In order to be effective as public engagement practitioners, we need opportunities to reflect on our work and think about the underlying theories and assumptions on which we base our actions. The tools and resources that follow are designed to encourage practitioners to think about how change happens as a Read more…
While collaborations operate much more fluidly, an effective communications plan with specific timelines for communications among partners is critical to ensure knowledge is shared. A process can be established within the project or activity cycle that requires partners to identify things they’ve learned as a result of the partnership. These Read more…
Acknowledging that inequalities often exist as a result of power dynamics, especially in funding relationships, partners should strive for equitable partnerships. Think through potential inequalities that could exist in the partnership (from all sides) prior to embarking on the relationship and put structures or processes in place that will ensure Read more…
The best partnerships are dynamic relationships founded in respect and honesty, in which partners strive for better understanding and appreciation of one another. Partnership agreements should take into account that over time the partnership needs to be re-examined to ensure that the good fit remains. Ensure that processes are in Read more…
Partnerships that are built on shared visions and goals will help promote mutual support and solidarity beyond the implementation of specific programs and projects. This principle is particularly important when partnering with other kinds of organizations, including those from the private sector. Partnering with a different sector helps to open Read more…
Civil society organizations address some of the most complex social, economic and environmental issues of our time. In the same way that civil society organizations are created because people recognize that they must organize themselves with others to tackle these issues, collective efforts among organizations are also necessary in order Read more…
By Vince Terstappen, Project & Operations Coordinator for Check Your Head: The Youth Global Education Network For a project to train youth as peer educators, we experimented with several participatory, dialogue-based evaluation methods that yielded great results. The impact of this approach was twofold. First, it created powerful opportunities for Read more…
Putting the partnerships & collaboration principles of good practice into action Scenario: Your organization, The Great Earth Society, has some great ideas for public engagement during the upcoming International Development Week. Not only that, you’ve just received some extra funding to implement public engagement activities related to environmental awareness, which Read more…
Imagine a scenario where five organizers have come together to plan a public engagement activity for International Women’s Day, March 8. They represent a cross-section of the education sector: a public high school teacher, an international NGO supporting women’s projects in Africa, a local women’s organisation that runs a shelter Read more…
Lessons can always be learned from public engagement work on development issues. The following case study specifically explores a malaria prevention program and the interconnections between public engagement, public relations, and fundraising. The malaria prevention program took place in over twelve countries in Africa in a collaborative process that engaged Read more…
