Building Collaborative Partnerships Ontario Library Association February 3, 2012 Presented by: Anne Ramsay Project READ Literacy Network Waterloo- Wellington Laura Dick Kitchener Public Library

Presentation Outcomes By the end of this presentation, participants will: Be aware of the structure and process of partnership building Be aware of literacy – library connections Understand possible partnership opportunities in their community

Your Partnership Experiences Where are you on the partnership continuum? Partner NewbiePartner Pro Partner in Training

What is a Partnership? Partner Partner - n. one who shares or takes part with another or others, esp. in a business firm with shared risks and profits; somebody who takes part in an activity or undertaking with somebody else; companion in dancing. Source: Oxford Dictionary and Microsoft Dictionary Trust Building!

Sharing of Power In a public service context, Kernaghan (1993) defines partnership as:... a relationship involving the sharing of power, work, support and/or information with others for the achievement of joint goals and/or mutual benefits. - ADAPT Initiative, Ireland

Levels of Partnership Collaborate Participate & Cooperate Coordinate/Contribute Consult/Network

4 Key Elements of Partnership 1.Decision-making 2.Degree of Risk 3.Responsibility 4.Communication High Low

Your Partnership IQ 1.Types of partnerships you have been involved in. 2.What new partnerships to you anticipate?

Benefits to Partnering Accomplish more collectively with limited resources individually Brings clarity to goals & outcomes Opportunity for variety of perspectives Increase power & influence through alliances Raise profile, strengthen ownership & commitment to cause or issue Enhances communication capacity

Reluctance & Reticence Im too busy. Whats in it for us? Ive been told to attend. We cant commit any resources. I dont trust them. What are the risks? Were not ready. I dont have the skills.

In Common Circle Common Unique

Types of Partnerships Consultative or Advisory Contributory Operational Collaborative

Purposes for Partnering Shared Problem Solving Issue Awareness / Promotion Event, Project or Program Delivery Clearly identify your purpose for partnering.

Collaborative Leadership Collaborative leaders should: Be inclusive, promote diversity Practice shared decision making Resolve conflicts constructively Communicate clearly, openly, & honestly Facilitate group interaction Nurture leadership in other & encourage commitment - W.K. Kellogg Foundation

Partnership Development Cycle* #1 Identify - Who? Likely candidates,stakeholders, key players #3 Partnership Structure - What? Continuum formal - informal #4 Review & Evaluation - So What? Effectiveness, costs, impacts #2 Connection Strategies - How? Entry points, doorways, access Maintenance *Kennedy & Ramsay, March 2005

#1: Identify - Who? Who are likely suspects? Research potential partners - mission, philosophy, services, programs Commonalities & differences - connection or competition Complementary services, resources & programs Present informal relationships & personal connections Past experiences &/or examples from other communities Tentative informal meetings to test the waters

Who Needs to be Involved? Core Partners Specific Involvement Resource Support Peripheral

#2: Connection Strategies - How? Cold Calls, Warm Calls or s Information Packages or Letters Exploratory meetings with key staff members &/or board Networked introductions - get names of key people Bandwagon calls - connect based on newly announced initiative or mandate Build rapport & communication

Building Rapport Trust is the key element of any partnership or collaboration. Trust comes from familiarity, rapport and shared values and philosophy.

# 3 Partnership Structure INFORMALFORMAL 1.Decision-making 2.Degree of Risk 3.Responsibilities 4.Communication Continuum

Decisions & Degree of Risk InformalFormal Personal contact & relationship Ongoing, periodic Minimal decision making Flexible links Minimal resources Designated representatives Identified timeline Formalized decision-making Defined roles Committed resources

Responsibilities InformalFormal Giving/sharing information Activity as needed, periodic Varies with need Relationship-based Clear vision, goals & outcomes Regular activity Designated tasks Results-based Defined expectations Evaluation in place

Communication InformalFormal Infrequent, casual Varies with need Verbal &/or Minimal expectations Little conflict Regular, scheduled Documented Highly developed Has a clear purpose & expectations Conflict resolution

The Paper That Binds Us s Minutes of Meetings Decisions Made & By Whom Action Plans & Outcome Statements Expectations & Goals Resource Commitments Memo of Understanding

#4: Review - What Happened Impacts - positive/negative Raising of public profile Resources used & costs incurred - staff time, materials, etc. Potential for maintaining &/or deepening the connection Potential ROI - return on investment or future pay-offs

#4 - Evaluation - So What? Evaluate the partnership process & the products Evaluation Approaches - Formative - during the process Summative - final collation of all results Quantitative - numbers, volume Qualitative - impacts, quality of life Outside or internal evaluator or combo? 360 Evaluation - ask everyone involved

Literacy Funding Adult Literacy Core Programs Projects Ministry of Training, Colleges & Universities Office of Literacy & Essential Skills Family Literacy core programs Projects Lack of consistent source

KPL/PRLN Partnerships Lets Read Get Set Learn Afterschool Enhancing Pathways Board of Directors

Lets Read Community Partners Adult Literacy representation Multigenerational Impact

Get Set Learn Afterschool Fee for Service Advisory/Curriculum Committees Library staff facilitate portion of program

Enhancing Pathways Committee/consulting work Staff expertise Networking opportunities

Board of Directors Networking opportunities Funding opportunities Knowledge building opportunities

Final Words Thank you! Partnering is a trust building process Be strategic & look for common ground Document & communicate Be a good partner & theyll come to you!