Different people's perceptions and experiences can lead to mistrust and disconnects that result in misalignments in policy and practice, and disrupt learning and the flow of knowledge and resources. A "multi-level integrated planning and implementation" (MIPI) process implemented in Ghana sought to create safe spaces for 60 diverse actors from community, district, regional and national levels for immersion in each other's worlds, to first "become fully human to one another" and overcome misunderstanding and blame. This was the first of six stages aimed at developing multi-level policies, plans and actions, and implementation protocols.