Networking wiht local authorities and stakeholders
To further strengthen the impact of the SPGs project in Romania, the project partner Polylogos has strategically embraced the intersector of collaboration and networking. One key pillar of success has been building strong partnerships with public school authorities, particularly high schools that cater to diverse youth demographics. This has enabled sustained engagement from students, teachers, and public authorities alike. By building trust with school authorities, collaborating closely with teachers, and engaging students as active participants, the complexities of working within the educational system can be navigated successfully. This collaborative approach not only enhances the reach and impact of a project, but also fosters long-term relationships that ensure ongoing engagement and mutual benefit for all involved.
From the implementation of the networking process within the SPGs project, the following key steps can be recommended:
Initial outreach
Begin by contacting regional school authorities before the initiative or project you want to implement even starts. Send an official letter to relevant offices, outlining the project's objectives, activities, tasks, and timeline. Starting a formal communication early helps secure commitment from schools, and it is something that can reference back to in later conversations.
Establishing and forming direct relationships
Arrange face-to-face meetings with teachers – if you have already collaborated with them in the past, even better. In these meetings, you can explain your project in detail and encourage teachers to share the information with their students. Invite interested students to participate in an introductory meeting with your team.
Formalising collaboration
Schools that become enthusiastic about the project can be asked to formalise their partnership with your organisation by signing a collaboration protocol. This agreement provides you with structured access to organise meetings and activities with students, while clearly outlining a framework for coordination between both parties. The protocol ensures alignment on the project's objectives, responsibilities, and logistics, creating a foundation for smooth and effective collaboration. Additionally, participating students should be required to sign letters of engagement, which clearly outline their rights, responsibilities, and include a data protection agreement. For minors, written consent from parents or legal guardians have to be mandatory, ensuring your project adheres to all legal and ethical requirements.
Teacher involvement
Teachers play a pivotal role in the success of this collaboration: Once they commit to your initiative or project, they should take charge of spreading information among students and organising the logistics of future meetings. This way, by the time you arrive for a working session, the involved teachers have already arranged the classroom and gathered the students. Try to get teachers' proactive involvement, which can result in them also managing the students' schedules, allowing them to participate in extracurricular activities, including full-day events or youth exchange programs, without disrupting their academic commitments.
Practical strategies for sustained engagement
To maintain strong relationships with schools and stakeholders, there are several practical strategies that can be adopted:
- Respect for school authorities: Adhere to school policies and instructions, ensuring all activities align with the agreed terms. While activities are organised freely, they must comply with the school’s framework, ensuring mutual respect and trust.
- Teacher collaboration: Building trust with teachers is essential, therefore, treat teachers as equal partners, maintaining ongoing communication through calls, emails, and meetings and show understanding for their challenges and context. Teachers, as key drivers of youth engagement, are indispensable to the project's success.
- Flexible scheduling: Maintain a flexible approach in order to recognising and respect the complexities of the school calendar. Your activities should be adjusted around exams, breaks, and varying weekly schedules. Avoid pressuring schools when participation is not feasible – this maximises opportunities when they arise.
- Youth engagement and respect: Just as teachers are treated as partners, so too are the youth. By fostering a respectful and open environment, you will encourage honest dialogue about complex issues. In return, the youth show active participation and often help bring in their peers, driving further engagement organically.