Initiating Partnerships From reviewing panelists' responses, it appears that the initial stages of these partnerships are critical to their success. Partners engage in the development of relationships that actually form the partnership. Perhaps much of this learning is associated with the interface of several distinct cultures. Stakeholders include university students, faculty and administrators, as well as representatives from partner agencies, their clients, and public policy officials. These individuals must organize to agree upon a definition of the problem, as well as a strategy to address the problem or opportunity.
Panelists report frequent meetings are needed to develop mutual understanding.
Later in the partnership, meetings may become less formal and less frequent. As the partnership begins to develop, basic assumptions that each party brings to the partnership may be questioned. The early stages of partnerships often organize around specific tasks such as a well defined work plan or a schedule of meetings. These can produce a sense of accomplishment, which helps to hold stakeholders. Expertise of multiple stakeholders is to be recognized.