Critical Detail: Partnering—Who do we work with and through?

Who is selected as partner organizations?

Partnering with local organizations needs to be conducted thoughtfully as it can feed into and worsen intergroup tensions. Because partnering channels resources, it affects employment, salaries, and control over resources.

When partner organizations are affiliated with, or perceived to be affiliated with a subgroup in an area, their access to and control of resources can worsen tensions. Partner organizations who operate in ways that bridge groups can support Connectors.

How were the partners chosen?

Are they from the same group as our staff (or the decision maker on our staff)? Were they selected based on education or skills that have historically belonged to specific groups?

What are the criteria that shape this decision?

What criteria does an organization have for picking partners? How do these criteria reflect or interact with patterns of local history and education?

What decisions do partners make?

Partners are affected by the context as much, if not more than staff are. Are partners applying the criteria for targeting? How are partners working with local authorities?

Do partners share the same identity as staff?
Do partners have ties to political or military interests?
Are the partners based in an area where just one subgroup lives? They may be asked to work in other areas. Will this be an issue?
Were they hired based on technical or educational criteria in a place where those are or have been restricted? Restrictions can be legal, historical, traditional, etc. They may not be obvious at first glance.
Were the partners found by word of mouth?
Were the partners selected by authorities?

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