Category: Region

Coordinating Workforce Development Services in Rural Arizona

"Invest in People" silhouette

Guest blog by Jeremy Flowers, IPP ’24 I was born and raised in New England, where Harvard University holds mythological levels of prestige. So, when I applied for the Kennedy School’s Implementing Public Policy program, I expected knowledge and skills that couldn’t be obtained anywhere else, and world-class presentations by dazzlingly brilliant professors. I was…Continue Reading Coordinating Workforce Development Services in Rural Arizona

Supporting Survivors of Gender-Based Violence in Papua New Guinea

Team members in PNG

Guest blog by Sharlene Gawi, Nesther Horiva, Audrey Kari, Naijolin Tumul Gender-based violence has become a prevalent and growing issue in Papua New Guinea. Research from the 2016-2018 Demographic Health Survey showed that at least 68% of women in PNG have experienced this violence at some point in their lives. This is double the global…Continue Reading Supporting Survivors of Gender-Based Violence in Papua New Guinea

Low Economic Engagement of Youth in Agribusiness Opportunities in Kutubu, Papua New Guinea

Sweet potato fields in Papua New Guinea

Guest blog by Elsie Mongoru, Alexander Tanabi, Dorcas Mileng, Emmanuel Kokiva, Evenezer Tanda, David William, Nancy Ilambi In the heart of Papua New Guinea lies Kutubu rural local government area in Nipa Kutubu District of Southern Highlands Province. The population is estimated to be 24,155 with a youth population of around 7,229 of which 43%…Continue Reading Low Economic Engagement of Youth in Agribusiness Opportunities in Kutubu, Papua New Guinea

Supporting Collective Action and Reform Coalitions in PNG: Trust is Critical

The Voice Inc leadership

Guest blog by Barbara Thomas, Maliwai Sasingian, & Kirk Gibson  In January 2024, the Black Wednesday riots shook Papua New Guinea (PNG). Local thinkers highlight these as acts of desperation, driven by underlying causes including unemployment and the increasing cost of living. But governments alone cannot solve the complex problems that drive these events. Citizens, civil…Continue Reading Supporting Collective Action and Reform Coalitions in PNG: Trust is Critical

Exploring the lack of access to revenue in Wyoming

Revenue Growth

Guest blog by Tom Brauer, Justin D. Farley, Amber Pollock In Wyoming, much like throughout the United States, communities lack access to revenue and control of the revenue-raising mechanisms needed to self-determine their future. Over the past 12 weeks, The Wild Optimists have been immersed in the Problem-Driven Iterative Adaptation (PDIA) course, where we’ve grown…Continue Reading Exploring the lack of access to revenue in Wyoming

Addressing Behavioral Health in Casper, Wyoming: A Community-Driven Approach Using PDIA 

Two people's heads, each with a string. One is tangled representing poor behavioral health.

Guest blog by Tina A. Hoebelheinrich, Anna Kinder, Sabrina Kemper The Wyoming Business Council recently convened a diverse group of community leaders to address a pressing issue using the Problem-Driven Iterative Adaptation (PDIA) framework. This powerful approach, which empowers communities to tackle complex problems by breaking them into manageable components, was the perfect fit for…Continue Reading Addressing Behavioral Health in Casper, Wyoming: A Community-Driven Approach Using PDIA 

Reconciling Parenthood and Employment through Collective Action in Belgium

A mother working with a child in her lap

Guest blog by Silvia Steisel, IPP ’23 On May 14, 2024, a group of twenty leaders from civil society organizations focused on parenting in Belgium gathered in a central Brussels meeting room. They were brought together by the Degroof Petercam Foundation (DPF), not because the foundation is an expert in parenting—indeed, it knows far less…Continue Reading Reconciling Parenthood and Employment through Collective Action in Belgium