Developing Effective International Partnerships Hugo Kamya, PhD Simmons School of Social Work (Synopsis of presentation delivered at the APM on November 9, 2009)

Overview Importance of international partnerships Role of reciprocity Developing effective partnerships Lessons, challenges and ethical considerations Recommendations

International Partnerships A growing and expanding field International collaboration International exchanges CSWE mandate The Local and the Global

Key Assumptions Solidarity with host communities Service learning Human rights and social justice perspective Mutuality and collaborative practices Reciprocity Role taking (Mead, 1934) Transformative learning (Mezirow, 1991)

Developing Effective Partnerships Consulting key stakeholders Exploring needs of host communities Cultural and educational guides Participant groups Site visits

Relational Stances Appreciative Inquiry Striving for cultural curiosity Honoring local knowledges Host community resourcefulness Collaborative partnerships Empowering processes Accountability Flexibility and Nimbleness Relationship as horizontal

“Goodness of Fit”: Work categories Humanitarian Aid International Development Child Protection Health/Mental Health Conflict Prevention/Management Human Rights Micro vs Macro Skills Headquartered vs Field Based

Entities UN Agencies International and National NGO’s Governmental Organizations Military Organizations University and Educational Organizations Donor Organizations Local and Regional Organizations Opposition Groups Secular and Religious Organizations

Lessons Learned Basic social work skills and practice are necessary for global practice Complex issues of concern Knowledge and understanding of global social welfare and comparative social welfare policy techniques Global justice and human rights policies Basic tenants of social work values and ethics

Lessons Learned Roles of religion and culture in the global context Refugee and internally displaced populations Torture and resulting effects Capacity building Program/Project management Grant writing Ability to work in unstable and non-secure environments Conflict management Utilization of networking and collaborative work with communities, agencies and governments

Challenges Linking field placements to global curriculum Linking practice, research and policy Building solidarity with host communities Building sustainable relationships Nurturing relationships Addressing security and administration of programming Managing host community expectations Clear expectations: MOUs Competition among international agencies Change of guards (Deans)

Key issues to consider Meaningful role taking Establishing long term partnerships Matching students with practica Institutional support, capacity & funding Comprehensive design Pre-departure preparation Regular field support and self-care Direct supervision Video conferencing

Issues (cont.) Ongoing reflection (journaling etc) Time commitment Reciprocity Cultural immersion Examining the ethics of the work Licensing

Recommendations Integration of more global content in curriculum Advocacy training Community based participatory action research, evaluation, programming and monitoring From service to solidarity Building culturally responsive approaches Social development and links to social work interests

International Partnership A 2 way street based on mutual respect and interest A win-win situation