All participants have a shared vision for change including a common understanding of the problem and a joint approach to solving it through agreed upon actions.

Collecting data and measuring results consistently across all participants ensures efforts remain aligned and participants hold each other accountable.

Participant activities must be differentiated while still being coordinated through a mutually reinforcing plan of action.

Consistent and open communication is needed across the many players to build trust, assure mutual objectives, and appreciate common motivation.

Creating and managing collective impact requires a dedicated staff and specific set of skills to serve as the backbone for the entire initiative and coordinate participating organizations and agencies.