Our Tomorrows
University of Kansas- Rebecca Gillam, Associate Director, Center for Public Partnerships and Research, University of Kansas
- Jenny Flinders, Research Project Manager, Center for Public Partnerships and Research, University of Kansas
Project Description
Our Tomorrows utilizes a novel framework to capture family experiences about thriving and surviving to inform policies and practices to better meet the needs of families. Anyone can share experiences or narratives, and then add their own interpretive meaning by responding to a series of unique question forms. The resulting patterns that emerge from the stories provide context for critical conversations that can help decision-makers and communities anticipate challenges and opportunities within complex systems. Ultimately, Our Tomorrows inspires actionable changes at all levels of the system to promote thriving communities.
Project News
Observatory of Public Sector Innovation. “Our Tomorrows – A Community Sensemaking Approach,” 2019. https://oecd-opsi.org/innovations/our-tomorrows-a-community-sensemaking-approach/.
Partner Details
Rebecca Gillam
Associate Director, Center for Public Partnerships and Research, University of Kansas
Bio
Rebecca Gillam, MSW, PhD, is an Associate Director with the University of Kansas Center for Public Partnerships & Research. Since 2017 she has facilitated CPPR’s work using SenseMaker®, an innovative mixed methods approach to hearing unique perspective across communities to inform decision making and promote collaborative change.
Jenny Flinders
Research Project Manager, Center for Public Partnerships and Research, University of Kansas
Bio
Jenny Flinders, Research Project Manager, supports community-based programming and early childhood development in Kansas. Ms. Flinders facilitates participatory narrative research efforts through the use of SenseMaker® at KU Center for Public Partnerships and Research (CPPR), an innovative mixed methods approach to hearing unique perspectives across communities to inform decision making and promote collaborative change. She is currently completing her PhD in Education Leadership and Policy with research interests in indigenous education policy, historical trauma, and reconciliation in the education system.
