Collaboration in Practice Workshop

Collaboration in Practice Workshop

From Complexity to Clarity: Build Stronger Collaborative Systems That Drive Real Results

2-Days In-Person in Denver, CO

A hands-on, in-person workshop for leaders working across boundaries to navigate complexity, strengthen partnerships, and turn collaboration into measurable impact.

Registration closes Monday, June 1, 2026.

Workshop Topics

Complex challenges—like improving community health, advancing equity, or strengthening service systems—don’t exist in isolation. They live within dynamic systems of relationships, incentives, and power.

Yet most teams are still trying to solve them with tools designed for linear problems.

This workshop introduces a different approach. We'll cover:

• Strengthening Systems Through Collaborative Leadership
  Learn how to bring people together across organizations, sectors, and jurisdictions to address complex challenges. This session focuses on practical approaches for uniting diverse groups, aligning efforts, and building shared ownership that drives meaningful improvements for thriving communities.
• Building Effective Partnerships Through Collaboration Dynamics
  A thriving collaboration depends on how people work together. Learn how to create conditions that support open communication, shared responsibility, and constructive problem-solving. Participants will gain tools to cultivate strong working relationships and a collaborative environment where every voice can contribute to the group’s success.
• Maintaining Collaborative Efforts for Lasting Results
  Keeping a partnership productive over time takes intention and skill. Explore proven ways to maintain focus, renew energy, and adapt to challenges as they arise. Learn how to nurture relationships, clarify roles, and create simple structures that help collaborative efforts stay effective and resilient for the long haul.

Day 1 Learning Objectives

Laying the Foundation for Collaborative Success

By the end of Day 1, you will be able to:

• Identify practical strategies for building connections that span boundaries and align efforts.
• Apply at least one collaboration framework or tool to analyze a real-world system or challenge.
• Recognize the key factors that influence how groups work together effectively.
• Begin assessing your own collaborative work using approaches like partnership analysis to explore relationships, roles, and group dynamics.

Day 2 Learning Objectives

Strengthening, Sustaining, and Taking Action

By the end of Day 2, you will be able to:

• Map your partner network to visualize relationships and uncover opportunities for stronger connections.
• Describe techniques to foster trust, shared responsibility, and productive group dynamics in your partnerships.
• Develop strategies for keeping collaborative efforts organized, focused, and resilient over time.
• Identify common pitfalls that cause partnerships to lose momentum and practical ways to avoid them.
• Leave with a clear action plan to strengthen your collaborative work and build thriving community partnerships.

Who This Is For

This workshop is designed for professionals working across boundaries, including:

• Public health leaders and staff
• Community-based organizations
• Healthcare systems and managed care organizations
• Government agencies
• Backbone organizations and collaborative initiatives
• Funders and intermediaries

If your work depends on multiple organizations working together, this workshop is for you.

What Makes This Workshop Different

Most trainings focus on theory or tools. You’ll be introduced to both during this workshop, but you’ll focus on application.

You’ll leave with:

• A draft map of your system or network
• A clearer understanding of your role within it
• Concrete strategies you can immediately apply

Plus, because this is in-person, you’ll benefit from:

• Real-time collaboration and discussion
• Hands-on exercises with expert guidance
• Meaningful connection with peers facing similar challenges

What You’ll Experience

This is a highly interactive workshop. You can expect:

• Guided exercises using real-world examples
• Small group discussions and peer learning
• Live mapping and strategy development
• Practical tools you can use immediately

Outcomes

Participants leave with:

• Greater clarity about complex collaborative partnerships
• Stronger collaboration strategies
• Increased confidence in navigating cross-sector work
• Tools to drive measurable, sustainable impact
• A certificate and digital badge upon completion

Workshop Details

Duration: 14 hours over 2 days

Location: Mile High United Way, 711 Park Ave W, Denver, CO 80205

Date & Time: Tuesday, June 16 & Wednesday, June 17 from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Mountain Time both days

Learn more about the Collaboration in Practice Workshop.

Read past workshop participant feedback.