July 22, 2024 – Positive Childhood Alliance North Carolina (PCANC) is thrilled to announce that it has been honored with The Science of the Positive Organizational Transformation Leadership Award for being “positively focused on growing the good.” Dr. Jeff Linkenbach, Founding Director and Research Scientist at The Montana Institute, presented PCANC President & CEO Sharon Hirsch and other PCANC staff with this prestigious award on Thursday, July 18, at The Montana Summer Institute.
Seen left to right: The Montana Institute’s Dr. Jeff Linkenbach; PCANC President & CEO Sharon Hirsch; PCANC Development Director Zoë Playe; PCANC Policy Director Melissa Clepper-Faith; PCANC Vice President of Programs and Policy Crystal Kelly; PCANC Learning & Development Manager Beth Moore; and PCANC Evaluation Director Erin Meehan.
Over the past few decades, The Montana Institute has worked with leaders who have developed innovative and creative ways to promote health and impact positive norms using the Science of the Positive. This year marks the inaugural year of The Montana Institute Awards, called the “Normies,” which aim to recognize, celebrate, and elevate these efforts.
“Receiving The Science of the Positive Organizational Transformation Leadership Award is a tremendous honor,” said Hirsch. “It is a testament to PCANC’s recent rebranding efforts, which reflects our commitment to support the well-being of every North Carolina child and their family.”
During PCANC’s Spring 2023 Biennial Learning & Leadership Summit, Dr. Linkenbach delivered a keynote address about the Science of the Positive, Positive Community Norms, and the HOPE (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences) study. Inspired by his research, four PCANC staff attended The Montana Summer Institute in June 2023 to deepen their understanding of these frameworks. In August 2023, Prevent Child Abuse America released its New Theory of Change for Primary Prevention, which aims to build a comprehensive ecosystem supporting children and families’ well-being.
Prevent Child Abuse America’s New Theory of Change, along with the frameworks from The Montana Institute, inspired PCANC to lead in reshaping social norms around child and family well-being, which included an organizational rebrand from “Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina” to “Positive Childhood Alliance North Carolina.” This new identity enabled the organization to approach its work with enhanced purpose and clarity, fostering more impactful partnerships with communities and stakeholders.
“Positive Childhood Alliance North Carolina has demonstrated exceptional leadership in embracing the Science of the Positive,” said Dr. Linkenbach. “This award recognizes their team’s bold dedication to growing the good that exists in North Carolina through a transformational rebrand.”