Bridget Byfield
15 June 2013
Capstone Project
Leading Collaboration in a Community to Address
the Shelter Needs of At-Risk Youth in Lane County
“Wicked problems are complex,
novel, and difficult or impossible
to completely understand.
Solutions are not readily evident
and solutions to address them
don’t yet exist”
(Rittel, 1973)
Addressing the needs of at-risk youth presents the
community with a complex challenge with no clear
solution to its ever changing needs. The EMERGE
Leadership framework is a new leadership approach
introduced in the EMPA program by the Portland State
Faculty to specifically address wicked problems and
challenges.
(Magis, Ingle and Duc, 2013)
Lane County is well situated for
pioneering an innovative approach for
at-risk youth placements that will
allow youths to remain in their home
communities while receiving
assessment and continuity of care.
Can the EMERGE Framework effectively
mobilize Lane County stakeholders to agree
on an innovative and feasible pathway
forward in creating a youth shelter that
can address safety, health, and
independence for at-risk youth?
“Every interaction is
an opportunity for
leadership”
Phyusin Myint, 2009
• Capstone Research begins in March 2012
• Literature Review on leadership and the issues surrounding
at-risk youth
• Systematic Analysis of key at-risk youth stakeholders and
their multiple Interests
• Case Description of EMERGE Leadership Application and
resulting progress made in collaborating with community
partners in Lane County
Through collaboration of community
partners, we strive to provide a
sustainable and protective shelter to
improve the well-being of our youth
in Lane County
• The foundation built on trust and collaboration
will be strong and sustainable through the
challenges of opening and maintaining the
shelter in the future.
• I am well prepared to continue my leadership role
in this progress.
• Use of the EMERGE Leadership
Opportunity Tool has resulted in greater
stakeholder collaboration and trust.
• Lane County has a stronger platform for
application of additional EMERGE tools.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
• Advisor, Dr. Marcus Ingle
• The Community Partners of Lane County
• Portland State University EMPA professors and
staff
• The 2011 EMPA Cohort with a special
appreciation to Kevin Perkins for numerous edits
and words of encouragement
• My supportive husband and incredible family
and friends of “Team Capstone”!
• All the at-risk youth of Lane County who are an
inspiration every single day facing “wicked
challenges”
THANK YOU