ILT: How do we get partners involved?

Identifying, approaching, educating, maintaining and appreciating partners is everything. Even if few original or even lofty goals are not met in the end, the process of bringing people together to discuss the critical issues can be the single most important element of the process. It is also critical that these steps be possible with non-existent, limited or only in-kind revenue to insure that all sizes of communities can realize a measure of success.

Identifying

Environmental scanning for stakeholders and data on stakeholder environments
Group brainstorming techniques based on master participant lists
Sample marketing plan for participants, idea of importance of IL

Approaching

Sample letters for inviting participants

Educating

Pre-education with invitation letter
Preliminary education prior to coming to meeting
Education at initial meetings/benefits by type of client and environment
Ongoing education plan for process participants
Ongoing education plan for community members

Maintaining

Draft Communication plan
Sample Timeline considerations

Appreciating

Assessing needs of participants for appreciation for activity

Sample appreciation plan of action including post press releases, letters to employers, supervisors, participant

Idea list for private/public recognition

Print

Media