Working with other organizations
Rotary clubs and districts around the world can benefit from working with other organizations to carry out service projects. Partnering with others can help Rotary clubs:
- Make projects more sustainable
- Gain access to technical or financial resources
- Multiply the impact of a project locally, regionally, and internationally
- Inspire community leaders to join Rotary upon invitation
- Increase public awareness of Rotary club activities
All outside organizations should be approached with care, as success or failure will reflect not only on your project but also on all of Rotary.
Rotary has a variety of resources to help clubs identify and partner with organizations. Here are some tips to help you get started.
1. Identify an organization.
Choose an organization that shares goals and interests with your club. Refer to groups you may have identified during the community assessment process. Consider different types of associations, such as businesses, government and nongovernmental organizations, and informal community groups.
2. Locate contact information.
Identify the field or regional contact person for the targeted organization. In some cases, RI may already have a representative to the group your club is considering. Consult the Official Directory, and contact that person. If you’re not sure whether Rotary maintains a relationship with an organization, or if you need help finding more information, contact RI’s External Relations staff.
Other sources of contact information include the organization’s Web site, local phone listings, and RI publications, such as The Rotarian.
3. Get in touch with the group.
Invite the organization’s representative to visit a project site, attend a Rotary club meeting, or give a presentation. Clubs or districts can offer to speak about Rotary at one of the group’s events or distribute printed material to its offices.
4. Clarify project details with potential collaborating organizations.
When contacting potential partners, be specific about your club’s project plans and needs. From the beginning, outline expectations for each group and the division of responsibilities. How long will the collaboration last? How will participating organizations share financial responsibility? How will your Rotary club or district be affiliated with the project?
5. Share successes with other clubs and the international community.
Rotary clubs and districts have a variety of ways to publicize their successful projects and activities to other Rotary club members and the international community. Refer to Effective Public Relations for Clubs and Districts for more information. By sharing your successful collaborative projects in the Projects database, you’ll inspire Rotarian colleagues around the world with your ideas. Also, consider sharing an example of a successful partnership for an External Relations Best Cooperative Projects Award.