Natural Collisions – Détails, épisodes et analyse

Collaboration across sectors is essential for tackling complex challenges like affordable housing and community development. In this episode of Natural Collisions, experts at the forefront of cross-sector partnerships share insights on what makes collaborations successful - the opportunities and the challenges.

Through real-world stories, we explore how nonprofits, businesses, and policymakers can work together to build stronger, more resilient communities. Whether you're in the nonprofit world, policymaking, or passionate about Detroit’s future, this conversation offers practical takeaways for driving meaningful impact.

GUESTS:
Shari Williams, Director of Equitable Neighborhood Planning, Detroit Future City - https://detroitfuturecity.com/
Heidi Reijm, Principal Community Development Specialist, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago - https://www.chicagofed.org/
Madhavi Reddy, Executive Director, Community Development Advocates of Detroit - https://cdad-online.org/

To find out more about Co.act Detroit visit - https://coactdetroit.org/

Timestamps:
00:00 - Welcome
01:54 - Guest Introductions
03:42 - Cross-Sector Collaboration Explained
12:03 - Affordable Housing Crisis
27:37 - Equitable Collaborative Efforts
39:50 - Final Thoughts & Insights

In this special episode of Natural Collisions, we celebrate Co.act Detroit's five-year anniversary, recorded live at the historic Jam Handy in Detroit. Join us as we highlight the incredible work of nonprofit organizations from across Southeast Michigan.

We explore how Co.act Detroit has supported collaboration, innovation, and impact in our communities through speeches and interviews with leaders and changemakers. This milestone is not just about the past five years—it's about inspiring a shared vision for the future. Don’t miss this inspiring reflection on what’s possible when nonprofits unite for a greater cause.

Speakers:
Kelly Brittain, Vice President of Impact at the Children’s Foundation - https://yourchildrensfoundation.org/
Rashard Dobbins, Executive Director at Class Act Detroit - https://www.classactdetroit.org/
Amanda Andere, CEO at Funders Together to End Homelessness - https://www.funderstogether.org/

Interviews:
Kourtney Neloms - Catalyst Consulting 313
Tony Russell - Detroit Community Solutions
Shadora Ford - Destined For Greatness
David Silver - Detroit Horse Power
Adriene Bulger
Amanda Holiday - Congress of Communities
George Cole - Act Now Services
Jackie Dunlap - Teachers Supporting Teachers
T. Yarnell Ball - Read Art Loud

To find out more about Co.act Detroit visit - https://coactdetroit.org/

Timestamps:
00:00 - Welcome
01:38 - Welcome from Allandra Bulger
03:15 - Kelly Brittain
07:47 - Rashard Dobbins
13:08 - Amanda Andere
21:37 - Allandra’s Thank You
23:29 - Celebration Interviews

Should participatory grantmaking be the new normal? Many funders are shifting decisions from boards to putting the decision-making process in the hands of the community which is most affected. Our Colliders discuss the effectiveness of this approach.

GUESTS:

• Leah Wiste, Executive Director - https://www.miipl.org/ 
• Rishi Moudgil, Shift Detroit & Former Executive Director - https://greenlightfund.org/sites/detroit/
• Bryan P. Hogle, Senior Program Manager - https://kresge.org/ 
• Lauren Boone, Grants Program Manager - https://coactdetroit.org/

To find out more about Co.act Detroit visit - https://coactdetroit.org/

Timestamps:
01:20 - Guest Introductions
02:56 - What is Participatory Grantmaking?
15:02 - KIP:D+ & the Participatory Grantmaking Experience
23:34 - Participatory Grantmaking is a Collaborative Process
28:54 - Final Thoughts

In 2019, Detroit was considered to be the least connected city in the United States. Natural Collisions guests discuss the connectivity challenges in Detroit, and how all sectors are joining forces to lessen the digital divide. GUESTS: Myka Burley, Program Manager on the Education & Employment team at Rocket Community Fund Autumn Evans, Deputy Director, Digital Inclusion & Equity at the City of Detroit

Natural Collisions guests discuss philanthropy and funding for Black-led organizations. The conversation spans the origins of Black philanthropy, its current state, and what the future of philanthropy looks like for Black-led organizations. Also, an honest talk about the disparities between Black-led and white-led organizations. Join the discussion... GUESTS: Karris Jackson, Chief Operating Officer at POISE Foundation Dwan Dandridge, CEO/Founder of Black Leaders Detroit Nikia Washington, Senior Director of Restorative Communications & Philanthropy at Earlyworks LLC

Is the shift to wellbeing permanent or a temporary trend for organizations? Wellbeing advocates discuss the shift to wellbeing from a global perspective. GUESTS: Mark Greer, Transforming Power Fund Alana Cookman, The Wellbeing Project Jessamyn Shams-Lau, philanthropy, equity, and wellbeing advocate

Co.act Detroit was founded on the idea that collaboration is key to creating a resilient nonprofit community in Southeast Michigan. Today, we talk with three people from disparate ends of the sector about partnering with each other and thinking differently about collaboration within their work. GUESTS: Tim Jones-Yelvington, Senior Consultant with Foresight Design Kimberly Faison, Director of Community and Economic Development at Detroit Future City Sonia Plata, Foundation Director with Flagstar Bank

Mental health days. 4-day work weeks. Meeting-free Fridays. If these seem like foreign concepts to you, you’re in the right place. This month, we speak to three social impact and nonprofit leaders about creating a culture of wellness at work. Through flexibility, trust, and compassion these organizations are showing us how to transition from surviving to thriving. Guests: Spring Opara, Project Director at CompassPoint Noah Urban, Senior Analyst and Project Lead at Data Driven Detroit Trina Groce, Human Resources Director at TechTown Detroit

Women have historically dominated the nonprofit and social impact sectors. Despite the many challenges COVID has posed for women in the workplace and at home, this month’s guests are transforming the way their fellow women in Southeast Michigan live, work and thrive. Through innovation, entrepreneurial spirit, and supporting each other, they represent the women who hold our society together. Happy Women’s History Month! GUESTS: Cheryl P. Johnson, Chief Executive Officer of Coalition on Temporary Shelter (COTS) Terry Barclay, President and CEO of Inforum Amy Peterson, Co-founder and CEO of Rebel Nell

Co.act opened its doors to in-person programming and collaboration in June 2019. In March 2020, we paused and shut our building, out of caution and safety because of COVID-19. As we step into a new year and a new phase of work, we’re looking back on the impact we’ve had in the nonprofit ecosystem we’re proud to call home.