Resources

Community Linkages

Community Linkages:
Targeting the Desired Linkage


The following table gives a brief outline of the key elements in various types of linkages a nonprofit might employ to maximize effectiveness and leverage resources.

The table is adapted from community-building training presented in 1997 by South Dakota State University Cooperative Extension Service/National Network for Collaborations.

LevelsPurposeStructureProcess
Networkingdialog clearing house base of supportnon-hierarchical flexible link roles loosely definedinformal leaders minimal decisions little conflict informal communication
Cooperation or Allianceneeds/resources coordinated low duplication tasks acknowledgedfew people serve communication hub roles defined links advisory group leveragesfacilitative leaders complex decisions some conflict formal communication
Coordination or Partnershipshared merged resource base to create something newcore people serve as decision makers roles defined links formalized new developedissue-focused leaders group decision-making communication is frequent and clear
Coalitionideas shared resources realigned-three commitmentshared decisions roles/time defined written linkages new resources and merged budgetshared leadership communication is common and prioritized
Collaborationshared vision interdependent systemconsensus of all in making-roles/time/evaluation formalized written formal linksshared leadership high trust level ideas/decision shared high level of communication

Share