iNote: The links below are archives of the originals.
from http://www.uwex.edu/ces/pdande/evaluation/pdf/ChgExec.pdf
Executive Summary
Multi-Sector Community Collaboration --
Assessing the Changing Environment
For Extension Work
Community Collaboration: A Strategy for Changing Times
Multi-sector community groups, known as coalitions or collaboratives,
have
become a familiar means of solving community problems, promoting
system change and/or enhancing community well being. A multi-sector
collaboration is a partnership formed by representatives of
at least two sectors
(non-profit, private, and public organizations and community
members) to solve
problems that impact the whole community.
Multi-sector community efforts emerged in response to complex
issues where
conventional approaches were not working. For example, people
working to
prevent substance abuse found that targeted programs might prevent
abuse in a
school while conditions elsewhere in the community were promoting
use and
abuse. Thus community-wide interventions became the chosen vehicle
in public
health and safety, violence prevention, family preservation
and support,
economic development and environmental stewardship. Governments
and
foundations now frequently require communities to develop coalitions
when
they apply for funding.
Coalitions and other collaborative efforts have strengthened
community health
and resilience by promoting economic development, inter-group
relations and
civic participation. They raise funds, implement new local service
systems, foster
coordination at the system and case levels and enable spin off
initiatives. Studies
also show some long-term effects on policy change and individual
well being.
The ability of coalitions to mobilize and focus resources has
contributed to these
successes.,,,
The rapid spread of multi-sector collaborations has led to an
increased
understanding of coalition processes and outcomes. These efforts
are complex
and dynamic, as changes in membership, group development and
action focus
over time affect the capacity of the group to promote effective
collaboration and
sustain desired community change
See also
National
Resource Center collection of articles
Community and Rural Development Institute briefings
"Perspectives
on Multi-party Collaboration"
For examples see "Healthy
Communities, Healthy People: A Challenge of Coordination and
Compassion" by Tyler Norris and David Lampe, National
Civic Review, Summer-Fall 1994
