Understanding the many different levels of community linkages and applying an appropriate level increases the likelihood of a community group achieving shared goals and outcomes.
Collaborations are but one level of possible community linkages.
This exercise will enable the participants to decide what level they are currently in and whether this level is most appropriate given the situation. The community linking matrix defines a range of relationships in working together. This matrix identifies five levels of relationships and the purpose, structures, and processes for each level. Using this matrix can assist community groups in focusing their efforts to support new relationships in meeting the objects of the group. The exercise is an interactive way for a group to self assess where it is in the linkage and whether it needs to change.