Webster’s Dictionary
defines collaboration as “to work together.” The
Collaborative for Children works with leaders,
organizations and community partners in Houston
and across the state to give Houston’s
youngest children a chance to reach their full
potential.
Our success is possible
because of the support of many organizations,
funders and hundreds of dedicated volunteers
and staff. They enable us to positively impact
the lives of Houston’s children and their
families. By working together, the Collaborative
for Children is able to have a much greater
impact than by working alone.
Tips on creating
successful collaborations:
- Clear, open communication is one of the
most important characteristics of a successful
collaboration.
- Collaborative decision-making takes time.
- Collaboration seems most appropriate when
your goal is broad-based, systemic change.
- Decide early in the process how the collaboration
will evaluate its results.
- Maintain flexibility to modify the plan
mid-stream if needed. Collaboration is a
dynamic process.
- Do your homework and learn from the successes
and mistakes of other collaborative initiatives.
Resources on Collaboration:
AMHERST H. WILDER
FOUNDATION Publishes
resources on community building and two resources
on collaboration: click here for the link
Collaboration
Handbook: Creating,
Sustaining, and Enjoying the Journey, Amherst
H. Wilder Foundation, October 1997
Collaboration: What
Makes It Work, A Review of Research Literature
on Factors Influencing Successful Collaboration, Amherst
H. Wilder Foundation, 1992
The New Community
Collaboration Manual, The
National Assembly of National Voluntary Health
and Social Welfare Organizations, 1997
Beyond Collaboration
to Results: Hard Choices in the Future of
Services to Children and Families, by
Sid Gardner, Arizona Prevention Resource
Center and The Center for Collaboration for
Children
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