Collective Impact is working with faculty members of the University of Tennessee Knoxville, Center for Sustainable Business and Development, Department of Political Science, and Department of Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management to conduct a research project to better understand Appalachian tourism and identify opportunities to grow tourism activities and encourage business development throughout the region. The project is funded through a competitive grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) - a federal economic development agency. The project is the largest and most comprehensive study of tourism ever conducted by the commission, which covers 205,000 square miles across 420 counties in 13 states. Results of the study will help us better understand the state of tourism of the region, new growth areas for tourism in Appalachian communities, and best practices and successful strategies to help the communities succeed. The project will use research, surveys, site visits, and focus groups as part of the research method. The project also will identify communities to use as case studies to illustrate local tourism success stories and best practices for tourism business development.
Legal Aid of West Virginia contracted with Collective Impact to provide grant evaluation services for its School and Community Legal Partnership (SCLP) project. The evaluation informed the two broad project goals by: (1) assessing the replicability and effectiveness of the SCLP project, and (2) evaluating how the legal assistance provided in the SCLP project impacted the clients that participated. The School and Community Legal Partnership (SCLP) seeks to jump-start a change in West Virginia’s pro bono culture by engaging large law firm attorneys, and their associates, in a community-focused pro bono project that provides civil legal assistance to families with children attending Mary C, Snow Elementary in Charleston, WV. The project also increases the amount of legal assistance provided to low income families with at risk children by working in a holistic manner with school and community partners for on-site legal assistance and referrals.
"The WV ATC provides technical assistance and direct services statewide to West Virginians living with Autism Spectrum Disorder. While our primary headquarters is on the campus of Marshall University, in Huntington, WV, staff are positioned at strategic points across the Mountain State. Because we are spread out regionally across the state, agency staff sometimes felt disconnected, and at times struggled to understand the duties of colleagues they don’t see every day. The center asked Collective Impact to facilitate a half-day session designed to break down social and professional barriers. Bruce Decker carried out a highly effective process that helped staff communicate more easily with colleagues, and more readily handle intra-departmental conflict. WV ATC staff enjoyed the experience, and continue to reap the benefits." ~ Dr. Marc Ellison, Executive Director, West Virginia Autism Training Center - Marshall University
