• Research various social service organizations to learn their mission, current services, service area, client base, and program goals.
• Newspapers, networking, the internet, peers, and libraries are all excellent sources of information.
• Assure the potential partnership is within your service area and that there is a common and direct link between your outcomes and their own.
• Identify (via the internet, individual contacts, libraries, and networking) who would be the key contact person for each organization, school or business. Learn about that person.
• Contact individuals regarding your programming and resources and clarify partnership criteria and purpose.
• Ask questions regarding current services provided to determine whether or not the organization is a “fit” for a potential partnership.
• Agree whether or not a partnership is possible and beneficial to pursue. Clarify any timeliness needed or specific goals.
• Identify the key persons who will be responsible for future communication, meetings, and reporting. Determine the best means of communicating with them (e-mail, mail, phone, or meetings).
• Clearly discuss and develop a written letter of agreement specific to what each will contribute to the partnership. Include location, volunteers, names and roles of staff involved, resources to be used, and timeline of partnership.
• Commit to excellence in communication. Know that developing a partnership involves a lot of energy and commitment of time, planning, and communication among all involved.

To learn more about MELD, go to their official website at www.meld.org.