Service Learning Home Page

SUNY Cortland Home Page

Civic Engagement Home Page

Key Considerations in Establishing and Maintaining Community Partnerships by John Shirley, Career Services - SUNY Cortland

1. Make sure that the relationship is truly a partnership.
Often, colleges and universities treat community partners as "laboratories" or organizations where we can simply "place" students. Although we may think that we are being participatory, it is common for planning to begin on campus utilizing only faculty and staff. We develop ideas, structure experiences and THEN ask agencies for input (often after the vast majority of planning has been completed). Which leads me to...

2. Follow the marketing concept.
The marketing concept holds that achieving organizational goals depends on knowing the needs and wants of target markets and doing everything in your power to satisfy their needs. Although our first priority may be to assist our students, we must also consider what others need. Ask what organizations need and figure out a way to deliver. Also, don't forget about students - they are major stakeholders and may be able to provide insights that would otherwise be missed. Involve all stakeholders in planning early on and...

3. Don't promise what you can't deliver.
Although our intentions may be good and we want to be helpful, we must be careful about guaranteeing results. For example, an agency may want a two semester commitment from students. May seem reasonable to us but ask students if they'd like to commit to two semesters and you may be in for a surprise. Add the fact that the agency may be located a few miles from campus and the odds go down even more. If you ensure off campus organizations that you can deliver but don't, you lose trust. Meanwhile, back on campus...

4. Don't forget the faculty.
It is wonderful when faculty members become enthusiastic about experiential education. Faculty members can serve as a catalyst for change and program development on campus. Be aware, however, that some faculty members may have little background in experiential education. Let's assume a faculty member is very excited about offering a service learning section for his or her sociology course and wants an entire class to work at the same agency. Seems to make sense - all students would have a common frame of reference for reflection in class, they could share transportation, etc. Now assume that you are an agency director and you are asked to accept 30 students for the spring semester. See #1,#2 and #3.

5. Be accessible.
Again, this seems to be an easy one to understand. If the YWCA in your community is looking for a counseling intern, who do they contact? They may also need a few volunteers for a mentoring program and would also like a class to work on a community needs assessment survey. And, oh yeah, they also could use a couple of work study students for their America Reads program. You get the picture. How many offices will they call? Is contact information readily available or has it been communicated to them? Are they able to contact the offices during late December or early August? If possible, create a common entry point for inquiries to help with referral and make sure that someone is available 12 months/year. Even if they are able to reach the person or office they need, addressing inquiries may take time so...

6. Be patient.
Involving key constituencies in planning and program development takes time. An inclusive approach will help you accurately address community need while cementing "buy-in" from participants. Immediate gratification might be nice but thorough planning will yield a better long run result. You do not want to hurry implementation and lose an agency (or students) because of confusion. It may take months or years to cultivate a relationship with community partners. Don't rush into action without considering ramifications - the goodwill you've established with a community partner is hard to get back if they've had a bad experience.

7. Make the most out of your experience and have fun!
Students benefit from experiential education in many ways: they can explore possible career options, help others, earn academic credit, enhance skills, possibly make a few bucks, experience diversity and connect to the community. Agencies and businesses enhance their ability to deliver services by utilizing the talents of creative, motivated students. Experiential learning helps faculty members bring the subject to life and provides a "practical laboratory" to connect academic theory to reality. The institution gains by having students connected to greater community - retention improves, town-gown relationships are enhanced and the college is viewed as a vital partner. Everybody wins!