Volume XIII Winter 2001 Issue #2

Resource Guide: Tools for successful collaborations

by Timothy J. Nichols

Little information is targeted specifically at tribal college collaboration. However, organizations, publications, and research materials focusing on the more broadly defined concept of collaboration exist and can be valuable when adapted and applied to the tribal college setting. Collectively, the resources below provide background information, strategies, and insights that may be helpful to those seeking to facilitate new collaborative endeavors or strengthen existing ones.

Books

American Indian Higher Education Consortium (1999). Tribal colleges: an introduction. Alexandria, VA: American Indian Higher Education Consortium.
A synopsis of the history and contemporary status of tribal colleges. This book is downloadable from the AIHEC web site: www.aihec.org/intro.pdf

Astin, Alexander and Helen Astin (2000). Leadership reconsidered: engaging higher education in social change. Battle Creek, MI: W.K. Kellogg Foundation. 
Presents a framework for leadership development aimed at social change for students, faculty, and administrators. Collaboration is discussed as a key skill for higher education. This book is available on the Kellogg web site: <http://www.wkkf.org/documents/youthed/leadershipreconsidered/leadershipreconsidered-chpt1.asp>

Boyer, Paul (1997). Native American colleges: progress and prospects. A special report to the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. San Francisco, CA: Jossey Bass.
Describes the history of the movement and key issues facing tribal institutions today. Discusses collaboration with state universities as a key factor in future development. 

Callahan, Mary-Mack (1999). The intentional community: college and community groups helping low-income groups prepare for college. Washington, DC: Council of Independent Colleges.
Focuses on partnerships between urban colleges and low-income neighborhoods. Includes information on organizational strategies, involving community members, and sustaining partnerships.

Freire, Paulo (1970). Pedagogy of the oppressed. New York: Continuum. 
The classic work on empowerment education. Provides philosophical base from Freire's experiences in literacy education among peasants in Brazil. Reminds readers about the importance of treating partners with respect. 

Gray, Barbara (1989). Collaboration: finding common ground for multi-party problems. San Francisco, CA: Jossey Bass.
Often-cited study of inter-organizational relations. Provides a definition, discusses stages of collaborative relationships, and presents propositions on what leads to success. 

Mattessich, Paul and Barbara Monsey (1992). Collaboration: what makes it work. St. Paul, MN: Amherst Wilder Foundation.
Practical text highlighting factors that make collaborations successful. Summarizes major research findings; includes extensive bibliography.

National Network for Collaboration (1996). Collaboration framework. addressing community capacity. Fargo, ND: National Network for Collaboration.
Practitioner's resource introduces a framework for collaboration. Includes discussion of key components of successful collaborative relationships, contexts, processes, and outcomes. 

Slater, Judith. (1996) Anatomy of a collaboration: study of a college of education/public school partnership. New York: Garland.
Slater's description of collaboration between a university and school district in Florida is a compelling story of the joys, challenges, and lessons associated with her work. 

Tierney, William (1992). Official encouragement, institutional discouragement: minorities in academe-the Native American experience. Norwood, NJ: Ablex.
---------(1993). Building communities of difference: higher education in the 21st century. Ontario Institute of Studies in Education: Toronto.
---------(1998). The responsive university: restructuring for high performance. Johns Hopkins: Baltimore, MD.
Tierney's work calls universities to reach out to and collaborate with underserved communities. 

Winer, Michael and Karen Ray (1994). Collaboration handbook: creating, sustaining, and enjoying the journey. St. Paul, MN: Amherst Wilder Foundation.
Resource for developing and implementing collaborative projects. Includes advice for conceptualizing roles and evaluating collaborative work. Features a case study, "tips", and worksheets.

Articles

Tribal College Journal

Back issues of Tribal College Journal provide stories of collaboration within the tribal college community. Relevant recent discussions include:

Briggs, L. Jack (1995). Tribal-state cooperation: affirming and redefining Indian self-determination. Tribal College Journal 7(2) 32-33; 44.
Briggs, president of Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College, discusses the importance of tribal colleges guarding Indian self-determination when collaborating with non-tribal entities. 

Crazy Bull, Cheryl (1997). A Native conversation about scholarship. Tribal College Journal 9 (1): 17-24.
Crazy Bull writes eloquently about American Indian perspectives on research and offers advice for Non-Natives on best practices for collaboration.

Gagnon, Gregory (2001). Keeping the tribal colleges tribal: advice from the veterans for the new generation of college professionals. Tribal College Journal12(3): 38-41.
Gagnon's article (based on interviews with early leaders of the tribal college movement) provides a historical perspective and advice for those considering collaborating in the future.

Journal of Applied Behavioral Sciences
In 1991, the Journal of Applied Behavioral Sciences published sequential theme issues on collaboration. These volumes provide convenient access to research-based information. Included are theoretical approaches as well as individual case studies. Highlights include:

Gray, Barbara, and Donna J. Wood (1991). Collaborative alliances: moving from practice to theory. Journal of Applied Behavioral Sciences 27: 3-22.

Logsdon, Jeanne (1991). Interests and interdependence in the formation of social problem-solving collaborations. Journal of Applied Behavioral Science 27: 23-37.

Roberts, Nancy and Raymond Trevor Bradley (1991). Stakeholder collaboration and innovation: A study of public policy initiation at the state level. Journal of Applied Behavioral Science 27: 209-227.

Selsky, John (1991). Lessons in community development: an activist approach to stimulating interorganizational collaboration. Journal of Applied Behavioral Science 27: 91-115.

Sharfman, Mark and Barbara Gray (1991). The context of interorganizational collaboration in the garment industry: an institutional perspective. Journal of Applied Behavioral Science 27: 181-208.

Wood, Donna and Barbara Gray (1991). Toward a comprehensive theory of collaboration. Journal of Applied Behavioral Science 27: 139-162.

Other Articles

Badwound, Elgin and William Tierney (1988). Leadership and American Indian values: the tribal college dilemma. Journal of American Indian Education 28 (1) 9-15. 
Authors compare/contrast differing values underpinning tribal colleges and mainstream universities, and their implications for collaboration.

Bartunek, Jean, Pennie Foster-Fisherman, and Christopher Keys. Using collaborative advocacy to foster inter-group cooperation: a joint insider-outsider perspective. Human Relations 49: 701-730.
Introduces collaborative advocacy; underscores the importance of the empowerment approach to the success of joint efforts.

Bogo, Marion and Judith Globerman (1999). Interorganizational relationships between schools of social work and field agencies: testing a framework for analysis. Journal of Social Work Education 35: 265-275.
Explores factors associated with effective interorganizational relationships. 

Bond, Meg and Christopher Keys (1993). Empowerment, diversity and collaboration: promoting synergy on community boards. American Journal of Community Psychology 21: 37-57.
Discusses issues, challenges and ultimately strengths associated with diversity in collaborative efforts.

Dogson, Mark (1993). Learning, trust and technological collaboration. Human Relations 46: 77-96.
Describes the importance of trust to the collaborative process.

Education Commission of the United States (1987). Indian education policy recommendations. 
Among the commission's recommendations is a call for collaboration between Indian and non-Indian educational sectors. 

Flick, Louise, Cordie Given Reese, Gail Rogers, Pamela Fletcher and Joyce Sonn (1994). Building community for health: lessons from a seven year old neighborhood-university partnership. Health Education Quarterly 21: 369-380. 
Shares lessons learned. Includes discussion of how diversity impacts efforts at collaboration.

Gray, Barbara (1985). Conditions facilitating interorganizational collaboration. Human Relations 38: 911-936.
Foundational to some of Gray's later work (cited elsewhere in this guide). Introduces factors that make collaboration work.

Hazen, Mary Ann (1994). A radical humanist perspective of interorganizational relationships. Human Relations 47: 393-416.
Explores a new theoretical perspective on interorganizational relations. Principles of mutuality, reciprocity, and co-inquiry follow the empowerment perspective.

Hogue, Teresa (1993). Community based collaboration: community wellness multiplied. Oregon State University: Oregon Center for Community Leadership.
Writing for practitioners, Hogue presents a typology of kinds and levels of collaborative relationships. 

Kirkness, Verna and Ray Barnhardt (1991). First Nations and higher education: the four R's-respect, relevance, reciprocity, responsibility. Journal of American Indian Education 30: 3-15. 
The authors' "Four R's" are highly salient for those hoping to collaborate with Native communities.

McCann, Joseph and Barbara Gray (1986). Power and collaboration in human service domains. International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy 6: 58-67.
Discusses power in collaborative relationships. Emphasizes the need for stakeholder involvement and sharing power.

McDonald, Joseph (2000). "Building extension partnerships to achieve better Indian communities through the 1994 institutions." Seaman A. Knapp memorial lecture presented at the annual meeting of the National Association of State Universities and Land Grant Colleges. San Antonio, TX. 
McDonald, president of Salish Kootenai College, calls on mainstream land grant universities to collaborate with tribal colleges to serve contemporary Indian people and communities. This text is downloadable from the NASULGC web site at the following URL: <www.nasulgc.org/am2000/knapp.pdf>

Newell, Sue and Jacky Swan (2000). Trust and interorganizational networking. Human Relations 53: 1287-1318.
Explores the role of trust in collaborative relationships. Presents different kinds of trust, along with a discussion of when, why, and how each type can be important.

Nichols, Laurie Stenberg and Tim Nichols (1998). 2+2+2: Collaborating to enhance opportunities for Native Americans. Journal of Family and Consumer Sciences 90: 38-42.
Case study of a multi-dimensional collaborative project between South Dakota State University and the state's tribal colleges.

Oliver, Christine (1991). Network relations and loss of organizational autonomy. Human Relations 44: 943-962.
Argues that collaboration can lead to a loss of organizational autonomy and identity.

Poteskey, Eva, Kit Van Stelle and Judith De Jong (1998). Prevention through empowerment in a Native American community. Drugs and Society 12: 147-162.
Illustrates the effectiveness of an approach based in collaboration and empowerment.

Rosebud Sioux Tribe, Mandan Hidatsa and Arikara Nation, Jicarilla Apache Tribe, Stockbridge-Munsee Community Band of Mohican Indians, Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians, Montana Indian Education Association, National Indian School Board Association, National Indian Education Association, and the Native American Rights Fund (2000). Tribal-state partnerships: Cooperating to improve Indian education. A paper presented for the National Congress of American Indians mid-year session, June 25-28, 2000. Juneau, AK.
Based on practical experiences, the authors provide a checklist and set of guidelines for those entering into tribal-state partnerships.

Singh, Ram (1994). Advocacy, empowerment, and international collaboration: an experiment for rural development in India. Indian Journal of Social Work 55: 327-335.
Many transferable lessons from international work to collaboration between mainstream higher education and tribal colleges.

W. K. Kellogg Foundation (1999). Returning to our roots: the engaged institution. President's commission report on the future of state universities and land grant colleges. Washington, DC: National Association of State Universities and Land Grant Colleges.
Calls for land grant institutions to "return to their roots," partner with communities, and reach out to historically underserved and emerging new constituencies. Includes examples of successful collaborations and seven criteria for authentic engagement.
This booklet can be downloaded from the NASULGC web site at the following URL: <www.nasulgc.org/publications/kellogg/engage.pdf>

Wax, Murray (1991). The ethics of research in American Indian communities. American Indian Quarterly 15: 431-456.
Reminds collaborators of ethical considerations for collaborating with Native communities. Having permission, seeking input, and providing tangible benefits are among his suggestions.

Organizations and Web Sites

American Indian Higher Education Consortium <www.aihec.org>
AIHEC is a key source of information for those outside the tribal college community hoping to partner with them. Publications, background materials, information about upcoming meetings, and updates on current issues are available.
Contact: 121 Oronoco St., Alexandria, VA 22314; (703) 838-0400. 

Collaboration for the Advancement of College Teaching and Learning <www.collab.org>
Sponsors faculty development workshops, newsletters, and meetings to encourage collaboration, and to improve college teaching and learning. Tribal college representatives are encouraged to become members. Contact: 2004 Randolph Ave. MAIL 4038; St. Paul, MN 55105; (651) 690-6333. 

National Association of State Universities and Land Grant Colleges <www.nasulgc.org>
NASULGC offers information on the origins of and current issues affecting state colleges and land grant universities. Of particular interest is the series of "President Commission's Reports." Tribal colleges with land grant status are NASULGC members.
Contact: NASULGC; 1307 New York Ave. NW, Suite 400; Washington, DC; 20005-4722; (202) 478-6040.

National Network for Collaboration <http://crs/uvm.edu/nnco/>
The network seeks to foster collaboration that leads to citizen problem solving and improved lives for children, youth and families. Curriculum materials, journal articles, books, videos, evaluations, train-the-trainer materials, and an interactive training package are available. The network also offers its expertise for teaching, consulting, evaluation and facilitation of emerging collaborative efforts. The training manual is available at the following URL: <http://crs.uvm.edu/nnco/cd/>. Contact: 4-H/Youth Programs, North Dakota State University Extension Service; 219 FLC, PO Box 5016; Fargo, ND 58105-5016; (701) 231-7253.

Office of University Partnerships (OUP) <www.oup.org>
HUD established OUP in 1994 to encourage and expand the efforts of universities partnering with communities. OUP offers funding programs, access to research and publications on collaborative projects, curriculum materials, technical assistance, workshops, and conferences. Contact: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; Office of University Partnerships; 451 7th St. SW Room 8106; Washington, DC 20410; (202) 708-3061, extension 5746. 

W.K. Kellogg Foundation <www.wkkf.org>
With a mission "to help people help themselves," WKKF has supported the work of tribal and non-tribal land grant colleges, along with research and education on collaborative leadership and institutional change. Information about funding opportunities, the foundation's latest initiatives, and lessons learned from previous projects is available. Of particular interest is Section 3 of the Community Partnership Toolkit, which discusses collaborative approaches such as establishing a shared vision and developing a collaborative strategic plan. Contact: W.K. Kellogg Foundation; One Michigan Ave. East; Battle Creek, MI 69107-4058; (616) 968-1611. 

Timothy J. Nichols serves as assistant to the director of academic programs in the College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences at South Dakota State University (SDSU). His article on collaboration appears elsewhere in this issue.