1. Kathi Schoonover Director of Research & Sponsored Programs Northeastern State University

2. An association or a combination, as of persons, organizations or institutions, for the purpose of engaging in a joint venture. Resource: National College Access Network (NCAN) www.CollegeAccess.org

3.  Work together on a common enterprise or project;  "The soprano and the pianist did not get together very well";  Win-win: for partners and for funding agency

4.  To bring multidisciplinary groups together under a central theme. The multidisciplinary groups may be different academic units within a college, different colleges within an institution or different institutions.  To establish a cohesive group that allows individual units or individual partners to contribute to the principal theme

5.  Each member of the collaboration or partnership must have an interest in the theme with documented expertise.  The leader may be self-selected, appointed or elected.  The leader must be willing to listen, involve the partners and provide leadership in the administration of the collaboration or partnership.

6.  What is the target area we will serve? ◦ Seek out collaborate partners ◦ Make sure you include representatives from all boundaries of the target area.

7.  People who are oriented toward implementation.  People who hold a position of influence in the target area such that others will follow.  People with a “can do” attitude.  People with resources.

8.  Effective collaborations engage institutional, civic, and natural leaders who reflect the demographic diversity of the target area.  Make sure you select people who can organize people from their identity group and not just be the “gatekeepers”.  Ask questions and find the names of real leaders in the target area.

9.  Board members  Staff members  Teachers vs. Administrators  Faculty vs. Administration  Workers vs. CEO’s

10.  Parents  Students  Workers  Consumers

11.  Consider using a facilitator  Share an overview of the issue or problem  Set basic ground rules: ◦ One person speaks at a time. ◦ Be respectful. ◦ Listen as an ally. ◦ Be concise and stay focused on the agenda.

12. Facilitate a discussion with these questions: ◦ What do we need to understand about this issue? ◦ What are the barriers to effectively resolve/address this issue? ◦ How do the organizations at the table work on the issue? ◦ How can we address these barriers as a group? ◦ Do we have the right people at the table?

13.  What is our mission?  How often do we meet?  Do we have committees?  How will the partners share responsibility for organizing and leading the meetings?  Who prepares and contributes to the agenda?  How will partners handle logistical arrangements?

14.  What is the issue?  Why is a partnership the best way to address the issue?  What are the relevant assets?  What are the goals?

15.  Compile contact information for prospective members.  While prospective members may participate in professional organizations, there may not be an organization that speaks directly to their issues or concerns.  Prospective members may lead to other prospective members.

16.  Maintain focus on the relevant issue.  Emphasize research and data-informed practices.  Reflect the diversity of the partnership.  Provide remote locations with two-way video conferencing if available.  Structure the meeting for networking.

17.  Evaluation of key components provides feedback that enables refinement and redirection.  Evaluation provides a process of continuous improvement.  Evaluating the impact of the consortium helps build a case for sustaining partnership efforts.

18.  Partnerships lead to new projects and new grant proposals.  Partnerships may develop faster because of successful history of partnerships with other entities.  Partnerships take time.  Public/private partnerships must have knowledgeable leaders, experienced participants, strong academicians, and strong decision makers involved all the way.  Resist selecting partners by reaching out to people you already know or reaching out to everyone.

19.  Partnerships must have authority, i.e. president, dean, chair.  Partnerships on paper only are not considered valid – show evidence, i.e. articles, projects.  There will be more financial audits with partners than without.  Corporations want to know why, how, and see creativity now. Will fund R&D, product development.

20. time  Allow enough time to develop partnership.  Begin making contacts prior to establishing a collaboration.  Let them know what is in it for them.  Develops an entrepreneurship attitude among business and industry.  Building of future relationships

21.  Corporations want long-range partnerships that evolve into more projects over time.  Institutions should plan for change and growth in the partnership.  Build on previous successful partnerships.  Organize events that the partners want to attend.

22.  Corporate partners want to see what you have done for them yesterday.  Schools and agencies tend to resist change.  Flexibility, meeting real needs in practical ways insures continuation of partnership and satisfaction of partner.  Creativity is necessary.  Decisive action is necessary.  Do your brainstorming in private, not in front of partner.  Spend time on evaluation.

23.  Colleagues – Same Area or Interdisciplinary  College/University Departments  Local Education Agencies  State Department of Education, State Agencies, i.e. OCAST  Business and Industry  Faith-Based Organizations, i.e. Churches  Community Based Organizations, i.e. Chamber of Commerce, Scouts  Other Colleges/Universities

24.  Trust within the neighborhood  Integrated personal relationships within the community  Experience with directly serving those in need  The mission and desire to help those in need within their community  Established leadership within the community  Experience in volunteer recruitment, management, and retention  Resources such as buildings, meeting rooms, and equipment

25.  Develop a process for sharing research and program interests.  Make our interests known to administration.  Be willing to let go of “turf” issues.  Make it a joint venture.  Advertise collaborative successes.

26.  State the mission of the partnership.  Provide a strong communication plan for the partnership.  State roles and responsibilities of all partners.  Advisory Board membership.  Provide a summary statement of sustainability upon completion of the program.

27.  Parties who represent  Parties with authority  Clear communication  Time  Win-Win!