Our Approach
Think Well
Like a community well, POLIS brings research, relationships, community knowledge and resources together to surface solutions and help communities and those who invest in them make better decisions.
How It Works
From Community Knowledge to Measurable Impact
The Source
Community
Communities contain challenges, assets, knowledge, relationships and potential solutions.
The System
Think Well
POLIS creates the environment where research, relationships, data and community knowledge come together.
The Solutions
Solutions
Community knowledge, assets, opportunities and solutions are surfaced.
The Strategy
Strategy
POLIS translates what is learned into actionable strategy.
The Access
Access
Funders, institutions and partners gain better information for making investment and resource decisions.
The Impact
Impact
Better thinking leads to better decisions, better investments and measurable community impact.
FACES
It’s All About People
FACES is a tool POLIS uses within the Think Well approach. It names what we do as we work alongside a community.
F
Facilitate partnerships across sectors
A
Align efforts with shared values
C
Communicate lessons learned to guide investment
E
Evaluate real conditions affecting families
S
Strengthen programs with evidence-based models
Data & Insights
Our Cross-Functional Engine
Data & Insights, including GIS analysis and mapping, strengthens every part of the Think Well process and every area of the POLIS ecosystem.
Put Our Approach to Work
Bring Our Think Well to Your Question.
Engage POLIS for professional services or commission research through the POLIS Fellowship.