Developing a Strategic “Container” to Support Boundary Spanning and Belonging Amongst Diverse Collaborators at a Land-Grant University
This academic essay proposes using a "container" - a group of diverse individuals with shared goals - as a way to promote boundary spanning and belonging in land-grant university collaborations. The authors argue that a well-curated container can foster equity by bridging identity, organizational, and tactical boundaries while tackling the complex historical and systemic power dynamics often present in academia. The essay explores how to develop, nurture, repair, and expand such a container, offering practical strategies and real-world examples for those working to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in higher education.
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Abstract
This essay reports on engaging academic and community partners whose positionalities spanned diverse lived experiences and power structures. Using groundwork from several literatures, we reflect on developing, nurturing, repairing, and expanding a container as a critically reflective space for experimenting with new ways of being and doing. A well-curated and nurtured container creates processes and spaces where group members feel they belong; they commit to practice a shared set of agreements, and work through interpersonal and organizational conflict that will inevitably arise. The container can be an instrument for identity, organizational, and tactical boundary spanning. As a microsystem, a container can mobilize collective engagement when team members reflect diverse identities, hierarchies, and roles within the academic system and partnering communities. Theorizing the container as an opportunity structure for boundary spanning may help those advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) within academic land-grant institutions, university–community collaboratives, and community-based organizations.
FAQ: Boundary Spanning and Belonging in Community-Engaged Scholarship
What is a "container" in the context of community-engaged scholarship?
A "container" is a metaphor for an intentionally created space where a diverse group of people can come together to work toward a shared goal. It is characterized by agreed-upon norms, a commitment to shared decision-making processes (such as consensus-building), and a culture of care and respect. The container serves as an opportunity structure for boundary spanning, enabling individuals from different identities, organizations, and levels of power to collaborate effectively.
How does a container support boundary spanning?
A container supports boundary spanning in three key ways:
- Identity boundaries: It brings together individuals with diverse lived experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives, fostering understanding and solidarity across differences.
- Organizational boundaries: It facilitates collaboration between individuals from different institutions and sectors, including academic institutions, community-based organizations, and government agencies.
- Tactical boundaries: It encourages the sharing of knowledge, strategies, and approaches from different disciplines and fields, leading to innovative solutions and transformative actions.
What are the benefits of using a container approach in community-engaged scholarship?
- Fosters belonging and trust: The container creates a safe and supportive environment where members feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives.
- Promotes equity and justice: By intentionally addressing power imbalances and centering the voices of marginalized communities, the container helps to ensure that all members have a voice in decision-making processes.
- Enhances innovation and impact: The diversity of perspectives and experiences within the container leads to more creative solutions and strategies for addressing complex social challenges.
- Builds sustainable partnerships: The container helps to develop strong, reciprocal relationships between academic institutions and community partners, leading to long-term collaborations.
How can power dynamics be addressed within a container?
Power dynamics are inherent in any group, and it is crucial to address them proactively within the container. This can be achieved through:
- Intentional group composition: Ensuring representation from diverse stakeholders, including those with lived experiences of marginalization and those with institutional power.
- Shared decision-making: Utilizing consensus-based models where all voices are heard and considered equally.
- Community guidelines: Establishing ground rules that emphasize respect, equity, and accountability.
- Ongoing reflection and feedback: Creating opportunities for members to share their experiences and provide feedback on power dynamics within the group.
How can a container be used to conduct a trauma-informed assessment of institutional climate?
Rather than focusing on collecting stories of oppression, the container can be used to conduct an asset-based assessment that prioritizes the strengths and resilience of marginalized communities. This can be achieved through:
- Appreciative inquiry: Utilizing a strengths-based approach that focuses on identifying and amplifying positive experiences and assets within the institution.
- Centering community voices: Ensuring that the assessment is led by and responsive to the needs of marginalized communities.
- Trauma-informed practices: Creating a safe and supportive environment for participants to share their experiences and perspectives without fear of retraumatization.
What steps can be taken to repair a container when it is ruptured?
- Acknowledge and address the harm: It is essential to acknowledge the harm caused by the rupture and take steps to repair relationships and rebuild trust.
- Revisit community guidelines: Remind members of the agreed-upon norms and expectations for behavior within the container.
- Facilitate open dialogue: Create a space for open and honest communication about the rupture and its impact on members.
- Engage in restorative practices: Utilize restorative justice approaches to address conflict and harm, focusing on repairing relationships and promoting healing.
How can a container be expanded to broaden engagement and impact?
- Invite new members: Intentionally recruit individuals from different organizations, sectors, and levels of power to expand the diversity of perspectives and expertise within the container.
- Facilitate container-to-container learning: Connect with other groups using similar approaches to share lessons learned and best practices.
- Share resources and knowledge: Disseminate information about the container approach and its benefits to encourage wider adoption.
What are some key takeaways for those interested in using a container approach in their own work?
- Intentionality is key: Carefully consider the purpose, composition, and processes of the container to ensure that it is aligned with the goals of the work.
- Relationships are essential: Invest time and energy in building strong, trusting relationships among container members.
- Flexibility and adaptability are crucial: Be prepared to adapt the container to meet the evolving needs of the group and the work.
- Ongoing reflection and evaluation are essential: Regularly assess the effectiveness of the container and make adjustments as needed.