Top 10 (& Others) List
Most Important Elements of a Collaboration/Partnership
- Resources. The clear #1 advice from IL Community Coalitions is that a coalition/collaboration requires resources – the ability to commit staff time, financial, & in-kind resources to the efforts of the Coalition.
- Clear, Common Vision, Purpose & Goals. Must have common goals/vision based on commitment to children & families that goes beyond loyalty to a program & is shared by at least 2 or more key people in the Coalition. Must identify where every member fits into the vision/goal/purpose and have professional agreement to work toward the goals. Commit to high standards.
- Openness & Commitment to Change. Must be open to the possibility of doing things differently & open to learning & relearning what you thought you knew before in ways needed to meet the mission & purpose of the coalition. Must be flexible, creative & adaptable.
- Communication & Cooperation. Must be open and ongoing.
- Structure of Coalition. Need: regularly scheduled (quarterly, monthly), concise meetings; flexibility in maintaining group meetings & schedules; operating procedures, committees, roles & responsibilities; and, good checks & balances, especially with financial resources. Suggested to hold meetings at a different program/organization each time.
- Shared, Community-Rooted Leadership; Shared Decision-Making. Need people willing to do their part & not drop the ball; committed participation. Need to listen to the community & be driven by its needs. Leaders must have vitality & persistence. Members bring enough knowledge of community strengths & weaknesses to the table.
- Identify & Work Out Barriers. Must be willing to work out issues, challenges, & disagreements. Must brainstorm solutions & strategies to common Coalition, community & program challenges.
- Relationships. It is important to have friends in a wide variety of places in the community & relationships that have spanned years. Helps to have all partners at the table from the beginning. Draw from individuals’ strengths. Recognize champions & strive for non-competitiveness. Members concerns are unified.
- Respect Each Other. Know your partners & the services they offer. Make sure every member has a chance to be heard. Need implicit trust among key partners. Broaden your frame of reference so you can “walk in my shoes.”
- Evaluate & Re-Evaluate the Coalition. Ensure it is able to meet the group’s needs related to purpose & structure. Make certain that it can maintain longevity & meet & establish goals. Evaluate performance & accomplishments.
