Cross Border Opportunities Project  

Your preparation for partnership is as important (or even more important) than your involvement. What kind of partnership do you want? How do you engage in a fruitful partnership? How much involvement or participation in a partnership are you being offered? What are the “do’s and don’ts”? This section explores the answers.

Is this partnership right for you?

How much influence do you have/are you seeking in the partnership?

- Are you recognised and valued as a partner?

­ Are you seeking/given representative status, and/or involved in decisions in other ways?

How inclusive is the partnership?

- Is the diversity of communities affected recognised?

- Are equal opportunities policies in place and implemented?

­ Are unpaid workers/volunteer activists valued?

How good is the communication?

- Is communication two-way and suitable to your needs and style?

­ Are programme and project procedures clear and accessible?

Does the partnership develop capacity?

- Are communities resourced to participate?

- Are understanding, knowledge and skills developed to support partnership working?

Do’s and Don’ts

There are also some tips on engaging with partnerships, and for building partnerships.

• Be clear on what you want out of the partnership.
• Check how much influence is offered – where are you on the ladder of participation (see Section 3.1)?
• Find out who controls the money, who makes decisions.
• Don’t end up as a ‘token’ representative.
• Don’t accept committees as the only ways to do things – suggest workshops or other events as well.
• Look for allies – build relationships. Be sociable.
• Put yourself in other people’s shoes – help them get what they want.
• Keep asking ‘why’. Is there a hidden agenda?
• Ask for the partnership to communicate in ways you can understand. Avoid using poor English.