Partnerships
I can do things you cannot;
you can do things I cannot;
together, we can do great things.
MOTHER TERESA
Partnerships between volunteer groups, local organizations, and the municipality are fundamental to Lifelong Community development and is key to making lasting change. Effective collaborations build on the strengths of all, expanding scope and reach. It may take longer to collaborate, but the time is well spent building relationships and developing a shared commitment to Lifelong Community goals.
Collaboration takes many forms - from sharing referrals, information, and resources to actively participating in each other's projects. The partnerships enjoyed by Maine's Lifelong Communities are as varied as the communities themselves, so we have provided examples.
Note: Below, and throughout our site, underlined text indicates a live link.
Age-Friendly Millinocket community and teaching garden helps to preserve the language of the people who originally lived on the land that is now Millinocket
Working with a partner organization to expand an existing program. For example, Age-Friendly Sullivan partnered with Friends in Action, a regional transportation program, to recruit and train Sullivan residents to provide rides to people living in the area.
Finding a partner with a similar mission to continue the work. For example, Bangor Livable Communities collaborated with the Eastern Area Agency on Aging to develop a new community center in Brewer.
Developing strong partnerships with different sectors in the community. Lifelong Communities in Maine have partnered with business, the municipality, health care, local non-profits, the library and a host of other organizations. For example, Age-Friendly Millinocket partnered with the Millinocket Public Library, local businesses, Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness, and the University of Maine Extension to developing a teaching and community garden for all ages.
Embedding the Lifelong Community initiative in a local organization so that their core mission expands to include Lifelong Community development. For example, Age-Friendly Mount Washington Valley is a key focus of the Gibson Center, a senior center that serves all of the communities in the Mount Washington Valley.
Giachello-MakingCommunityPartnershipsWorkToolkit.pdfBuilding Strategic Partnerships.pdfKey Resources on Building Community Partnerships
The resources to the left - Making Community Partnerships Work: A Toolkit and Building Strategic Partnerships - provide guidance on how to identify, recruit, and work with community organizations that share common aspects of your lifelong community mission.
Additional Resources for Building partnerships
Maine Guide. Engage Strong Leadership and Forge Connections with Municipal Government
County Health Rankings. Five Tips for Reaching Out to New Partners
Working with Municipal Officials Maine Guide.pdf5 Tips for Reaching Out to New Partners.pdf