The Collaborative

Our Mission

The NEK Collaborative’s mission is to improve the quality of life for all residents of the NEK through coordinated economic and community development.

Our vision is a strong, vibrant Northeast Kingdom where we all thrive.

Our Operating Principles

Non-partisan Leadership: We accomplish this through seeking to understand, asking difficult questions, and taking risks.
Systemic Change: We accomplish this through long-term thinking, planning, and accountability.
Regional Unity: We accomplish this through cross-sector collaboration, diversity, equity, and inclusivity.

“At the NEK Collaborative, we believe real change happens when people come together. Our role is to connect across boundaries, to align efforts around a shared vision for the Northeast Kingdom. We are honored to walk alongside our communities and uplift our region’s voice as we shape a vibrant, resilient future together.”

— Abby Long, Interim Executive Director

How We Work

We bring people together to spark positive change in our communities. We create structures that bring partners together across service areas, sectors, municipal and political boundaries to provide solutions for the renewal of the Kingdom.

How we do it:

Build a Common Vision – We bring people together across politics, class, sectors, and geographic boundaries to tackle the challenging issues of our time and articulate clear visions for our region. Based on these conversations, we make a plan, set it in motion, then assess our results.
Develop Leadership Capacity – We build networks connecting across organizations, finding shared purpose and aligning work, and building a resilient web of trusting relationships to support coordinated and collective action on shared goals over the long term.
Connect to Resources – We build bridges between local, regional, and statewide actors. We connect local people and projects and partners to the critical capital, coaching, and connections they need to be successful.

We are from our region, we know our region, and are trusted in our region. We live where they act and offer an authentic voice, building understanding and relationships critical to making good decisions and working together across difference.

As an independent, non-partisan facilitator we are well-positioned to bring communities together to address fundamental challenges and develop plans that lead to direct and practical results.

We know that real transformation takes time and lasting support. We take the long view. We think long-term with an unwavering, multi-generational commitment to the communities where we work.

Our Process

From community feedback, we identify a pressing problem and then work together with the community to develop a plan, support collaboration, and monitor progress.