What I liked about this convening was that it was based in research around collaboration (see the PowerPoint from Tosha Cantrell-Bruce)...that was supported by the experiences of the panelists:
John Stremsterfer- moderator, Executive Director, Sangamon County Community Foundation
Dave MacDonna- Capital Campaign & Development Director, Salvation Army
Stacy Reed- Program Director, Sangamon County Community Foundation
Sandy Robinson- Director, Office of Community Relations, City of Springfield
Allan Woodson- Director of Workforce Development, The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commer
John Kelker- Executive Director, United Way of Sangamon County
Some of the lesson I took away included....
1. Collaboration in the nonprofit sector happens because of human need and necessity.
2. Effective collaboration...
*is open to diverse viewpoints
*has trust and respect
*has frank and forthright discussion and dialogue (family mentality)
*comes from a common goal
*should make life easier in the long run...and lead to more collaborations
*builds on other's areas of expertise
3. Use the word "invest" versus expense/cost...think of collaborations as an investment for the future.
4. A few things to keep in mind about collaborations:
* don't speak on behalf of others
* they take LOTS of front end work
* address any barriers ASAP!
* celebrate the small wins
* compromise is a MUST!
* territorialism MUST go out the window!
* everybody has to win!
* LISTEN.
Some resources shared, include:
*Foundation Center Collaboration Resource Center:
www.foundationcenter.org/gainknowledge/c...1LAQBQ4CGW15AAAACI2F
* Books:
- Nonprofits & Government: Collaborations and Conflicts
- The Collaboration Challenge
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