Transformative Collaboration: An Introduction to CPNN's Communities of Practice (CoP) Model
Over the last few years, the California Promise Neighborhood Network (CPNN) has pioneered an innovative approach to community transformation through its Communities of Practice (CoP) model. This unique framework has become a cornerstone to CPNN’s success, proving that diverse collaboration and transparency is a model that works for Promise Neighborhoods.
CPNN is an initiative aimed at supporting communities in their efforts to improve education outcomes and address systemic challenges. Each of the six Promise Neighborhoods of CPNN (Mission, Hayward, Corning, San Diego, Chula Vista, and Klamath River) have a unique set of organizational partners, approaches, and resources to address the needs of their unique communities.
CPNN’s CoP model is a robust collaborative structure that allows neighborhoods at different stages of development to learn from one another while implementing tailored solutions. The network's Communities of Practice focus on three (3) critical areas: Chronic Absenteeism, College Retention, and Family Engagement & Partner Alignment. Each community consists of practitioners and experts from one of the six California Promise Neighborhoods. All come together intentionally to share resources and expertise, act as thought partners through each of their neighborhood’s toughest challenges, and build sustainability for the statewide network. The leaders embedded in these neighborhoods—from school administrators to community organizers—bring vital local knowledge that, when combined with CPNN's structured support, creates powerful momentum for change.
"You're working with people. It's not static. It's a constant development of learning, how to adapt. That's what makes CPNN different. We are intentionally putting resources, and time towards making a difference across communities," explains Dr. Iris Zuniga, one of the CPNN Consultants supporting theCoP model. “What makes this model particularly effective is its recognition that each promise neighborhood is at a different level of the work. Ten years of investment versus a few years make a difference. By creating spaces where established neighborhoods can share their hard-earned wisdom while newer initiatives bring fresh perspectives, CPNN fosters an ecosystem of continuous improvement and mutual support.”
The impact of this approach was evident during the CPNN San Diego convening last October, where neighborhoods engaged in a gallery walk to review program strategies and data sets from each community. This collaborative experience allowed participants to identify blind spots, provide feedback, and refine their strategies through collective wisdom.
CPNN's CoP model represents not only a framework for collaboration, but a testament to what's possible when communities come together with a shared purpose and vision. Best practices emerge across focus areas. Concrete action commitments are made by participating neighborhoods— from Hayward Promise’s deep focus on reducing chronic absenteeism, to Corning Promise's approach to prioritizing mental health for young people— these communities implement evidence-based strategies, adapting them to their unique contexts, all while building impact and sustainability.
“These practices represent the culmination of shared learning and collaboration.” explains Dr. Zuniga, “By leveraging collective wisdom and sharing the burden of problem-solving, neighborhoods can maximize their opportunity as a true Network.”
Learn more about CPNN’s Communities of Practice work, including their launch of a new CoP Toolkit later this year, by subscribing to CPNN’s newsletter and following CPNN on LinkedIn and X.