I don’t have full or deep understanding of how organizations became so siloed (I do have some theories and a Master’s in Social Work), but I’m here to tell you that not only is this no longer acceptable, operating this way is unsustainable. I’m in the process of writing a few strategic plans where the major theme of their plan is building relationships -- with community members and other organizations. I think some want to contribute their lack of relationship to the pandemic and the changes it brought, but I believe the pandemic simply highlighted the disconnection that already existed. There are many reasons (read: excuses) for this disconnect, but it’s time to do something about it. Relationships with community members and other organizations are vital to organizational development and success.

If you don’t have a symbiotic or mindful relationship with community members, then it’s hard to develop impactful, effective, or audacious goals, strategies, programs, interventions, and activities; objectively, your work is in vain if the community is not engaged and informing your strategy. Engaging your community can be challenging but it is worth figuring out. A relationship with your community where they can give you authentic feedback is invaluable to your strategy and ultimately the impact of your organization. After all, isn’t your work for the community?

Building relationships with other organizations is vital for collaboration. When I really think about it, it seems silly that an organization would believe that they alone are responsible for and capable of solving a social problem; however, this is how many organizations have operated (and some still do). Interorganizational collaboration creates opportunity for a community to learn and grow together. Many organizations may be reinventing the wheel when their neighbor organization may have already invented the next iteration of the wheel and have the blueprint to share; or you can work together to reimagine how the wheel could be used. I often hear about overlap or oversaturation of social services which leads to concerns of or actual competition; but I have to say I don’t always see overlap or oversaturation as much as I see underutilization of a service – which I believe is a problem collaboration can solve.

Diving deeper into concerns of competition, many will reflect on fundraising and grants as a driver of competition. (I have a lot of thoughts about “scarcity mindset” but that’s not the point of this blog.) While this may be the experience of many, I also see an influx of funders requiring collaboration for their grant applications. While I personally think some this process could use some mindfulness and refinement, I think this is a great step in the right direction. A previous CoC client reflected on how they were able to increase state and federal funding in their community by increasing collaboration in their region. In a capitalist society, money is required and necessary to do most things but that doesn’t mean we undervalue the non-monetary resources that exist in our community. Additionally, you can’t have a full understanding of the resources available without collaboration and relationships.

Some of my clients are aware that relationship building would be a major aspect of their plan; some clients are welcoming this revelation for their organization; and some aren’t quite ready to accept that their work is to build relationships for three years. I think relationship building is an undervalued strategy that can lead to getting things done. I also think people underestimate the work it takes to build the relationships that will produce a significant impact in their community. Building trust with community members, especially those of marginalized groups and identities, is no easy feat but is possibly the best investment you can make.

If you’re interested in improving your community engagement, reach out to me and my team. We’d love to make that change happen.