Our Approach
The Center recognizes the importance of local leadership and knowledge. Collaborative problem solving approaches only work if stakeholders have a trusted forum and play an active role finding the solutions to the contentious issues they face. The Center uses the principles of neutrality, transparency, inclusion, trust and sponsorship by stakeholder leaders, coupled with carefully designed problem solving processes. Based on input from the stakeholders, the Center's staff will tailor services by assembling the appropriate resources and setting into motion a process for addressing the key issues. This approach fosters collaboration among stakeholders as they deal with complex and emotionally charged issues. It also creates the opportunity for outcomes that are mutually beneficial and more likely to be sustainable.
The Center combines a neutral setting with, stakeholder involvement, access to local information and analysis, university research, and involvement by its prominent board to help advance issues, increase trust, and find solutions to solve problems.
The Process
By providing training and neutral forums for professionals in various arenas that are often at odds with one another, the William D. Ruckelshaus Center brings parties together in a safe environment that promotes fact-based solutions. To do that, the Center provides expertise in the process of addressing the issues, enhancing the ability of stakeholders to address the substance of the issues and come to agreement.
Many of the Center’s projects involve system-level issues, inter-jurisdictional conflicts, prolonged and polarized disputes, and emerging and complex problems – all concerns appropriately resolved through collaborative approaches. Rather than duplicate existing efforts, the Center responds to needs which are not met through available forums or services. Through resolution around specific conflicts, the Center helps participants build trusting relationships, working forums and tools for building consensus around difficult issues in the future.
Why It Works
It is a Center practice to engage stakeholders in the design of the problem solving method used to address the challenging issue at hand. It has been proven repeatedly the design that has the trust of those involved, fits the issues and their history, will have the best chance of success.
The Center’s approach also relies upon the guidance of its Advisory Board and the combination of resources from the State’s two research universities.
The Center’s Board plays a significant role in focusing the Center’s efforts on meaningful issues, in prioritizing projects and ensuring activities fit the Center’s mission. In addition, Board members help provide staff access to knowledgeable and affected parties, institutions and other resources. Board members often help set the stage for resolution by bring their insight to bear as well as providing access to a range of knowledgeable contacts and other resources. Their involvement often adds visibility and credibility.
Through the partnership of two research universities, the Center has access to a wealth of knowledge and faculty expertise. This unique partnership, multiplies the credibility and breath of services the Center can offer. The Center consistently engages faculty and graduate students from both Universities in Center projects. Beyond putting the resources of the Universities to work on behalf of the State, the Center strives to bring an understanding of real-world policy issues to the campuses. This is done to advance the Universities’ missions of teaching and research. Through its work, the Center creates opportunities for students, helping prepare the next generations of leaders for effective collaborative problem solving.