Partnerships that bring together stakeholders with diverse priorities and mandates are becoming common practice in the field of substance abuse, such as:

• Time-limited projects that target a specific issue within a specific context
• Initiatives that combine the efforts of health, education and enforcement in creating strategic policy
• The integration of substance abuse and mental health services

Lessons learned emphasize the importance of planning for success. Here you will find examples of effective partnerships as well as resources to help in determining if a partnership is the right approach and, if so, how to ensure a successful partnership experience. Read more about the essential elements of partnership success .

References:

American Library Association (2010). Best Practices and Lessons Learned Along the Way. Retrieved from:
http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/advocacy/advocacyuniversity/coalitionbuilding/bestpractices
/index.cfm.

Amherst H. Wilder Foundation (1994). The Collaboration Handbook: Creating, Sustaining and Enjoying the Journey. St. Paul, MN: Author.

Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse (2010). Competencies for Canada’s Substance Abuse Workforce. Ottawa: Author.

Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse (2006). HEP Strategy Map. Ottawa: Author.

Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse (2006). How HEP Operates. Ottawa: Author.

Frank, F. & Smith, A. (2000). The Partnership Handbook. Ottawa: Labour Market Learning and Development Unit, Human Resources Development Canada.

Health Canada & Public Health Agency of Canada (2005). A Framework for Collaboration on Health Policy Development: A Tool for Voluntary Organizations Working in Health. Ottawa: Authors.

Ontario Office of the Fire Marshal (2010). Forming a Community Coalition. Retrieved from: http://www.ofm.gov.on.ca/en/Fire%20Safety%20and%20Public%20Education/Risk%20Watch/Getting%20Started/FCC.asp.

Torres, G.W. & Margolin, F.S. (2003). The Collaboration Primer: Chicago: Health Research and Educational Trust.

Resources

Addressing Drugs in Regina : Best practices on collaborative partnerships from the Regina and area drug strategy [PDF]
Discusses building commitment, involving community, creating collaborative partnerships, organizational structure, evaluation and looking to the future. 42 pages
Published: 2006
Source: Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region
Website: http://www.rqhealth.ca/
Language: English only 
Cost: n/a

A Framework for Collaboration on Health Policy Development [PDF]
Created as a tool for collaboration between voluntary organizations working in health, Health Canada and Public Health Agency of Canada. It provides a comprehensive framework for successful partnerships.
Published: 2005
Source: Canadian Policy Research Networks Inc.
Website: http://www.project-voice.ca
Language: English and French
Cost: n/a

A Guide to Collaborative Processes in Health Policy Development and their Implications for Action [PDF]
Discusses a wide range of situations and issues in health policy development, to foster awareness, dialogue and action in support of sustainable collaborative relationships
Published: 2005
Source: Canadian Public Health Association
Website: http://www.projecct-voice.ca
Language: English and French
Cost: n/a

Managing to collaborate: the theory and practice of collaborative advantage
Theory with practical examples. Addresses topics such as: principles of collaborative advantage theory; managing aims; negotiating purpose; using power; membership structures and dynamics; and identity issues.
Published: 2005
Source: Routledge
Website: http://www.routledge.com/
Language: English only
 Cost: $ 60.55

Le partenariat : comment ça marche ?
Published: 2003
Source: Direction de santé publique
Régie régionale de la santé et des services sociaux
de Montréal-Centre
Website: http://www.santepub-mtl.qc.ca 
Language: French only
Cost: n/a

Building Inclusive Communities: Cross-Canada Perspectives and Strategies [PDF]
Describes the national context including a social inclusion framework; discusses cross-Canada community perspectives, such as characteristics of an inclusive community and city; and identifies civic alliances for an inclusive, diverse and mutually responsible Canada.
Published: 2003
Source: Centre for Urban and Community Studies
Website: http://www.urbancentre.utoronto.ca/ 
Language: English
Cost: n/a

The Collaborative Primer – Proven Strategies, Considerations, and Tools to Get You Started [PDF]
Practical toolkit-style guide to partnership-building.  Components include a checklist for evaluating the health and viability of your partnership and case studies of various community-based partnerships.
Published: 2003
Source: Health Research and Education Trusta
Website: http://www.hret.org 
Language: English only
Cost: n/a

Developing Effective Coalitions: An Eight Step Guide
US-based resource  specifically directed at issues related to the prevention of injury. Includes advantages and tips. Summary also available.
Published: 2002
Source: Prevention Institute
Website: http://www.preventioninstitute.org/
Language: English only
Cost: n/a

Collaboration: What makes it work (second edition)
This book includes a working definition of collaboration, summaries of the major findings, detailed descriptions of 20 factors, and an extensive bibliography. Also includes Collaboration Factors Inventory--a self-guided assessment tool that potential or current collaborators can take to assess the presence of each of the 20 factors.
Published: 2002
Source: Wilder Foundation
Website: http://www.wilder.org/home.0.html
Language: English only
Cost: $29.95

The Partnership Handbook [PDF]
Defines partnership and partnership approaches; identifies conditions that support partnerships, including sample assessment tools; discusses how to apply a partnership process; examines common issues and concerns and possible solutions.
Facilitator's guide also available to assist people interested in forming partnerships or assessing existing partnerships.
Published: 2000
Source: Service Canada
Website: http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/epb/sid/cia/partnership/handbook.shtml
Language: English and French
Cost: n/a

The collaboration challenge: How nonprofits and businesses succeed through strategic alliances
Provides a practical framework for understanding how traditional philanthropic relationships can be transformed into powerful strategic alliances. ‘How-to’ topics include: find and connect with high-potential partners; ensure strategic fit with the partner's mission and values; generate greater value for each partner and society;  manage the partnering relationship effectively.
Published: 2000
Source: Josey-Bass Publishers
Website: http://www.josseybass.com/WileyCDA/
Language: English only
Cost: $22.76

Capacity Building: Linking Community Experience to Public Policy [PDF]
Discusses how public policy makers can tap into community experience, how citizens and communities can become engaged as partners; and using public policy processes to build capacity.
Published: 2000
Source: PHAC Atlantic
Website: http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/canada/regions/atlantic/index-eng.php?utm_source=VanityURL&utm_medium=URL&utm_campaign=pph-atlantic.ca
Language: English and French
Cost: n/a