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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Partnerships and Coalitions

Partnerships and coalitions are effective formats in rural communities for sharing scarce human and capital resources. Partnerships can improve and strengthen information exchanges; access to specific expertise; resource allocation; community outreach; trust among interested groups; and buy-in, commitment, and involvement.

Effective community partnerships are formed with organizations that share similar goals and are willing to designate responsibilities for achieving them. Common goals typically focus on broad environmental, policy, and social changes that affect the health and well-being of rural communities.

To identify appropriate partners, organizations should consider the following:

  • Engaging organizations with an established history. Partner organizations should have a history of involvement in similar health activities and with the intended population.
  • Involving partners from unique community sectors. Partners should represent different sectors of the community such as local businesses in the private sector, trade organizations, and social clubs. This can improve the reach of the program.
  • Identify platforms for information sharing. Information sharing maintains transparency among coalition members. Simple platforms may be most effective for sharing data and information among partners.
  • Identifying strengths and weaknesses. Identify strengths and weaknesses in the coalition and seek technical expertise as needed.
  • Remaining flexible. Remain flexible and creative when establishing meeting schedules, locations, and venues to accommodate member organizations.
  • Involving coalition partners early. Include partners in program planning so that they are involved throughout the lifespan of the program, and afterwards.

Resources to Learn More

Collaborative Leadership: Partnerships between Regional Development Organizations and Community Foundations
Document
Explores the strategies and rewards realized by eight partnerships between community foundations and regional development organizations (RDOs) in Alabama, Iowa, Minnesota, North Carolina, Virginia, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Texas.
Organization(s): National Association of Development Organizations (NADO)
Date: 7/2012

Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships (MAPP)
Website
Offers a strategic planning process for community health promotion. Describes the MAPP process and provides links to additional information and resources, including a MAPP handbook.
Organization(s): National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO)