Cramer, HaleyPilhöfer, SophieRoper, DonnaTaylor, Frances2018-07-062018-07-062017https://hdl.handle.net/11299/198103This report serves to identify points of potential for Twin Cities’ cross-sector collaborative, Generation Next, in pursuing advocacy efforts. Attention is paid specifically to the role of and recommendations for the backbone organization, or Generation Next staff, as this research was done on their behalf. The literature on collective impact and advocacy suggests that a shared sense of purpose, grassroots engagement, and backbone staff serving as an educator in the process are all necessary components of successful advocacy efforts. The case studies conducted on four StriveTogether partnerships and one health collaborative largely echo these points, as well as suggest the necessity of action networks in identifying issues, highlight the role and necessity of strong data as a tool for advocacy, the role of the leadership council, and the strength of advocating at the local level. Data from Generation Next staff interviews provided suggestions about Generation Next’s current internal capacity for advocacy, the current sense of purpose for advocacy among the staff, and other information about staff perceptions which are significant in organizing and initiating advocacy work as a small organization.enCollective ImpactAdvocacyThesis or Dissertation