Proper planning
As indicated earlier in this manual, planning begins with identifying a geographic region for service responsibility, not only to identify needs within that community, but potential partners and resources as well. Planning also includes conducting a subsequent systematic needs assessment, or using previous studies that include relevant information (Family Literacy in Illinois).

Involving key stakeholders in all stages of partnership and program development, including planning, is another necessary step in a successful partnership to support family literacy. One coordinator described this as “community-wide” planning, not only to ensure all relevant needs are being included, but also to raise public awareness and support for the project.

Having reasonable expectations of what partners can contribute and what the partnership can achieve is another aspect of effective planning. If plans for the project exceed the resources available, goals and objectives will not be met and partners may not remain committed to the project.

A rather contentious aspect of planning the partnership is whether or not to use a partnership agreement. (See Chapter V.) Rasinski and Padak (1994) recommend developing firm, written agreements with cooperating agencies during the planning stage that outline exactly what each member will contribute and receive from the overall project. The Canadian Heritage document Partnership Resource Kit (1995) also provides convincing arguments for the use of written agreements. Not all coordinators believe that such a formal approach is necessary or even productive, however.

Proper planning would also include issues like supervision of staff hired, program evaluation, and coordination (Boavida and Borges 1994, Mitchell and Scott 1993).

Shared values and goals
Family literacy practitioners and their community partners both agreed that shared values and goals are essential to successfully working together. There must be a set of core values established, based on the values of the community and its residents (Mawhinney 1993 and Cairney 1994).

There must also be a commitment by all members to the collective goals of the partnership.