A Strategic Approach of Building Unity in Frederick, MD

The Ausherman Family Foundation, a leader in fostering community growth and philanthropy in Frederick County, called upon us to help engage diverse voices and develop inclusive, people-driven solutions to complex challenges facing their community.

"By centering on common goals, we knit a diversity of needs and hopes into a shared vision."

The Challenge

While downtown businesses in Frederick, MD, were thriving, owners were concerned about their safety and that of their clients after an uptick in loitering and panhandling. This led to tensions between business owners and social service providers. The Ausherman Family Foundation, a longtime champion of the Frederick community, joined forces with the City of Frederick to engage residents in a humane and equitable process to secure the safety of all Frederick residents and visitors.  

TCG's first step was to understand the various concerns from different parts of the community, and then use an upcoming public meeting to establish a judgment-free space where a diversity of voices and viewpoints were welcomed, especially those who had directly experienced homelessness.

Future Caucus has an audacious mission to activate young leaders, bridge the partisan divide, and transform American politics. Entering the pandemic, they welcomed a new leader and new team members. With this in mind and the increasing polarization of policymaking, Future Caucus had an opportunity to engage and grow its membership.

The Approach

Our first public meeting anchored on what community members had in common, focusing on creating a shared vision for Frederick. Then, we then partnered with the Foundation to launch the Downtown Safety and Services Initiative (DSSI), helping to create and advise a steering committee with subcommittees focused on various City priorities.

To prepare for the public meeting and subsequent committee meetings, the TCG team analyzed research that had been conducted on emerging economic and social trends and concerns, consulted with the mayor and community organizers, and promoted the events to reach a diverse audience, specifically aiming to engage those with lived experiences of homelessness in the City.

Co-creating a strategy that centered the voices and needs of the Future Caucus community of young legislators. Our analysis provided an understanding of:

  • Future Caucus’ North Star to remove the barriers young legislators face in order to build a more inclusive and effective democracy
  • Systemic challenges that legislators face including minimal leadership training, absence of mentors, insufficient time and opportunity to focus on innovative policy solutions, and difficulty connecting with the voters who’d most likely be energized by collaborative, productive leadership
  • Future Caucus’ unique positioning in the space to tailor support and position young policymakers to engage across the aisle

From this process, Future Caucus gained a clearer focus on building a constituency for inclusive governing and amplifying new narratives.

The Results

As partners helping to establish a foundation for this Initiative, we advised local leadership and offered an unbiased, outside perspective and facilitation. We also created a set of tools that the steering committee and subcommittees used to continue their work, including:
‍

  • A sentiment analysis based on public meetings and committee participant feedback, identifying areas of strength and potential risks, and offering recommendations for deeper engagement
    ‍
  • Offered a structure for public meetings going forward, moving away from the traditional format and allowing more space for relationship building and hands-on activities to work through issues raised
    ‍
  • Advised the Ausherman Family Foundation’s project lead, offering guidance while creating space for community-driven solutions with ongoing support in designing effective facilitation exercises for committee and public meetings

Our Partnership:

  • Renewed Future Caucus’ vision of restored public trust in democracy, improved public leadership, and more representative public policy
  • Crafted an ambitious 5-year strategy with key performance indicators to ensure accountability and track progress
  • Strengthened collaboration between staff and the Board around key strategies, including:
    - Amplifying models of bipartisan public service
    - Activating and connecting their network
    - Building a high-performing organization that exudes their values and ethos

From this process, Future Caucus gained a clearer focus on building a constituency for inclusive governing and amplifying new narratives.

"This work resulted in an ongoing initiative supporting safety, respect, and vibrancy for all."

Could you see your story here? Let's do it!

If you are in the business of social impact, your work is urgent.
Reignite your team, clarify your strategic path, and grow your collective impact. 

Reach out to us

Stay connected. Get fresh perspectives on Humanized Strategy and social impact, straight to your inbox.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Let’s Chat
hello@the-collective-good.comLinkedInYoutube