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Developing Partnerships

Stream Summary: 

Because literacy and essential skills impact employment, health, poverty and civic participation, developing partnerships is key to the success of the literacy field.

It is important to think about future trends when seeking out partnerships. Who are key players in my community? What are the ministries impacted by literacy? How can I reach these potential partners?

Taking initiative, open communication and building trust are the key elements in collaboration and if it is of strategic importance, it is always possible to turn a stakeholder into a partner.

The following workshops emphasize the importance of partnerships in assisting literacy programs and practitioners in spreading the word about the value of literacy. The workshops also provide ideas, tools and resources for developing partnerships, describing the benefits of partnerships and talking about the critical role of accountability within partnerships.

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Stream Documents: 
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application/pdf iconSession 101 - Anne Ramsay
application/pdf iconSession 301 - Margan Dawson
application/pdf iconSession 501 - Michael Johnny
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Tips and Tools for Building Collaborative Partnerships

Presenter(s): 
Anne Ramsay
Session: 
101

In this workshop, Anne discusses the key elements of partnership development. Highlighting communication as the foundation for engaging stakeholders and maintaining collaborative relationships, Anne describes shared philosophy, trust and commitment as the three pillars of partnership.

Quotes: 

“When looking to partner, ask yourself who, how, what and so what?” – Anne Ramsay

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Accounting to Funders, Accounting to Ourselves

Presenter(s): 
Linda Shohet, Louise Quinn, Caroline Vaughan
Session: 
201

Tools to Deal with the Expectations of Multiple Stakeholders

This session highlights a culture of fear around simultaneously maintaining organizational values and program funding in the literacy and essential skills field. The Quebec and the Newfoundland and Labrador Literacy Coalitions give tips and show tools for adhering to funding requirements while respecting program and student requirements. They offer advice on how providers and policy-makers can communicate with one another and help break down a confrontational policy atmosphere.

Quotes: 

“It is impossible to build relationships without trust.” – Linda Shohet

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Making it Work

Presenter(s): 
Margan Dawson
Session: 
301

A Partnership Model from the Association of Workplace Educators of Nova Scotia

Margan facilitates a question and answer session that discusses how workplace education in Nova Scotia is made possible through a customized program structure, designed around the needs of all partners: government, unions, employers, instructors and students.

Quotes: 

“There are very few employers who do not value learning. It’s about survival.” - Margan Dawson

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Connecting Policy and Programming

Presenter(s): 
Micheline McKay and Tasleem Thawar
Session: 
401

Where is Literacy Policy? Facilitated Networking Discussion

Micheline and Tasleem facilitate discussion around how to align agency policies and vision for literacy with those of the government (provincial and federal). The discussion focuses on the interplay of influence among practitioners, provincial literacy organizations and government stakeholders, as well as the importance of increased communication.

Quotes: 

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Combining Academic and Community-Based Research

Presenter(s): 
Michael Johnny
Session: 
501

The How and Why of Knowledge Mobilization

Michael discusses the Knowledge Mobilization Unit at York University and the importance of combining academic and community research to engage decision-makers. Partnership is the foundation of this work as academics and community partners come together to produce high quality research on issues of value to our policy-makers and our society.

Quotes: 

"At the end of the day, it’s about making a difference.” – Michael Johnny

“Build key relationships with policy-makers and understand the other priorities at play.” – Michael Johnny

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Partnerships Made Easy

Presenter(s): 
Christine Prieur and Lorna Hart
Session: 
701

How to Integrate Literacy Programming with Employment Services in your Community

Lorna and Christine recognize that literacy workers are focused on serving their clients. With this foundational value, they use this session to discuss how partnering can positively impact learners. In this fun and interactive presentation, Lorna and Christine talk about how to integrate literacy and employment services.

Quotes: 

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