Collaboration Power Point

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Collaboration in tough economic times.

We now live in tough economic times which could get significantly worse before they get better. In-spite of this, we are rich in resources and assets. We may be restricted from accessing some of these resources and assets; however, they are there plus there are many assets and resources that are not restricted or blocked. These are times when we need to work together to find and create solutions and improve the lives for everyone. These times provide opportunity for growth and success. Part of our challenge is to change the paradigm through which we look at our community and the world around us, and empower individuals, families and communities to change challenges to opportunities and opportunities to realized potential for everyone.

Cooperation/Coordination, an example

A good example of Cooperation/Coordination < http://www.collaboration.me.uk/WHAT_DOES_IT_ LOOK_LIKE.html> that I have experienced has been parenting classes. Many years ago, when I lived in Madison County , a number of community organizations where holding parenting classes. None were well attended and this, of course, did not help discussion and the important piece of learning from each other through participation. Each organization felt it important and each organization spent a lot of resources to make it happen. Through cooperation and coordination we were able to bring them all together and have as many as 50+ people participate, per class. The same thing happened here in Lewiston , the Community Alliance for Young Children was able to bring a number of different parenting classes under one umbrella in order to provide a much larger and better attended class and for some years, a much better resourced offering.

Common Ground

If it is important enough and people try hard enough, it is usually possible to put aside differences and find common ground. It does not matter if the differences are political, religious, racial gender or almost any other issue that can divide people, with enough motivation, some skill and sufficient effort, people from very different backgrounds, ideologies or points of view people can come together to get things done which are important to everyone. Almost anyone CAN collaborate.

A lifetime of good can be accomplished in areas where people agree, in spite of many significant differences.

For additional information visit Common Ground at the Collaboration website.