Minnesota Council of Nonprofits Conference November 3, 2005 FRAMING: CRAFTING MESSAGES THAT BUILD SUPPORT Linda Hoskins Emil W. Angelica “Single, Successful Agency Seeks Same”

Agenda Introductions Fieldguide on Alliances The “Alliance Continuum” When smaller is better The process A “fast forward” alliance

Based on… Forming Alliances: Working Together to Achieve Mutual Goals Authors: Linda Hoskins and Emil Angelica Published by Fieldstone Alliance, Inc.

Exercise: What are you bringing to the table? Individually … Pick three things you brought with you today…in your wallet, pocket, purse … –Two that represent what your organization has to offer in an alliance –One that represents something you bring to the table With your small group… Talk about the items you chose and their meanings Then, consider the connections and strengths among you as a group and how you might complement each other

Define Alliance An alliance is a relationship between partners that is strategically formed to accomplish goals benefit the community strengthen the partners

The Alliance Continuum CooperationCoordination Collaboration Lower Intensity Higher Intensity

The “Intensity” of Alliances Cooperation shorter-term, informal relationships shared information only separate goals, resources and structures Coordination longer-term effort around a project or task some planning and division of roles some shared resources, rewards and risk Collaboration more durable and pervasive relationships new structure with commitment to common goals all partners contribute resources and share rewards & leadership

Concerns in Collaborations Expensive Slow to start-up Loss of control Damage to reputation Loss of opportunity

The “Intensity” of Alliances Cooperation shorter-term, informal relationships shared information only separate goals, resources and structures Coordination longer-term effort around a project or task some planning and division of roles some shared resources, rewards and risk Collaboration more durable and pervasive relationships new structure with commitment to common goals all partners contribute resources and share rewards & leadership

Benefits of Lower Intensity Increased control and resources Lower risk and fewer resources required Can test out relationship building Not “on top of” job responsibilities Can do more of them at one time Quick to start up

Exercise: Alliances you have known Identify some alliances in which your organization has engaged Using the Alliance Chart (page 2), plot them and consider if they were the right level to accomplish the desired outcome

Alliance Process Flow Framing and Formalizing With Partners Implementation With Partners Idea Generation Individually

Steps in Forming An Alliance Step 1 Clarify the Purpose Step 2 Identify and Recruit Partners Step 3 Frame the Alliance Step 4 Formalize the Structure & Plan Step 5 Implement and Manage

Range of Roles in Alliances Convener Facilitator Fiscal Agent Funder Initiator Project Manager

Break Time Please return in 11 minutes!!

Step 1. Clarify the purpose Begin by answering the following questions (page 4): 1.If we only had ______, we could ________. 2.What do we have to offer a partner? 3.What role will we play?

Step 2. Identify and recruit partners (page 5) Who might be interested in the concept? Who needs what we can offer? Who has the skills, capabilities, or assets we need? Who should we work with for political or resources reasons?

Step 3. Frame the Alliance Begin the conversation with partners in these areas: (Worksheet 1: page 6) History of the idea and possible mission or purpose Two or three key outcomes First steps or strategies Resources Possible show stoppers

Step 4. Formalize the Structure Formalize the structure with: Timeframe Decision making Communications Stakeholders Draft budget

Step 5. Implement and Manage Develop a work plan Schedule regular partner meetings Evaluate outcomes periodically Listen to and act on community input Celebrate successes!

Check-in and Adjourn ?What are the 1-2 major learnings that you are taking away from this session? ?How are you going to apply your ideas? ?Suggestions for our next training?

Forming Alliances Working Together to Achieve Mutual Goals Single, Successful Agency Seeks Same Linda Hoskins Emil W. Angelica