One of the ideas that has guided our work is vertical integration. We realized that many of our region’s challenging conditions were the result of fragmented and misguided decisions make at the federal, state and local levels. To have impact, we needed a regional platform. This led to the creation of the California Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley.
Since 2000, we have been part of a network of regional leaders across the state—California Stewardship Network. Together we are testing strategies to create prosperity, protect the environment and address access issues simultaneously. Economic, environmental, and equity issues are interdependent. Some call this triple bottom line. Others simply call it common sense.
California Forward was created by a team of large foundations who realized that our system of government has become dysfunctional. Old approaches no longer work and single interests have distorted policies, programs and funding. In order to change the way the state conducts our business, the California Stewardship Network and California Forward have teamed up to change both the form and the substance.
Through regional forums and a statewide summit, we will hold ourselves accountable, share best practices and continue to learn together to refine our thinking. On April 26, you are invited to the second annual San Joaquin Valley Regional Economic Forum. You will have an opportunity to learn about the progress since the inaugural event. In addition, you will gain a deeper understanding of how steward leadership can address intractable issues and result in triple bottom line outcomes.
To learn more and register go to http://sjvpartnership.org/