Faster alone, further together. That was the message from Mark Cabaj, Principal of Canada's Tamarack Institute for Community Engagement and director for Vibrant Communities, speaking about the importance of Sector organisations working across boundaries.

Mark Cabaj: photo by Stephen OlsenMark spoke to about 60 politicians and Sector representatives at the March 2009 ComVoices Parliamentary Breakfast in Wellington, saying that effective service provision in communities required thinking outside of the square and across boundaries.

"There is a tendency to think faster alone, even when we inherently know that is not going to be as effective. It is brutally difficult to work in a more cohesive way with other organisations and across boundaries, but in working together we go further," he said.

Community-led approaches to solving economic and social problems was not a new concept but there was a broadening acceptance that greater collaboration was vital to successfully addressing social issues.

Mark said the new generation of effort focused on communities of interest and place - rather than projects or issues. It was proving to be far more effective in driving long-term solutions.

"Funders have realised that more money is not going to solve anything, particularly in the current economic environment. We can't just keep funding the same things on steroids," he said.

Mark said there was a growing realisation that no one player could achieve the same objectives independently, even though collaboration and working across traditional barriers was "brutally hard work" for the various sectors involved (governments, social services, business, labour, educational institutions and anti-poverty groups).

"Collaboration draws on each party's experiences, skills, expertise and networks, while at the same time breaking down bureaucratic barriers and creating opportunities to respond more quickly to challenges and opportunities.

"It is about unleashing community ingenuity," he said, referring to New Zealand's own Inspiring Communities as an example of networks supporting community-led development.

About ComVoices Parliamentary Breakfasts

The purpose of the ComVoices Parliamentary Breakfast is to provide an apolitical forum for Sector members and Members of Parliament to network and hear from visiting overseas experts who they may not otherwise have an opportunity to meet.

ComVoices Parliamentary Breakfasts are always hosted by a different MP with the aim of engaging all the political parties. This Breakfast was hosted by Hon Paula Bennett, Minister for Social Development and Employment.

To get on the invitation list for Parliamentary Breakfasts email emma [at] ideasshop [dot] co [dot] nz with 'please add me to the ComVoices Parliamentary Breakfast list' in the subject line.