Collaborative Learning Institute

The Collaborative Learning Institute (CLI) is a no-cost training program for injury and violence prevention practitioners in North Carolina. The primary focus of this training is to demonstrate how a systems thinking approach can be utilized to strengthen collaborative partnerships and/or prevention initiatives through targeting shared risk and protective factors (SRPFs) for adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Training activities focus on gaining a deeper understanding of SRPFs and systems thinking, learning how to utilize systems thinking tools to identify opportunities for strategic alignment, and hands on experience applying these tools to real world scenarios.

In the summer of 2026, an abbreviated version of the Collaborative Learning Institute (CLI) was piloted with two SYNC counties. This one-day training brought together local partners working on ACEs prevention and introduced them to Shared Risk and Protective Factors (SRPFs) and the Five Rs framework (Results, Roles, Relationships, Resources, Rules) for mapping the full picture around a prevention priority. Participants practiced by mapping real risk and protective factors onto the Socio-Ecological Model and learning about how to apply the Five Rs to their own work.

Who Should Apply?

The CLI is geared toward working with teams of 4-5 individuals representing at least two to three diverse community sectors, interests, and/or populations. Individuals were encouraged to apply if they:

• Were a North Carolina community group/coalition, county, district, or region focusing on the prevention of adverse childhood experiences whose members represent multiple organizations, backgrounds, or disciplines
• Had experienced challenges when trying to begin your group/coalition’s ACEs prevention initiatives or have had difficulties advancing existing initiatives
• Wanted to learn how to utilize systems thinking tools to strategically build or strengthen partnerships to address ACEs within your community
• Had a committed, core team of four to five members with an identified lead representative.

We’ll soon be accepting a new cohort of CLI participants for 2026-27, so stay tuned for details!