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Essay / Advantages of working in partnership - 896
There are many proverbial justifications for working in partnership: “it takes two flints to make a fire” Louise May Alcott, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much” Helen Keller, “It takes a village”… and so on. Working in partnership can be beneficial for many reasons. This can help reach new audiences, access expertise, or even strengthen a relationship (National 2014). However, partnerships can be complex and require a lot of thought. When working in partnership, common goals must be considered as well as differences. It is particularly helpful if a partnership is based on complementary skills and needs. It is important that the partnership does not compromise the core principles of either party. For example, if an organization works for the ethical treatment of animals, it may not feel comfortable working with an organization that promotes animal testing. There are many benefits to working in partnership, but it is essential when considering a partnership to think about all aspects, both positive and negative, of the partnership. According to Penny Wilson, head of community affairs at the University of Cambridge, “most problems [with partnerships] are caused by the way organizations work differently on a day-to-day basis – for example late invoices…. (National 2014).” Consideration must be given to time constraints, accessibility to appropriate parties and organizational hierarchies. Wilson (National 2014) highlights staff changes as a possible barrier. If this happens, be prepared to communicate with new staff members and assess the viability of the partnership. Partnerships can also be threatened by a lack of resources such as time or funding or by a lack of commitment from a partner. This lack of engagement may indicate that the dance space was divided and we were struggling to find spaces to work. I had to spend time and effort searching for spaces throughout the county suitable for dance classes and workshops. Another constant threat was the understanding that the arts are not a priority for this organization. Funding and budgets were a constant concern and I had to be vigilant in finding funding sources and creating sustainable, efficient and productive projects. With proper planning, thought, and communication, my project was a moderate success. With reflection and evaluation, it was a useful learning experience for both of us. Through this partnership, I have a better understanding of what works for me. I continue to partner with organizations in different capacities and each experience gives me the opportunity to learn something new..