Partnerships

1. Research, Assess, and Framework
   1. Conduct comprehensive research integrating peer-reviewed literature reviews, case studies, surveys, and content analysis to gather and synthesize diverse data.
   2. Develop and distribute the needs assessment and evaluation tool to Extension and campus employees to gather feedback on current comfort level, knowledge, and partnership principles within Extension (College of ACES and 4-H) and the broader campus community.
   3. Develop and complete a virtual landing page showing the framework of the guidebook as a work in progress.
2. Development
   1. Develop the Extension Partnership Guidebook, send it out for peer review, and finalize it based on feedback from reviewers.
   2. Develop partnership training modules for internal audiences.
   3. Oversee a small pilot of partnership modules with Extension and campus employees to gather feedback, identify trends, and improve module effectiveness. 

• Completion of a comprehensive report synthesizing findings from a minimum of 12 peer-reviewed articles, case studies, and/or surveys, and content analysis of relevant materials.
• 100% of Extension Employees will receive the needs assessment/evaluation tool.
• Identification of key themes or trends in comfort level, knowledge, and partnership.
• At least 500 completed responses were collected.
• Number of Extension and College of ACES employees who visit the landing page.
• Completed Extension Partnership Guidebook in year 5.
• At least three partnership training modules were developed for internal audiences.
• Updated Extension Partnership Guidebook.
• 100% of new Extension employees will complete the partnership training modules.
• Track and report the number and types of organizations engaged with Illinois Extension, including new partnerships formed. Emphasize the identification and development of partnerships with underserved areas and audiences to ensure equitable outreach and impact.
• Completed functional database for tracking partnership data.

Primary

Illinois Extension is advancing toward optimal performance in cultivating and strengthening partnerships through a culture of respect, collaboration, and credibility. By establishing a clear framework and best practices, Illinois Extension intentionally and equitably engages diverse stakeholders, enhancing its ability to expand educational outreach, improve funding strategies, and contribute meaningfully to community well-being. 

Locally, statewide, regionally, and nationally, cooperation and collaboration of efforts lead to efficiencies, improved synergies, and prospects for impact. Partnerships offer opportunities to broaden outreach with audiences of diverse backgrounds and geographical regions while creating access to expertise, funding, and facilities. Extension is amply qualified and positioned to broker reciprocal relationships and convene partners that leverage critical research, technologies, and education to equip every community member to thrive in an evolving world.