Each person makes a contribution that's not necessarily equal, but provides just the right blend for accomplishing the task. Mutual agreements, and working or pedaling in harmony, are important ingredients. A partnership requires commitment, each partner working through difficult times as well as good ones. The same is true of riding a bicycle. Both parties are required to pedal equally, whether going uphill or down.
Partnerships are a powerful tool for solving community problems.
The many forces operating in a community compel Extension to explore creative ways to help people solve their problems. The far-reaching changes we have seen over the past few decades have significantly, and at times dramatically, affected peoples' lives. Many times we can't control these changes, but we can become more aware of them, and thus help others prepare for them. Partnerships cutting across society provide multidimensional approaches to people and issues and can be effective in helping people deal with complex changes. Partnerships are people talking to each other, sharing ideas, knowledge, and resources.