At Community Engagement Partners (CEP), we believe that by empowering and connecting Black communities to lead, govern, and create positive change, we can ensure a brighter and more equitable future for all. Our theory of change is centered around the notion that fostering authentic relationships between funders, investors, and Black community innovators will drive the creation of resilient and thriving communities, ultimately leading to greater health and well-being for all people.
To achieve this, CEP focuses on three key areas:
- Educational Equity
- Democratized Community Decision-making
- Economic and Workforce development
By addressing these critical aspects, we can create a virtuous cycle of growth, opportunity, and lasting impact, ensuring that everyone has a fair shot at success.
Theory of Action:
Our theory of action is built upon four essential pillars that guide our work with our partners:
- Connect: We actively identify and link donors and investors to Black community innovators, fostering relationships built on trust, shared values, and common goals. By establishing these vital connections, we enable the flow of resources and support to drive transformative change in Black communities.
- Co-Create: We work alongside our partners to develop innovative, collaborative approaches to change-making. By co-creating new strategies and solutions, we amplify the impact of our collective efforts, ensuring that our work is rooted in the unique needs and aspirations of the communities we serve.
- Activate: We support and uplift, Black-led community innovation by providing the necessary resources, guidance, and encouragement to turn ideas into action. By activating the potential of Black innovators, we create lasting change and empower communities to build a more equitable future.
- Hold Space: We provide a nurturing environment for our partners to come together, share ideas, and take collective action. By holding space for collaboration, learning, and growth, we foster a sense of unity and shared purpose that drives transformative impact.
By employing this theory of action, CEP works tirelessly to create a world where thriving, resilient, and connected Black communities lead and govern in ways that produce greater health and well-being for all. Together, we can build a brighter future and ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed.
Our Theory in Practice
CEP’s powerful theory of action shines brightly in the story of the groundbreaking partnership we activated between the Walton Family Foundation and The My Village Project (MVP), “It Takes A Village.” This partnership, activated by CEP, culminated in a remarkable seven-figure investment from the Walton Family Foundation in MVP’s transformative vision. Our collaborative approach, centered around shared goals and values, set the stage for a meaningful connection, effortlessly aligning both organizations’ missions and visions.
Consistently holding space for Walton staff and MVP leadership allowed us to nurture a culture of listening and learning, forging a robust foundation of trust and understanding between the Walton Family Foundation, MVP, and other community members. With trust firmly in place, we transitioned to co-creating community-centered strategies that addressed Black Jacksonville’s most pressing challenges head-on. By harnessing the combined strengths, resources, and expertise of both organizations, we ignited innovative solutions and secured the necessary investments to bring MVP’s vision to life.