Milwaukee Succeeds Receives Systems Change Designation
Milwaukee Succeeds is on the right path to changing systems in Milwaukee. Following an intensive review process this summer, our national partner and funder StriveTogether officially designated Milwaukee Succeeds as a Systems Change organization. This means that not only have we put in place the infrastructure necessary to change systems at a community level, but that we’re also starting to see lasting change from our efforts!
Check out StriveTogether’s article on our Systems Change designation!
“Milwaukee Succeeds has built a strong partnership environment where multiple sectors are engaged in collaboration over competition toward a common goal,” stated StriveTogether in their assessment report. “The partnership has successfully aligned resources to community-identified needs and centered lived experience in service of equitable outcomes throughout and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The rigorous review process measured Milwaukee Succeeds’ progress in shifting policies, practices, and resources to better support Black and Brown youth and families in the community. In addition to data compiled by Milwaukee Succeeds staff, StriveTogether utilized focus groups featuring community leaders, practitioners and youth who have been closely involved in the work. Their honest feedback allowed third-party evaluators to gain insight into how Milwaukee Succeeds functions, connects with its partners and, ultimately, creates sustainable change.
During one such focus group, a partner shared: “Milwaukee Succeeds has successfully built a framework where everyone feels comfortable, supported and valued. The competition is kind of pushed out of the conversation and it's more about working together toward the common goal.”
Both our early childhood education (ECE) and youth coalitions were featured prominently in the assessment, acting as concrete examples of how Milwaukee Succeeds convenes partners from across the community to discuss and address challenges. The ECE Coalition, for example, came together during the height of COVID to to secure resources and support for providers, while the Youth Forward MKE Coalition has been working diligently to put youth-generated ideas into action.
“The ECE coalition is a reflection of the Milwaukee early child care community,” one partner stated. “The coalition has taken advantage of every possible opportunity to put forward voices and bring Black and Brown community together to have a seat at the table and be representative.”
Milwaukee Succeeds’ intentional use of data was also highlighted, with particular focus on our ECE data dashboard and successful data-driven advocacy for American Rescue Plan funds. Our FAFSA completion work, Parents Advocating for Child Care Fellowship, and state-level advocacy with the Wisconsin Partnership also contributed to this momentous designation.
It is clear that more work is still needed to change systems in Milwaukee, but this distinction places Milwaukee Succeeds in elite national company. We are incredibly proud of the recognition and what it means for our work, and we look forward to continuing this systems change journey together.