Essential Partners

The following list indicates some of the community sectors that need to be represented in a collaborative. (Chynoweth, 1994). Strategic decisions need to be made about whom to include. Who controls resources? Who is willing to take some risks? Who will stay with the effort long enough to make it happen? Who is likely to resist change if not involved?

"Private Non-Profit/Independent Sector:

• United Way executive director of volunteers

• Heads of neighborhood associations

• Active members of ethnic community associations

• Church/Synagogue/Temple pastors or lay people

• CEOs of community-based organizations such as Girls Club or YMCA

• Director of community foundation

• Officers of local service clubs such as Rotary, Lions, Altrusa

• Heads of youth groups: traditional, such as church or school, and non-traditional, such as gangs

Education Sector:

• Chairs of Parent/Teacher Associations

• School board members

• School principals

• School district superintendents

• Community college presidents or professor

Elected/Government Officials:

• The mayor and councilmen/women

• Police chief or officers

• City librarian

• Head of city parks and recreation department

• County supervisors

• Directors of county departments/agencies

Business Sector:

• Large local employers

• Active small businessmen/women

• Chamber of commerce president or CEO

• Hospital CEO or department head" (p. 4)

References