These groups represent collaborative efforts to solve problems and create more effective services for families. The current concern about ongoing funding for crisis nursery and respite care programs makes collaboration a more attractive option. As financial resources for community needs become more scarce, there is increasing pressure on organizations to find common goals. Organizations working together can provide access to more services and support, and present a strong, united picture of their efforts to potential funders. Ways to Share Resources Not all shared resource efforts begin at the point of collaboration.
Organizations have a variety of options for working with others with common interests.
Networking is exchanging information for mutual benefit. This is the most informal of the four options. An example of networking is when organizations, programs, or individuals who have an interest in child abuse prevention agree to meet monthly to share ideas and concerns. Coordination is exchanging information and altering activities for mutual benefit and to achieve a common purpose. Coordination requires more organizational involvement than networking and can be an important strategy for change.