Leading Collaboration in a Community to Address the Shelter Needs of At-Risk Youth in Lane County

Bridget Byfield15 June 2013

Capstone Project

“Wicked problems are complex, novel, and difficult or impossible to completely understand. Solutions are not readily evident and solutions to address them don’t yet exist”(Rittel, 1973)

Addressing the needs of at-risk youth presents the community with a complex challenge with no clear solution to its ever changing needs. The EMERGE Leadership framework is a new leadership approach introduced in the EMPA program by the Portland State Faculty to specifically address wicked problems and challenges.(Magis, Ingle and Duc, 2013)

Lane County is well situated for pioneering an innovative approach for at-risk youth placements that will allow youths to remain in their home communities while receiving assessment and continuity of care.

Can the EMERGE Framework effectively mobilize Lane County stakeholders to agree on an innovative and feasible pathway forward in creating a youth shelter that can address safety, health, and independence for at-risk youth?

• Capstone Research begins in March 2012• Literature Review on leadership and the issues surrounding

at-risk youth• Systematic Analysis of key at-risk youth stakeholders and

their multiple Interests• Case Description of EMERGE Leadership Application and

resulting progress made in collaborating with community partners in Lane County

“Every interaction is an opportunity for leadership”

Phyusin Myint, 2009

Through collaboration of community partners, we strive to provide a sustainable and protective shelter to improve the well-being of our youth in Lane County

• The foundation built on trust and collaboration will be strong and sustainable through the challenges of opening and maintaining the shelter in the future.

• I am well prepared to continue my leadership role in this progress.

• Use of the EMERGE Leadership Opportunity Tool has resulted in greater stakeholder collaboration and trust.

• Lane County has a stronger platform for application of additional EMERGE tools.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:• Advisor, Dr. Marcus Ingle• The Community Partners of Lane County• Portland State University EMPA professors and

staff• The 2011 EMPA Cohort with a special

appreciation to Kevin Perkins for numerous edits and words of encouragement

• My supportive husband and incredible family and friends of “Team Capstone”!

• All the at-risk youth of Lane County who are an inspiration every single day facing “wicked challenges”

THANK YOU