Why collaboration is key
Why collaboration is key
Module 2 > Collaboration > Why collaboration is key
Often policy proposals are developed by one organization in isolation from other organizations and from those who work in other sectors. This can result in unintended consequences that could have been avoided by drawing on multiple perspectives. Better solutions are generated when the time and space for partnership and collaboration are intentionally created and cultivated. Relationship-building across agencies and collaboration on priorities and budgets takes time. Community members do not experience one issue in isolation from others, and suicide prevention is not the sole purview of any single agency. System leaders must be intentional in making space for collaboration, with particular attention to non-traditional partners in non-traditional sectors. Funders can support these efforts by allowing adequate time for thorough planning and collaboration, and increasing flexibility in funded approaches to encourage cultural responsiveness and adaptation.
The most effective collaborations include impacted populations (such as communities of color, low-income communities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, disabled people, young people, older adults, people with lived experience of suicidality) at every stage of the planning and implementation process. Those who are directly impacted by difficult issues such as suicide have some of the best ideas for how to address them and also know best how to disrupt patterns of inequity.
Reflection question: Reflect on your current partners. Who are some new partners that you could connect with to build a comprehensive, equitable, suicide prevention strategy in your community?
Activity
The chart below is organized according to the seven strategies in the CDC’s suicide prevention technical package. Circle (or write in) the approach you want to consider. In the third column, list partners you would need to achieve success.
Once you've entered your responses, move your mouse over the table until the icons appear, then click the "download" icon to save to your computer and print.
If you prefer to download the table before filling it in, or if the tool doesn't appear in your browser, you can download the table here.
You can use the Collaboration Multiplier tool to start engaging some of the partners you’ve identified in the chart above. This tool can help agencies, organizations, and residents analyze partner expertise, activities, and priorities to better understand ways to work together on a common goal. Collaboration Multiplier engages partners in leveraging strengths and developing joint strategies.
Sharing data is one way that partners help us more adequately assess the problem of suicide and our progress in preventing it. The next section of this module discusses data types and sources.
Photo credit: Billie Kaile