Quality of Partnerships
Why This Matters
At the center of the Carnegie Framework is a commitment to reciprocity. Community engagement is defined by mutual benefit, shared power, and respect for community knowledge and assets. Partnerships are not simply mechanisms for delivering services or conducting research. They are relationships built on trust that shape impact over time. Documenting partnerships and learning from partner perspectives demonstrates accountability and strengthens the effectiveness and ethics of engagement.
Standards for Practice
- Representative Partnerships
- Use clear descriptions of partnerships and include evidence of reciprocity and mutual benefit.
- Refer to Carnegie definition and principles for high standard partnerships.
- Report on partnerships to the appropriate institution or unit-level offices.
- Reciprocity and Mutual Benefit
- Cultivate reciprocal, mutually beneficial, and asset-based partnerships.
- Ensure partnerships include shared decision making and co-creation.
- Assessment of Partnerships
- Document partnerships and collaborations in the Engaged KU Community Check Box
- Systematically gather and implement feedback from community partners.
Resources for Implementing the Standards
- Engaged KU Community Check Box - Use the strategic dashboard to document partnerships and collaborations.
- Refer to the Carnegie Community Engagement Framework Guidance Document
- Explore Definitions and Key Concepts and the Action Cycle to support quality engagement.
Resources from the Community Tool Box
Explore these resources from the Community Tool Box