How 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.
- 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.