The Impact Pathway is organized into five practical milestones that help communities move from shared concern to systems-level impact through cross-sector collaboration, shared understanding, and coordinated action.
1. Gather to Build Momentum - Kickoff Workshop - July 14th, 2026
Bring together an initial cross-sector group, clarify why the work matters now, and begin building momentum for coordinated community action.
You’ll advance: an initial cross-sector team, case for change and shared purpose, partner outreach approach, readiness insights, and a plan for entering Milestone 2.
2. See Your Whole Picture - Starts August 2026
Develop a deeper understanding of the systems, conditions, data, relationships, and lived experiences shaping quality of life in your community.
You’ll advance: a community profile, resident and stakeholder insight, community scorecard, asset and stakeholder map, and working team structure.
3. Align and Plan for Cross-Sector Impact
Move from understanding to shared direction by aligning people, priorities, measures, strategies, and resources around common goals.
You’ll advance: prioritized needs and opportunities, shared community goals, a community strategic plan, updated scorecard, coordination plan, and refreshed messaging.
4. Put Your Plan Into Practice
Begin implementing selected strategies, tracking progress, strengthening partnerships, and learning as you go.
You’ll advance: early-stage implementation, scorecard-based tracking, team reflection and learning, process adjustments, documented results, and expanded partnerships.
5. Sustain, Celebrate, and Scale What Works
Strengthen what is working, tell the story of progress, embed the work into community systems, and prepare for the next stage of impact.
You’ll advance: sustainability planning, scaling strategy, team reflection, storytelling tools, and case materials.
Download a Snapshot of the Five Milestones
What’s Included With Every Milestone:
Live Learning and Peer Exchange:
- Live, expert-led virtual sessions that include peer learning, facilitated discussions, and practical exercises for each milestone.
- Connections to other communities through our national network and milestone-based cohort groups.
- Workshops and webinars on topics like storytelling, community engagement, systems thinking, and data-informed decision-making.
Tools and Resources:
- Access to our custom Learning Management System (LMS) with session recordings, downloadable resources, and milestone-specific guides.
- Ongoing access to our online Resource Library, featuring tools, templates, and promising practices from other communities.
Data and Scorecard Access:
- Use of the C.O.R.E. Community Scorecard, which includes seven census tract–level indicators across economy, education, health, social connection, natural environment, built environment, and housing.
Community and Visibility:
- Opportunities for visibility and recognition at our annual conference.
Coaching Support Options
In addition to milestone programming, communities have the option to add customized coaching support. Our trained coaches provide expert guidance to help your team apply what you’re learning, work through challenges, and accelerate progress. Coaching is tailored to your goals and can include support for:
- Team development and group dynamics.
- Applying the C.O.R.E. Guide.
- Interpreting and using community data.
- Strategic planning and execution.
- Strengthening cross-sector collaboration.
- Preparing for recognition and storytelling opportunities.
Coaching packages can be added to any milestone. Whether you’re looking for a few key sessions or sustained support over the year, our coaching options are designed to meet you where you are.
To learn more about coaching or request a proposal, please contact us at info@connectwithcore.org.
About the C.O.R.E. Community Scorecard
The C.O.R.E. Community Scorecard is a shared measurement tool designed to help communities track progress on outcomes that matter. It includes nationally available census tract–level data across seven domains: economy, education, health, social connection, natural environment, built environment, and housing. It provides a common starting point and a shared language for cross-sector work.
C.O.R.E. Alumni: Continued Learning and Support
After completing Milestone 5, teams are invited to become part of our C.O.R.E. Alumni, a space for continued learning, peer support, and shared progress. The Alumni Program includes monthly virtual alumni sessions with facilitated discussion and community spotlights as well as ongoing access to the LMS, resource library, and updated tools.
Next Steps
Complete the short interest form or contact us directly at info@connectwithcore.org.
