Literacy Champions

10 Tips on Collaborating with Your School Partner

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1.  Clearly Define your purpose for partnering:  Let all stakeholders know you desire to serve in ways that genuinely support the school’s larger goals and mission AND to support early childhood literacy efforts, if possible as reading mentors.

2. Commit to a unified mission: You (business, church or organization) and the local school(s) are partners in this process.  Both partners need to work through any issues that arise AND celebrate successes.

3. Identify other community partners: The goal is to serve the entire community. Include community members and organizations that will benefit from or be impacted by collaborative activities.

4. Define roles: Clearly establish the expectations and responsibilities of partnership members. Each partner must have a clear understanding of what is expected from him/her and his/her organization.

5. Clarify decision making processes and ground rules: When questions or issues arise make sure each partner knows who to contact, etc.  Make sure all volunteers understand school policies and procedures.

6. Share the leadership: Nurture a collaborative relationship between school and organizational leaders.

7. Commit to clear and frequent communication: Effective, thorough communication with and between partnership members is necessary. Implement formal and informal

communication tools early on in the collaborative process to inform members of all

decisions and activities.

8. Address conflict immediately: Conflicts of interest, individual agendas

and competition issues will inevitably occur. Confirm your commitment to resolve conflict before any issues occur and clarify contact names and/or processes.

9. Develop the partnership’s vision and goals: Strategically plan realistic, specific and attainable goals and objectives, which will support the mission and purpose of the school and your organization.

10. Be flexible! A commitment to change is a prerequisite for successful collaboration!

*Gratitude to School Connect Arizona (schoolconnectaz.org) for sharing with us these collaboration tips.

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