Iris Collaborative is a community consulting initiative dedicated to building bridges between people, policy, and places. We design and implement projects that center equity, cultural understanding, and the lived experiences of those most impacted by projects and social challenges.
Our work blends the rigor of research with the heard of community engagement. We collaborate with public agencies, non-profit organizations, and grassroots groups to co-create solutions in areas such as socio-economic inclusion strategies, popular education, and engagement strategies.
Meeting people where they are:
We go beyond traditional outreach by engaging communities in places they already frequent, such as grocery stores, delis, churches, barber shops, hair salons, transit hubs, schools, laundromats, parks, and community events.
Our Values
Partnership with existing networkds
We collaborate closely with local community-based organizations (CBOs) already embedded in the communities we aim to reach. These partnerships allow us to co-create outreach strategies that are culturally grounded and effective.
Language access and cultural respect
Language equity is central to our process. All meetings, surveys, and materials are offered in participants’ first languages and supported by a team of multilingual and multicultural engagement specialists. All materials go beyond literal translation to preserve cultural context, ensuring that messaging resonates and reflects local values and nuances.
Inclusive spaces:
We remove barriers and enable broader participation by providing childcare, local catering, accessibility accommodations, and offering events at convenient times and locations.
Clear communication:
We translate technical, design, and planning concepts into accessible, visually engaging formats for diverse audiences, including families, older adults, business owners, and youth.