From Networking to Partnering Jennifer Webb, Director of Community Partnerships Office of Community Engagement, USF

Why are we giving this presentation? Feedback from Last Community-University Match-Up: How do we stay connected? How do we turn networking into partnerships? “It seems like networking was the objective of the event, which is good, but how do we proceed to the next step? Or is that even desired?” ~Participant from Spring 2014

Partnerships Evolving from Last Event

How’d they do it? (Akkermans & Romme 2008)

How’d they do it? Signed up for our e-newsletter Signed up for our e-newsletter Completed necessary forms – partnership request forms, BullSync profile, Employ-a-bull account Completed necessary forms – partnership request forms, BullSync profile, Employ-a-bull account Composed compelling descriptions of volunteer or internship opportunities for the forms Composed compelling descriptions of volunteer or internship opportunities for the forms ed us with intriguing research questions ed us with intriguing research questions Responded when faculty reached out/Contacted – via phone or – community organizations. Responded when faculty reached out/Contacted – via phone or – community organizations. Used our office for resources to help develop courses, find partners, and/or frame research questions Used our office for resources to help develop courses, find partners, and/or frame research questions MOST IMPORTANTLY: They were ready to partner. MOST IMPORTANTLY: They were ready to partner.

Wait…wait…a one time engagement does not a partnership make! Well, it could, if that is all that is sought or appropriate at the time. Let’s think in terms of levels: Level 1: Limited Awareness of Each Other Level 1: Limited Awareness of Each Other Level 2: Limited Activities and Expectations Level 2: Limited Activities and Expectations Level 3: Structured Involvement Level 3: Structured Involvement Level 4: Joint Project Development Level 4: Joint Project Development Level 5: Collaboration based on Risk and Resource Sharing (Schiebel, et al 2005) Level 5: Collaboration based on Risk and Resource Sharing (Schiebel, et al 2005)

Take Away Tips for Today Partnering takes time, timeliness, and ongoing communication. Partnering takes time, timeliness, and ongoing communication. Begin by: Begin by: Being clear and transparent about your goals and interests Being clear and transparent about your goals and interests Being open-minded and curious Being open-minded and curious Reaching out to those whose contact info you did receive Reaching out to those whose contact info you did receive If your potential partners aren’t here, contact our office. We can help connect you. If your potential partners aren’t here, contact our office. We can help connect you.