Cross-Cutting workgroups increase the impact of other workgroups through intensive focus and expertise.
KConnect has four cross-cutting workgroups that act as content experts in their respective fields. These workgroups dive deep to answer questions from the core workgroups as they develop strategies to address disparities.
Data & Capacity
Goal: Develop data capabilities of workgroups and partner organizations so that continuous improvement through data is a part of every workgroup and partner’s DNA.
This workgroup provides data support to the other workgroups and to the overall initiative and interpreting data on an ongoing basis. This group also develops strategies to provide data support and coaching to individual partner organizations.
Community Engagement
Goal: Authentically engage all sectors in the community to deeply understand the community’s needs and aspirations and translate those perspectives into responsive strategies. The committee will also ensure that the numerous sectors in the community are consistently involved in the initiative’s decision-making. Lastly, the committee will communicate the goals of the initiative to the various parts of the community.
Equity & Inclusion
Goal: Develop an overall framework for how the initiative can create strategies that address the needs of all groups, but that pay particular attention to marginal groups.
In addition, this workgroup consults with other workgroups on how best to implement strategies that are both “universal” and “targeted.” Members of this group begin with a deep understanding of applied Targeted Universalism, and serve as subject matter experts for these strategies.
Policy & Advocacy
Goal: Educate and advocate for policies, resources, and practices that can strengthen the political will to pass, implement, and sustain effective long-term solutions that are aligned to the goals of the initiative.
Core Workgroup Partners
| Arbor Circle | Grand Rapids Public Schools | Kennari Consulting | Spectrum Health: Strong Beginnings |
| Calvin University Center for Social Research | Grand Rapids Urban League | Kent County Health Department | Start Garden |
| Community Data and Research Lab | Grand Valley State University | Kent Intermediate School District | The Refugee Education Center |
| Grand Rapids Community College | Great Lakes Health Connect | Mercantile Bank | The Right Place |
| Grand Rapids Community Foundation | HealthNet of West Michigan | Michigan Department of Education | West Michigan Center for Arts + Technology |
| Grand Rapids Public Library | Inclusive Performance Strategies | Pine Rest CMHS | West Michigan Partnership for Children |
| Wyoming Public Schools |
Tool Table
- A.S.K. Model
- Community Engagement Filtering Questions
- Community Engagement Spectrum
- Data Criteria Filtering Tool
- Equity and Inclusion Core Competencies
- Equity and Community Engagement Filtering Tool
- Equity Advisors Roles
- The Intercultural Conflict Style (ICSTM) Inventory
- The Intercultural Development Inventory