The intent of this workshop is to assist participants in understanding and applying to their partnerships the concept of networking and to allow participants to experience the processes of collaboration.
The room must be set up so that triads can draw on newsprint. This can be done if participants are seated in rounds or at conference tables. If possible, have some extra tables at the back or sides of the room where groups can go if they are too crowded at their tables.
Prepare separate sheets of blank newsprint for each triad so you do not have to tear these off in the session. Make sure you have one marker for each triad. You may want to post the rules on a sheet of newsprint. If so, do this ahead of time. Prepare the other required newsprint sheets as listed above.
Benard, B. (1989). Working together: Principles of effective collaboration. Prevention Forum, October 4-9.
Gardner, S. (1989). Failure by fragmentation. California Tomorrow, Fall, 18-25.
Loughran, E. L. (Undated). Networking, coordination, cooperation and collaboration: Different skills for different purposes. Springfield, MA: Center for Human Development.*
Sink, D. W. (1987). Success and failure in voluntary community networks. New England Journal of Human Services, Spring, 25-30.*
In order to devise and implement successful comprehensive ATODA prevention strategies, partnerships must engage in networking and collaboration activities.
Because of the planning nature of the partnership grants, networking and collaboration are especially crucial to attaining objectives.
Collaboration is not always easy. The benefits, however, make the struggle worthwhile.
D. Reasons for collaboration (PN-1: Why Collaborate?)
To provide visionary leadership;
To reduce costs;
To empower participants;
To strengthen existing efforts that have failed to address a problem;
To augment limited resources; and
To comply with a mandate from one's funder or another organization.
E. Benefits of collaboration (PN-2: Collaboration Supports and Reinforces. . .)
The benefits of successful collaboration are that it encourages
Mutual decision making;
Mutual respect; and
The creation of a more supportive environment.
These activities support community empowerment.
F. Understanding the process of collaboration
It is important to acknowledge the difficulty of real collaboration and to be aware of the ingredients that promote success.
The purpose of the following exercise is to help participants better understand the process of collaboration.
Ask participants to spent a few minutes envisioning their dream house. If they could build any house they wanted, what would it be like? What would make them feel most productive?
Have them get the vision clearly in their minds.
B. Collaborative triads
Ask participant to divide into groups of 3. Give each triad a sheet of newsprint and a marker.
Tell them that their task is to draw a collaborative vision of a group dream house.
The rules are:
No talking.
Take turns with the marker.
Each participant is to make only one line per turn.
They will have 7-10 minutes to complete the exercise.
If there are questions just repeat the task and the rules. Give no additional information.
Call time after 7-10 minutes. Ask each triad to name their house and talk about the process they have just experienced. Give them about 8 minutes to do this.
C. Whole group report out/discussion
Ask some triads to share their house with the whole group and to explain what it was like to work on it collaboratively.
Record key words out on newsprint. Allow 10 minutes for this activity.
Discuss the following questions for 10 minutes:
Based on this experience, what are some ingredients of successful collaboration?
What did you learn that you can apply to your partnership?
A. Review the necessities of successful collaboration (PN-3). As you do so, relate the concepts to the previous exercise (PN-3: Necessities of Successful Collaboration).
Content Points
B. Necessities of collaboration
Mutual needs and interests,
Time,
Energy,
Resources,
Communication,
Institutional support,
Broad-based representation,
Clear and agreed-upon process,
Attention to group process,
Mutual respect and equality,
Shared ownership,
Commitment,
Incentives and rewards,
Fun, and
Establishment of supportive relationships.
C. Levels of networking (PN-4: Definition of Networking)
Networking can be defined as "the nature and quality of working relationships between and among groups or individuals developed in the interest of promoting positive change." (PN-5 and HO-1: Levels of Networking)
There are 4 levels of networking.
Communication is the first level of networking.
At this level, groups or individuals simply share their thoughts, ideas, feelings, and information.
Through this sharing, a better understanding of perspective can be accomplished.
Communication is essential. It can reduce duplication of services and strengthen the impact of existing programs or services.
Cooperation is the second level of networking.
Cooperation occurs when 2 communicating groups agree to assist each other's programs by advertising, referring, or maintaining direct communication.
This agreement to "stay in touch" for mutual benefit demonstrates the basis for cooperation.
Coordination is the third level of networking.
Coordination occurs when the 2 or more groups work together and combine resources to better meet the needs of their clients and thus strengthen their individual roles.
An example of this coordination could be a school allowing a not-for-profit youth group to use the building after school for a prevention program for children who are home alone in the afternoon until their parent(s) returns from working.
Collaboration is the fourth level of networking.
Collaboration is the highest form of networking.
It occurs when 2 or more groups or individuals come together to develop a new activity, program, or policy.
Groups or individuals can engage in one or more of these levels at the same time with different people.
Communication is the only level that cannot be bypassed. Communication is essential in order for the other levels to work effectively.
When groups and individuals collaborate, they are more likely to be sensitive to the perspectives of each partner in the collaboration.
D. Uses of the 4 levels of networking
Most partnerships are engaged in the first 3 levels. As partnerships develop, they gradually enter the fourth level.
All levels are important and each is appropriate for different tasks.
Discussion Question
What are examples from the participants' experience of the different 4 levels of networking?
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