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Our Flagship Program
Our flagship program is the community-wide Call to Collaboration (C2C) which welcomes between 150 and 400+ community members for a 2-day meeting. We utilize a modified version of Open-Space Technology – a dynamic and democratic way of meeting used worldwide as a tool to tackle complex problems that require diverse viewpoints to solve them. Gathering in this way allows participants to collaborate and strategize in a manner that calls for the input and leadership of all, moving away from the hierarchical manner in which decisions tend to be made, and leading to concrete actions and solutions.
What Makes A Call to Collaboration Special?
1. It brings together people involved in the different neighborhoods, initiatives and organizations that coexist in New Jersey;
2. The topics for the conversations and breakout sessions are suggested by and led by the people who attend—this means that you, your colleagues and neighbors are the ones leading discussions, moving ideas forward, and developing action plans;
3. The format of the meeting follows Open Space Technology—a dynamic and democratic way of meeting that is used worldwide as a tool to tackle complex problems that require diverse viewpoints to solve them.
There are five phases to our Flagship Program:
1. Identifying and Assembling Community Connectors, Influencers, and Assets
2. Developing Local Host Team Leadership and Designing the Call to Action Guiding Question
3. Network Building: The Invitation Process
4. Call to Collaboration: Community-wide Conversation and Action
5. Post-Call to Collaboration: Connections, Knowledge-Sharing, and Continued Action
“What an energizing and enlightening event! It was so wonderful to convene with recovery partners across the state to reflect on lessons learned. When we join forces and find a common voice, we are so much stronger and more effective. I look forward to being part of this movement to make meaningful changes which will positively impact the future of response and recovery in NJ.”
– Kelly Higgs – Former Executive Director of NJVOAD
Every Call to Collaboration produces a Community Chest of Ideas and Action
Examples of our local Call to Action Guiding Questions:
Atlantic City Call to Collaboration (2026):
How can we leverage our successes and ignite universal access to quality housing, economic justice, and thriving, healthy neighborhoods for all Atlantic City residents?
(Email Kacy O’Brien kobrien@gatheringground.us for the 2026 Atlantic City Call to Collaboration Notes)
Movement Building Call to Collaboration (2025):
How can we transform NJ’s organizing ecosystem to create an unstoppable solidarity movement led by those most affected, and equip those fighting for justice with the enrichment and resources needed to ignite action for a liberated future?
(Email Kacy O’Brien kobrien@gatheringground.us for the 2025 Movement-Building Call to Collaboration Notes)
Newark Virtual Call to Collaboration (2020): In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, an economic downturn, and the rising calls for social justice, how do we unite our diverse communities and stakeholders to build upon Newark’s rich history, strengthen our city’s identity, and support transformational progress?
More about Calls to Collaboration and Impact Stories
Supporting Small Business
LIVE.WORK.AC, a branding and small business development initiative in Atlantic City, was an immediate outcome
Arts Corridor Partnership
The two county-wide Monmouth Calls to Collaboration facilitate the launch of a cross-sector initiative designed
Advancing Arts Education
Strategic community-wide conversations regarding arts education helped enhance the readiness of Orange to welcome a
Raising Diabetes Awareness
A cross-sector partnership between community development, business and industry, health and wellness and the arts
Cultivating Community Journalism
A community journalism project in Atlantic City, led by Free Press and Media Mobilizing Project,
Restorative Arts & Enterprise
Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University maximizes connections and hosts R.E.P.E.N.T.’s sound engineering and business