Collaboration and Partnership: Stronger Together Amanda Friedeman Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center August 13, 2015

Today’s Objectives Collaborative programs allow organizations to maximize strengths, expand their reach, and deepen engagement with audiences. Using a recent collaboration between Illinois Holocaust Museum and The Peace Exchange as a case study, participants will: Explore considerations to take into account in choosing a partner organization Examine building blocks of successful collaborations Consider institutional strengths and weaknesses that will inform partnerships

Today’s Agenda IHMEC-Peace Exchange Collaboration: overview Forming a partnership: where to begin Assessing your institution and identifying potential partners

IHMEC & Peace Exchange: Who are we? Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center is the 2 nd largest Holocaust museum in the country (and 3 rd largest in the world) – Education programs include student field trips, teaching trunks, student leadership days, a Speakers’ Bureau of Holocaust survivors, professional development for educators, and programs for families and the general public – IHMEC preserves the legacy of the Holocaust by honoring the memories of those who were lost and by teaching universal lessons that combat hatred, prejudice, and indifference. Content areas include Holocaust, other genocides, human rights, social justice, conflict resolution, character education, and civics.

IHMEC & Peace Exchange: Who are we? Established in November 2012 as a program of Holy Family Ministries, The Peace Exchange focuses on young Chicago leaders--Peace Builders--committed to peace and nonviolence. Their 15-month program has three phases: – Intensive study (approx. 80 hours) on topics ranging from mindfulness and peace circles to bullying and domestic/gender violence – A two-week international trip to participate in cross-cultural exchanges with community organizers, students leaders, and peace activists – A post-trip Speaking Peace outreach program in which the Peace Builders share their stories and experiences with at least 1000 neighborhood youth, establishing relationships that enable them to lead, educate, mentor, and nurture peace in their communities.

IHMEC & Peace Exchange: The Program A “mini course” on peace building and conflict resolution for 7 th & 8 th grade students – 80 students from 4 CIS of Chicago schools participated – 3 sessions: In-school workshop/introduction led by a Peace Builder Field trip to IHMEC including RACE: Are We So Different? exhibition Post-visit workshop led by a Peace Builder

IHMEC-Peace Exchange: Timeline Summer 2013: Initial introduction between organizations, finding common ground Fall 2013: Discussions on collaboration ideas begin, CIS of Chicago brought on board Winter 2013: Concept refined Spring 2014: CIS of Chicago recruits schools to participate November 2014: Implementation

The Team: IHMEC, Peace Exchange, CIS of Chicago

IHMEC-Peace Exchange: Analysis of a Partnership IHMEC Brought:Peace Exchange Brought: CIS of Chicago Brought: All Partners Brought: Location, exhibition (RACE: Are We So Different?) Specialized content knowledge Access to students and teachers Commitment to social justice and conflict resolution education Financial resourcesTrained facilitatorsLogistical supportEnthusiasm for the partnership Volunteer resourcesBandwidth for site visits Experience with organizational partnerships Desire to expand reach and offerings through collaboration

IHMEC-Peace Exchange: Benefits of the Partnership IHMEC Gained:Peace Exchange Gained: CIS of Chicago Gained: All Partners Gained: Increased exposure with local schools Increased exposure through partners’ social media coverage of program Opportunity to collaborate with like-minded colleagues Mission-based program opportunity Strengthening of partner network Increased content knowledge for participating staff Enriched conflict resolution/social justice offering for schools Strengthened connections between local & global conflict issues New opportunity to offer to partner schools Satisfaction of providing students an experience that no one partner could have provided alone

Assessing your organization What resources does your organization have?

Assessing your organization What resources does your organization have? – Location, budget flexibility, specialized knowledge, a surprise pot of money from a generous funder, incredible volunteers to do outreach? Think creatively about your assets.

Assessing your organization What resources does your organization have? – Location, budget flexibility, specialized knowledge, a surprise pot of money from a generous funder, incredible volunteers to do outreach? Think creatively about your assets. What resources does your organization lack?

Assessing your organization What resources does your organization have? – Location, budget flexibility, specialized knowledge, a surprise pot of money from a generous funder, incredible volunteers to do outreach? Think creatively about your assets. What resources does your organization lack? Look for partners whose assets and limitations mirror your own—successful partnerships compliment both organizations

Thank You! Amanda Friedeman – Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center