Our Proposal
Using the Constellation Model to empower communities.
Our proposal is based on what we know works.
The Constellation Model was created by the Canadian Partnership for Children’s Health and the Environment (CPCHE). Surnam and Surnam (2008) studied how it worked.
In 2000, a group of Canadian NGOs started talking about the environment and children’s health. A range of experts – in childcare, public health, environmentalism and more – could see the impact of environmental toxins on kids. But no one group on its own had the resources or the power to make change.
They knew working together was the only way to succeed, but how? Could they stop competing and start collaborating, agreeing on shared goals? Who would be in charge? How could people’s diverse talents be used?
The Model
CPCHE came up with the Constellation Model.
The Constellation Model taps into the power of networks and people working as peers. Leadership moves flexibly between partners, and partners have freedom to choose their own actions to contribute to the broader vision. This way of working helps people with expertise come together, keeping them energised about their shared goal.
In Canada, the Constellation Model created a network of more than 1000 thought leaders and service providers. They raised millions of dollars in resources. And they achieved sweeping changes to laws and products to protect the health of children.
In New Zealand, there are many potential partners who share our values. Groups experiencing racism and discrimination, NGOs and philanthropy, local and central government, corporates and everyday Kiwis – people want to create positive change.
We think the Constellation Model has the power to bring New Zealanders together to create a Strategy for Belonging and Inclusion, and to implement it.
How the Constellation Model works: key roles
Magnetic attractors are individuals who raise people’s awareness of the issues and rally them to action.
The people who have come together form constellations, the ‘action centres’ of the model. They are small teams that work on actions or areas they choose, aligned to the broader vision.
Constellations have partners. These are people who volunteer to take leadership roles in a constellation – but because the leadership role is flexible, they might have non-leader roles in other constellations too.
The partners have a stewardship group. They set the strategic direction, but in a light touch way. This allows different constellations to set their own approach.
Third party support helps with things like organising and fundraising, freeing up the constellations to pursue their actions. It should be located in an ‘intermediary organisation’.