Conclusion

Building and sustaining a collaboration is an ongoing process. During the life of the collaboration goals may change, access to new resources and expertise may become available, or pieces may become weak or broken, thus it is important that the partners continually reassess the collaboration. Regularly looking at “what is working” and “what is not working” will help to strengthen the collaborative, as well as help in sustainability.

Several factors have been identified as key influences in the success of collaborations. These factors are worth paying attention to, to ensure your collaboration is effective and has the greatest impact.¹

1. Environment – is there a favorable political climate; is there a history of cooperation in the community; is the collaborative a leader in the community?
2. Membership Characteristics – is there mutual respect and trust among members; are the right people involved; does the purpose serve all; is there flexibility among members?
3. Process and Structure – have clear roles, policies, and procedures been developed; do all members have a stake in the outcomes; is the collaboration able to adapt?
4. Communication – is there an established communication plan; is communication clear?
5. Purpose – is there a shared vision; are the goals obtainable?
6. Resources – are there sufficient funds, staff, skilled leadership?

During your thinking and writing exercises you have come up with some great ideas about improving your collaboration and sustaining your program efforts. Take the time to share these ideas with your partners and with your supervisor. You may have more questions and ideas. You are encouraged to talk about what you have learned and ask those questions.

Are you convinced that collaboration can make a difference in the way you and your colleagues help adolescents? Cooperating and coordinating are important activities too. If that is the primary way your alliance is functioning, be sure to continue the good work. However, collaboration may be a means to ensure that the work you are doing during this grant is sustained after the grant funds end.

Good luck and thank you for taking the time to explore how to strengthen your partnerships and your program efforts.

Follow this link to take the Sustainability and Collaboration evaluation and quiz.

The majority of the information in this module was provided by Karen Ray and the following resources:
“The Collaboration Handbook.” Winer, Ray. 1995. Fieldstone Alliance Publications, St. Paul, MN.
“The Nimble Collaboration.” Ray. 2005. Fieldstone Alliance Publications, St. Paul, MN.
“Fieldstone Guide to Forming Alliances.” Linda Hoskins and Emil Angelica.

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