Collaboration is a journey that begins with an understanding about how it’s being defined and what it means to participate as an authentic partner. Begin by getting a clear picture in your own mind. Then you’ll be equipped to help others develop a shared perspective, including your management leadership team, Board members and your collaboration partners.
Collaborations can be simple…
A pan Canadian network of girls programs convenes front line staff once a month using audio conferencing to discuss creative approaches and tools for evaluation.
More complicated…
A network of addiction and mental health organizations develops a system map to increase their knowledge of services in their community and their collective capacity to meet needs. The map is used to inform recommendations for system change.
Or more complex…
A group of community health centres across neighbouring counties consolidates their information technology and data management policies and services into a single joint service. The CHC’s Executive Directors manage the shared services based on an in depth collaboration agreement.