Multisolving
Multisolving (v): using one investment of time or effort to solve several problems at once in a way that also improves equity
Developed by Dr Elizabeth Sawin of the Multisolving Institute, the concept of multisolving is when people work together across sectors to address multiple problems with one policy or investment. Multisolvers look to address social, environmental, and equity issues at the same time. Whilst many of us increasingly talk about 'cobenefits' of our work, it is less common for organisations to consciously and deliberately collaborate to address social, environmental, and equity issues simultaneously. Multisolving requires us to step out of our institutional and mental silos, to collaborate generously, and to care about another cause as much as our own. If you want to work with me to increase multisolving across the UK non-profit sector, and beyond, please get in touch.
1. Impact
The social, environmental, and equity challenges we face are too complex to address effectively through single issue focused action. Multisolving recognises the intertwined nature of social, environmental, and equity issues, encouraging people to come together to find ‘win-win-wins’ on all three areas simultaneously.
2. Efficient use of resources
Resources are stretched and multiple issues have reached ‘crisis’ point. Charities can each shout loudly and hope that their issue is deemed the most important and urgent OR diverse stakeholders can address multiple issues together to accomplish more.
3. Addressing different time horizons together
Issues competing for attention frequently boil down to ‘end of the month’ versus ‘end of the world’ challenges. In both contexts, the same already disadvantaged groups are hit hardest. Together we must improve lives now whilst protecting the health and wellbeing of people and the planet in the future. Immediate and longer-term solutions are not mutually exclusive.
4. Embedding equity
Issues of inequity are almost always at the heart of social and environmental challenges yet are too often tackled in siloes. Multisolving is an approach that insists that equity be embedded in action on all other issues.
Why multisolve?
Are you multisolving?
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Join me in a growing community of UK based multisolvers - get in touch to share learning with other multisolvers.
Despite its transformative potential, multisolving often operates under the radar. Practitioners typically approach it intuitively, driven by the interconnected nature of the world, but may not realize they are part of a broader movement. You may well be multisolving without using that word. Reach out via me to connect with others in this space.