Positionality Statement Development & Sharing

About this Tool

Strong cross-sector coalitions are built on more than aligned goals and pooled resources—they depend on trust. Positionality statements are a structured way for coalition partners to build that trust by naming how each person and organization shows up in the work, what shapes their perspectives, and how their power and resources influence decision-making. This is important in community and economic development because coalitions often bring together organizations with very different histories—local government, economic development agencies, community-based organizations, funders, employers, and residents. These partners often have unequal access to power, capital, and legitimacy. Positionality statements create a shared language for acknowledging those differences and using them intentionally in service of the coalition's goals.