© 2010 Local Government Alliance for International Development
| Forging partnerships |
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Use the side menu for detailed advice on forging partnerships >>> In a world of interdependence, councils have much to learn from each other. International partnerships have a long tradition, dating back to the ‘twinning’ arrangements established by many councils as part of peace and reconciliation efforts following the second world war. Traditional ‘twinning’ initiatives tended to be formal, relatively permanent, often ceremonial and predominantly ‘friendship-based’. Now, a new generation of council international partnerships, many focused on international development, have come into being. These are more focused on the challenges facing the local partners, more flexible and adapt as the requirements of the respective partners change in the context of a fast-moving world. |
>>Case studies
Leicester and Masaya (Nicaragua) more than a twinning link
The link between Leicester and Masaya in Nicaragua has grown to be a whole lot more than a twinning link. The official twinning link was established in 1987 and is managed by the Leicester Masaya Link Group, a registered charity.
The Leicester Masaya link Group is unique in being the only town twinning link in England with Development Education Centre status. This enables the Leicester Masaya Link Group to play a key role in the East Midlands Network for Global Perspectives in Schools, which supports all young people in the East Midlands to recognise and value global perspectives and to develop the understanding, skills and values that enable young people to be active global citizens. The link also forms an important part of Leicester's international development strategy.
East Lindsey District Council - a small district with big horizons
East Lindsey District Council in rural Lincolnshire has a link with Nkasi District Council in Tanzania. Together they work with a small non governmental organisation - Tanzania Rural Revival - in remote poor rural areas. The link has sprung from personal contacts made by two councillors, Lesley Koumi and John Hough, and a visit by a Tanzanian MP who studied in Lincoln and was keen to help promote the link. He met with chief executives of county and district councils and friendship letters were signed in 2007.
The initiative is small-scale and relies on voluntary fundraising effort. However significant achievements have already been made, with two technical visits to Nkasi district by council officers, responsible for environmental health and community development, and an application has been made for support from the Commonwealth Professional Fellowships Scheme so that Nkasi’s head of public health can visit the UK.
>>Self assessment
1 How regularly do you review which of your service challenges have international dimensions and consider the relevance of international partnerships to help tackle them?
2 Is your view of international partnerships still dominated by the traditional ‘twinning’ model or are you considering partnership work in a more dynamic, goal-led and dynamic fashion?
3 Does your council have an international partnership strategy? If so, is it updated on a timely basis and does it reflect current and future needs?
4 Are there clear priorities and plans governing your existing partnerships? Do they remain appropriate?
5 Are there new partnerships that might serve your current and future priorities better?
>>Tips
Stage 1 Preparation
1. Discuss and evaluate the concept of a partnership as part of your council’s international strategy.
2. Conduct broad consultation on the aims and type of partnership.
3. Firm up specific goals and scope of partnership.
Stage 2 Search
4. Profile and canvass potential partners.
5. Make partner choice.
Stage 3 Co-operation
6. Conduct first meetings and develop shared terms of reference and objectives.
7. Draw up partnership programme