Collectively Owned Strategies Program

The Collectively Owned Strategies Initiative (COSI) brings together students and faculty from local universities with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Cities, and Municipalities to co-innovate on multi-year, impact-oriented projects. We address critical challenges such as:

• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation

• Social Justice and Equity

• Community Development

Our Mission

To foster transformative partnerships between academia, civil society, and local governments to co-create and implement innovative solutions that address pressing social challenges and contribute to sustainable and equitable development.

Our Vision

A society where universities, CSOs, and cities collaborate effectively to drive positive social impact through knowledge sharing, co-creation, and collective action.

Key Components

• Co-Innovation Projects:

  • Students, faculty, CSOs, and city officials work together to identify, design, and implement impactful projects.

  • Projects focus on real-world challenges and aim to achieve measurable social and environmental outcomes.

  • Examples:

    • Developing and implementing community-based disaster risk reduction plans.

    • Promoting sustainable tourism practices in local communities.

    • Addressing food insecurity through urban agriculture initiatives.

• Policy Lab:

  • A dedicated space for research, analysis, and policy development.

  • Students and faculty conduct research and analyze data to inform policy recommendations.

  • Policy briefs, reports, and presentations are developed to influence local and national policies.

  • Examples:

    • Analyzing the impact of local policies on social equity.

    • Developing policy recommendations for improving access to clean water and sanitation.

    • Assessing the effectiveness of climate change adaptation strategies.

• Capacity Building:

  • Provides training and workshops on relevant skills, including:

    • Project management

    • Community engagement

    • Data analysis and visualization

    • Policy advocacy

    • Communication and storytelling

  • Supports the professional development of students, faculty, CSO staff, and city officials.

Benefits

• For Students: Gain real-world experience, develop valuable skills, and contribute to meaningful social change.

• For Faculty: Conduct impactful research, engage in community-engaged learning, and contribute to the public good.

• For CSOs: Access to research expertise, innovative solutions, and a pool of skilled volunteers.

• For Cities and Municipalities: Gain access to innovative solutions, enhance their capacity to address local challenges, and improve their relationship with the community.

Get Involved

• Students: Learn more about available projects, apply for internships, and join student clubs.

• Faculty: Collaborate on research projects, mentor students, and participate in workshops.

• CSOs: Partner with us on projects, share your expertise, and access our resources.

• Cities and Municipalities: Engage in policy dialogues, co-create solutions, and benefit from research findings.