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Partnerships > Five
Steps to Establish a Partnership
Five Steps to Establish a Partnership
Use these steps as a guide to
building a successful, rewarding partnership.
1. Partner Match
Consider your organization’s goals and
partnership interests, and then choose a school or program
that would make a good match. Consider:
- Location
- Connections between your organization and a school/program
(personal, employees, etc.)
- Alignment between type of business and academic
disciplines (science, fine arts, finance,
culinary, engineering, etc.)
Other resources that can help:
2. Plan
Meet with your partner to brainstorm and draft a
written partnership agreement.
- Focus the partnership on enhancing student
achievement and supporting safe, nurturing schools
- Identify specific activities and respective
responsibilities
- Make sure the partnership is a good “fit” --
built on common values and mutually beneficial goals
- Identify potential benefits that the partnership
could offer both the organization and the school
3.
Resources
Allocate sufficient people, budget, and other
resources to allow the partnership to succeed.
- Identify a “champion” within the organization to
coordinate partnership activities and communications
- Clearly define and document objectives and
responsibilities
- Carve out time to make it happen -- for
communications, renewed commitment, enthusiasm, and
so on
4.
Communication
Ongoing, two-way communication is the cornerstone
of a successful partnership.
- Add your partner to your organizational
newsletter mailing list, and let them know about
news and events in your organization
- Ask your partner about the good things that are
happening because of the partnership! Share your
excitement and satisfaction
5.
Evaluation and Evolution
A good partnership is a dynamic relationship –
adaptable to changing needs and circumstances.
- Arrange to meet at specific intervals (at least
yearly) to review the effectiveness of the
partnership and revise as needed
- Establish criteria for success that are easy to
measure
- Allow for flexibility in revising the
partnership to adapt to new or evolving
circumstances and needs
- Be willing to discontinue the partnership if it
isn’t fulfilling expectations or meeting objectives
Contact: Partnerships Office at 410-313-6655 or
partnerships@hcpss.org
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