Get the consent of Extension administration to work collaboratively and obtain authority to negotiate agreements. You gain credibility and support in joint ventures when they're clearly sanctioned by your own system. Seek a change agent in another system who has a professional investment in the project and authority to act. You must begin with a great idea and a plan of action. Then invite others to join you - others who have as much to gain as you do by succeeding.
Collaboration grows out of shared needs and commitment to accomplish broad mutual goals.
Have a clear understanding of your own agenda as well as that of your partner. Know what you want to learn from the research effort and how you intend to use the findings. Make sure the goals of all partners are articulated clearly to avoid mixed messages. Don't assume your goals are shared by others, and don't expect equal investment in all aspects of the project. Be prepared to negotiate agenda and data use to maximize outcomes for both systems.