Darren Schwartz

1. BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS &
COMMUNITY COLLABORATIONS
THAT WORK
Presentation by Darren
Schwartz
darrens@jewishfederationsandiego
.org
Together
We’re Better

2. ABOUT ME
 I live in San Diego, so I am already winning
 I am the Chief Program Officer for the Jewish Federation of San
Diego County
 One of my primary roles is to build partnerships with
organizations and individuals
 I am the 2016 ”Consensus Organizer of the Year” awarded by the
Consensus Organizing Center at San Diego State University
 I received the award for building strong partnerships in support
of teen volunteer service throughout San Diego County
 This is the only award I have received as a professional and my
mother is super proud of me!

3. BRUCE
TUCHMAN BEYONCE
OK Ladies
Let’s get into
formation

4. “Hi Siri,
What is group
formation?”

5. FORMING, STORMING,
NORMING
AND PERFORMING

6. FORMING
CHARACTERISTI
CS
TASKS
 Minimal clarity of purpose
 Different levels of commitment
 Singularly led
 Group is dependent on leader
 Define the need
 Create a SPECIFIC shared purpose
 State wins (personally and organizational)
 Set goals for the group (meetings,
communication, etc.)
 Identify assets

7. http://www.strengtheningnonprofits.org/resources/e-
learning/online/partnerships/Print.aspx
WHAT IS YOUR BRAND
OF PARTNERSHIP?
Category Characteristics
Community-
Based
Cross-Sector
Funder/Grantee
Collaboration
Strategic
Integration
Funding
Cost-sharing

8. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS FOR
WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP?

9. STORMING
CHARACTERISTI
CS
TASKS
 Confusion, frustration and
tension
 Differing approaches
 Questioning leadership
(internal & external)
 “Why am I doing this?”
 Reconvene the entire group
 Reaffirm statement of purpose as a point of clarification
 Call out what is working and what is not
 Leader should ensure every voice is heard
 Validate uncertainty and conflict as a normal part of
group dynamics

10. NORMING
CHARACTERISTI
CS
TASKS
 Cohesion, Clarity and Confidence
 Individuals have ownership and
accountability
 More individuals take on specific
leadership roles
 Group works well together and
independently
 As a result of identifying what works/doesn’t
work, create “group norms.”
 Integrate a practice of gratitude – I just gave you
a norm 
 Identify specific methods for accountability and
feedback

11. PREFORMING
CHARACTERISTI
CS
TASKS
 Satisfaction and excitement
 Being in a state of flow
 Impromptu meetings convened by
individuals
 Establish regular check-ins to reaffirm goals and
norms
 Call out wins and challenges
 Create space for new ideas and new thinking
 Don’t taking preforming for granted

12. THINKING OF A CURRENT
PARTNERSHIP, WHERE IS YOUR
GROUP?

14. GOING BEYOND THEORY

15. https://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/28/magazine/what-google-learned-from-its-quest-to-build-the-
perfect-team.html

16. EQUAL SPEAKING &
EMPATHY
~Spoiler
Alert~

17. WHAT I AM LEARNING

18. #1 BUILD PARTNERSHIPS WITH
PEOPLE

19. #2 BECOME WELL VERSED IN MULTIPLE
LEARNING STYLES

20. #3 BE TRANSPARENT

21. #4 NOT ALL PARTNERSHIPS WORK

22. FINAL STAGE: ADJOURNING
CHARACTERISTI
CS
TASKS
 Reflective
 Closing down actions
 Reporting
 Ensure that all business matters have been
concluded
 Recognition and reward individuals
 Review the entire process and outcomes
 Solicit input on future opportunities

23. WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU HEARD
TODAY THAT CAN HELP YOU BUILD
STRONGER PARTNERSHIPS?