Value of Partnerships
Many, if not all of our service projects involve partnerships in one form or another. They offer a great opportunity to:
- develop more successful projects
- raise our profile and help tell the Rotary story
- offer opportunities for new members
Look at creating partnerships with groups you currently work with and those you recognise in your community as potential.
Many clubs seem to be increasingly fund raising clubs supporting other groups in our communities. This is ok but consider creating a more formal relationship. Speak to people regarding membership. Offer corporate memberships to these groups. This will allow them to nominate different people to become involved with your club
Planning for a successful partnership:
Having identified a potential partner, get to know them. Understand how your partner organisation works and explain how Rotary works. Discuss your priorities and service goals. Invite a representative to your club to speak. Arrange a visit by one member or even all members to the partner organisation.
Checklist for a successful partnership:
Find opportunities for collaboration. Discuss ideas for collaborating to achieve a shared service goal
Develop a plan for collaboration Determine the project’s scope, assign roles and responsibilities to members of both organisations, write joint budget or contributions agreement, and agree to a timeline.
Draft a written agreement This can take different forms, such as a letter of intent or a formal memorandum of understanding (MOU), depending on the scope of your collaboration
Review your collaboration Assess how the collaboration is going throughout and adjust it as needed to reach your goal
Publicise your collaboration Develop a joint communication plan tht includes which activities from your partnership you’ll promote to your organisations and the public
Celebrate milestones and achievements Thank those who are involved in the project or program. Celebrate major accomplishments throughout your collaboration, as well as at the end of it
Reflect on the successes and challenges Determine what went well and what could be improved. Give each other feedback
Evaluate the project and determine what’s next Determine whether it makes sense for both organisations to continue the relationship. Are there any new opportunities?
Best example of a successful partnership:
Polio Eradication partners:
Polio Eradication partners:
The World Health Organization (WHO)
Rotary International
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Gavi, the vaccine alliance.
Follow link for more info on partnerships from the Rotary site here
Ending Polio - here