Building Community Relationships Presented by Janet Allen Rick Chase

Why Develop Relationships. What's the value Why Develop Relationships? What's the value? How does it help you/the organization? You’re not alone! Someone else is in it with you. Generate support – both funding & program support Develop interdependency between agencies – “give & take” Multiple impact/effect – accomplish more together Address similar missions Gives broader perspective of community needs Commitment to group, better follow-through Good PR New volunteers

Why Develop Relationships. (continued) What's the value Why Develop Relationships? (continued) What's the value? How does it help you/the organization? Generate more ideas – brainstorming Create synergies Builds connections – networking Reach new audiences Build trust Community and county government likes to see partnerships and collaborations

Are there downsides to partnering or going outside our walls? Risk of losing control. Takes effort The “team” changes constantly Limitations of partnering agencies Make sure other partners get something in return Learning curve Core values of other agencies Need to trust others – make sure expectations are clear Might be hard to say “no” Creates more meetings Fallout from other partners who were not included

Who are some potential partners Who are some potential partners? Where are they and how do you recruit them? Boys and Girls Clubs YMCA/YWCA FFA United Way Community Foundations School Corporations Local government Banks Drug Free Councils Soil and Water

Who are some potential partners Who are some potential partners? (continued) Where are they and how do you recruit them? Chamber of Commerce Service Clubs Civic Organizations Libraries Churches Law Enforcement PTO/PTA Farm Bureau Ag Associations NASA – Neighborhoods Against Substance Abuse

Who are some potential partners Who are some potential partners? (continued) Where are they and how do you recruit them? DNR Hospitals Media Military Purdue University – other departments and colleges Alumni – both Purdue and 4-H Local Businesses 4-H parents and volunteers Fair Boards Farm Bureau Park Boards

Who are some potential partners Who are some potential partners? (continued) Where are they and how do you recruit them? Master Gardeners Extension Homemakers Other colleges located in your county IN 4-H Foundation FSA Juvenile Detention Visitors Bureau Our co-workers Division of Children and Families Health Departments Youth Service Bureau

Results of a successful partnership? Great programs! More visibility Community “buy in” Larger audience Financial support Broader support base Helps others see the bigger picture More partners County Council likes partnerships in community Builds connections for programming in the future

Action Steps (for you) Make a goal to find a new partner and write down how you’ll do it.

Positive Work Relationships (within the office) District Director discusses Educator Performance <<<Typical County Extension Staff Meeting

What are the issues? Personalities Generational differences Attitude Communication Work ethic County employees vs. Purdue employees Budget Involvement/investment in the community Understanding the programs in the other areas (CFS, ANR, ECD) Depth of relationships in the community

What are the issues? (continued) Trust Jealousy Gender issues Educators flexibility vs. county staff Commitment to teamwork Finding the good in everyone Value differences – how can everyone contribute Everyone is busy – it is hard to come together & communicate Silos in program areas

What are the advantages of great office relationships? Less stress Have fun Supportive environment Easier to collaborate – do joint programming Enjoy coming to work Praise co-workers Know others on personal level to help understand working relationship TEAM – Together Everyone Accomplishes More

What are the advantages of great office relationships? (continued) Makes work seem easier Increases effectiveness Trust – no back stabbing Office staff supports, advises, and helps co-workers when needed Feel supported on a personal level Good PR in the community Can help strengthen co-workers in an area they struggle with

How do these great relationships happen? Everyone needs to be responsible Build relationships over time Be intentional about building office relationships – it takes work and effort on everyone’s part Try to understand others Get to know your co-workers Willing to “move on” from what happened in past Respect differences in others Respect strengths and weaknesses Value others – everyone is important and contributes

How do these great relationships happen? (continued) Recognize your co-workers for their accomplishments – both small and large Create an open office environment Listen to others Pitch-in and help with work, other programs, etc. Honor your commitments Have office social activities – go to lunch together, pitch-in lunch, celebrate birthdays, etc.

What can you do to enhance the relationships in your office? Have a great attitude!?? Decide on what you will do to enhance the working relationships that you have with your co-workers.

Questions?