Program and Communications Staff: Can’t We All Just Get Along?
January 14, 2011
I’ve spent most of the nonprofit portion of my career as a communications professional supporting the programmatic core of organizations. But I have also worked directly in program departments, creating and growing grassroots initiatives in the field.
While both program and communications staff are passionate about their work – and the mission of the organization they serve – there are often times when the two groups seem to be operating in two different worlds. As a communications staffer, I used to think, Why don’t the program people get it.
Then I went to work as acting deputy director of programs. After a few months, when my former communications staffers came to me with excellent ideas for promoting program work, I thought to myself, Why don’t the communications staff members get it?
What are the benefits of nonprofits working collaboratively?
November 4, 2010
Phillip Davis, TSNE, Grant Coordinator
- Expanding the capacity of individual organizations
- Sharing best practices
- Increasing community impact
- Furthering the field locally and nationally
What needs to be in place for collaboration to succeed?
November 4, 2010
Phillip Davis, Third Sector New England, Grant Coordinator
- Honest dialogue
- System of shared responsibilities
- Opportunities for each organization to benefit from lessons learned
How important is the process of collaboration?
November 4, 2010
Phillip Davis, Third Sector New England, Grant Coordinator for the Capacity Building Fund
- The collaboration process itself provides important knowledge
- Understanding whether collaborators are a good match
- Opportunities to share knowledge with funders and modify goals
