The Justice Sector Constellation:
Collective Impact at the Intersection of Poverty and the Law
Social science research has found that progress could be made to alleviate serious, complex social problems if stakeholders came together around a common agenda to create what has been called Collective Impact. This involves bringing together a group of like-minded people to identify a common agenda; developing shared measurement systems and mutually reinforcing activities; and maintaining continuous communication; all supported by a backbone. This report considers the example of the Justice Sector Constellation, a Collective Impact initiative whose mission was to intervene at the intersection of poverty and the legal system. Over its eleven-year history, the Constellation advanced its strategic aims of improving access to and coordination of justice sector services; education and engagement in the intersection of poverty and the law; and systemic change within the justice sector. With its longevity and accomplishments, the Constellation’s history offers important lessons regarding each of the key elements of Collective Impact. Read the full report by Janice Pasay here.