisciplinary Journal of Partnership Studies, 7(2), Article 7. https://doi.org/10.24926/ijps.v7i2.3477

When Government Gets It Right: How a Strategic Visioning Process Aligned Nested Government Systems to Champion Local Relevance and Determination

Mary Marczak

University of Minnesota

Jessica Rochester

Minnesota Department of Human Services

Tess Bailey

Grand Portage Community Nutrition Programs

Jolene Gansen

Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe

Amber Zapata

Bois Forte

Lucas Kosobuski

University of Minnesota-Duluth

Carrie Lindquist

Minnesota Department of Human Services

Patricia Olson

University of Minnesota Extension

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24926/ijps.v7i2.3477

Keywords: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program–Education, SNAP-Ed, Strategic Visioning, cross-government partnerships, Tribal partnerships

Abstract

This theme issue of the Interdisciplinary Journal of Partnership Studies addresses government/civic partnerships. Do government services always orient toward hierarchies of domination? Our answer is a resounding no. This article offers as evidence the actions of one government funder that removed hierarchical barriers, working in partnership with diverse grantees to envision a program that prioritizes community relevance and participation. Even as our article revolves around a strategic visioning event, it is a culmination of a government funder living out its guiding principles of mutual respect, joint problem solving, and valuing diversity, as well as the values, experiences, and collaborative spirit that diverse grantees brought. Our collective stories offer a clear example of how a partnership-based government program can engage and promote the strengths, needs, and priorities of the community not only because it is the appropriate and respectful approach, but also because it leads to stronger program results.