AITF Presents: Trusted Democratic Partnerships

We are looking forward to our upcoming event, Trusted Democratic Partnerships, which will take place in New York City and virtually on November 2 between 10am and 3pm. 

Last year, AITF developed a new smaller-scale format for in person events. We held a very compelling gathering, entitled, The Power and Potential of Anchor Partnerships. This event, held at the University of Pennsylvania, was a unique opportunity for engaging dialogue about how the anchor field has evolved and the impactful role that multi-institutional anchor partnerships have been playing in local communities. Deeper collaboration across anchor institutions from different sectors, local government, community-based organizations, and other partners has been demonstrating the transformative potential of anchor partnerships.

This year, we are building upon this event format to discuss Trusted Democratic Partnerships and focus attention on how to collaborate in communities. Local collaboration with community organizations and government entities has been an emphasis for institutions striving to deepen their anchor mission.

This event will take place on November 2 (10 am to 3 pm Eastern). We expect this small-scale gathering to be an opportunity for representatives of anchor partnerships to grapple with the unique challenges and opportunities that emerge with complex multi-institutional cross sector partnerships, particularly those that directly engage grassroots constituents. During this event, we will highlight the characteristics of trusted democratic partnerships, discuss how anchor partnerships are collaborating around issues such as public safety, economic development and health, hear about community partnerships involving schools, and reflect upon the importance of leadership in advancing effective trust-based, democratic multi-stakeholder anchor partnerships. As the anchor field continues to evolve, connection to community democratically stands to be a key feature of trust-based partnership moving forward.

Those who will be tuning into the event virtually can do so via this link. Virtual access will be listening only. The recording will be distributed in our November newsletter.

For more information on the event, and if you have an interest in attending in person, and are not already registered, contact Jason West: j.west@margainc.com.

The Need for Transformative Federal Action (Report)

This report from the Othering & Belonging Institute focuses on the transformative power of federal policy, even amid political impasses and constraints. However, its orientation is to connect the potential of federal policy to enable the work of groups, coalitions, and movements that have been achieving and promoting place-based innovation for years.

Worker Voices: Shifting perspectives and expectations on employment (Report)



Worker Voices provides a unique view into how job seekers and workers in lower-wage roles navigated the labor market at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and through recovery—and how it changed what they expect from a job. Learning about these workers’ first-hand experiences can provide depth and breadth to our collective understanding of economic conditions and labor market dynamics.

Building Livable Communities for All Generations (Event)

October 31, 11:30 am - 4:00 pm

In an ever-changing world, the importance of creating environments that are safe, accessible, and inclusive for all ages and backgrounds cannot be overstated. Co-hosted by AARP and NHC, this forum will delve deep into the principles of livable communities, exploring how they enhance personal independence, allow individuals to age comfortably and safely in their homes, and provide opportunities for all residents, regardless of background and ability, to engage fully in civic, economic, and social life. In-person and virtual.

AITF Subgroups

The Anchor Institutions Task Force coordinates internal subgroups, bringing together peers in a similar field to exchange ideas and to address some of the challenges and opportunities that uniquely affect their institutions and communities. For more information on each Subgroup including next steps for joining, please reach out to the lead contact.

The Economic Development Subgroup is composed university representatives who have devoted their careers to working on issues of economic, social, and racial equity.

Contact: David Maurrasse, dmaurrasse@margainc.com

The Health Professionals Subgroup provides a forum for professionals in various health fields to share ideas, best practices, and challenges about how anchors can effectively address health disparities and enhance the well-being of their communities.

Contact: Sharmila Lawrence, slawrence@margainc.com

The Higher Education Presidents Subgroup serves as an ongoing forum for peer learning and exchange among members of the AITF who are college or university presidents.

Contact: David Maurrasse, dmaurrasse@margainc.com

The Anchor Partnerships Subgroup provides a forum for learning exchange and mutual support among peers working with the added complexity of multiple anchor institutions jointly pursuing common ends, sometimes in tandem with government and philanthropy.

Contact: David Maurrasse, dmaurrasse@margainc.com

The Emeritus Anchor Leaders Subgroup serves as a home through which retired anchor leaders can draw upon their wisdom, engage with each other, and stay connected to a continually evolving field. Link for more information.

Commentary: Baltimore can establish fund to uplift working poor - from the Baltimore Banner

September 15 - In the wake of widespread labor strikes in recent months, the wellbeing of workers is at the forefront of conversation. In Baltimore, a city where one-fifth of residents live in poverty, medical and educational institutions could help address the city's racial wealth gap.

In Our Own Backyards - from Inside HigherEd

October 2 - The Supreme Court decision on race-conscious admissions was a wake-up call to embrace the full diversity of the talent pools in our cities and communities, writes Chancellor Nancy Cantor of Rutgers University-Newark. Anchor institutions continue to grapple with the known and yet unknown consequences of the June decision.

Large Institutions, Black-Owned Businesses Continue to Connect Through Local Program - from The Washington Informer

September 29 - The D.C. Community Anchor Partnership came into existence in 2017 through the efforts of the Coalition for Nonprofit Housing and Economic Development and the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development. Today, 13 participating anchor institutions are contracting with minority-owned business enterprises across a broad range of projects.

Catalyzing Communities: The Role of Anchor Institutions in Building Inclusive Economies for Health Equity - from Initiative for a Competitive Inner City

October 18 - The Healthcare Anchor Network held its annual convening on October 4 in Los Angeles. Representatives from Initiative for a Competitive Inner City joined with colleagues from Kaiser Permanente to discuss the role of anchor institutions in addressing economic and racial inequities as key factors in health equity.

SF State and the Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts: partners in culture and resistance - from San Francisco State University News

October 9 - For years the Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts and San Francisco State University have maintained a symbiotic relationship rooted in cultural programming and grassroots resistance. The Mission District of San Francisco continues to experience considerable change.

2 Ivies Will Up Their Municipal Payments. Is It Enough? - from Inside HigherEd

October 19 - Brown University (Providence, RI) and Cornell University (Ithaca, NY) have finalized agreements with their respective municipal governments for long-term payments to be made directly to local public budgets. While millions of dollars will be given, students and community organizers suggest that these payments can and perhaps need to be much greater.

New York City to boost clubhouse services as better mental health treatment - from ABC News

October 17 - The clubhouse model invites people that are experiencing worsening depression or other mental health conditions into temporary housing with support including mental heath professional services. Research has shown that clubhouses can be effective in helping people recover, while reducing rates of hospitalization and incarceration. New York City has announced an investment $30 million in expanding this impactful community resource.

Higher Ed Campuses Can Revitalize Our Downtowns - from Next City

October 2 - By converting empty buildings into decentralized campus environments, higher education institutions can help reinvent the fabric of our struggling downtowns. The transition to remote working environments in recent years, due in large part to the pandemic, has brought about new opportunities to repurpose downtown infrastructure.

NEA and White House Domestic Policy Council Host Convening on Whole-of-Government Approach to Arts and Culture - from National Endowment of the Arts

October 20 - In recognition of National Arts and Humanities Month, the White House Domestic Policy Council and the National Endowment of the Arts co-hosted an event highlighting the Biden-Harris Administration's whole-of-government approach to spurning investment and access to the arts.