Introduction

This Collaboration and Sustainability self-directed module will introduce Adolescent Family Life (AFL) grantee staff to the value of collaboration and how it leads to innovation and collaboration among program partners. By participating in the module, AFL grantees will be able to:

1. Define collaboration
2. Discuss why collaboration is important
3. Describe how collaboration can lead to innovation
4. Understand how an AFL project can go about collaborating and how collaborating with partner organizations will help sustain programming when the grant funds end.

To prepare for this session:

• Have paper / pencil ready – you will be writing answers to questions.
• Have a list of your project partner organizations in front of you.

A. Why am I working on a module on “collaboration”?

The Office of Adolescent Pregnancy Programs (OAPP) clearly values collaboration. They support programs with values that include:
– Partnership and teamwork: Foster active collaboration to solve problems, make decisions and achieve common goals among staff and grantees. (2008 OAPP Strategic Plan)

B. What type of AFL Demonstration Program do you work with?

• The impact of collaboration may be different for each kind of grant that supports your program. However, OAPP makes it clear that collaboration is a basic methodology – or way of doing business. Their mission statement demands innovation; and collaboration drives innovation.
• What kind of grant do you have? Prevention, Care, or Research? Are you and your grant partners in other organizations working together already?

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