Selecting, Prioritizing, and Reaching Partners

When deciding on which partners to reach, use your readiness assessment to determine which types of partners would benefit you most (see the “types of partners” table). Also, as part of your readiness assessment, you’ll have already established your current network of partners and what opportunities exist for new potential partners in the community. You can use this combination of resources to start planning your outreach to existing and new partners for your new diabetes program. An outreach plan can help organize contacts, their roles, and next steps. You may want to consider the following:

  • List the existing partners you have through your food bank and what they currently provide
  • Brainstorm a list of potential partners, especially local contacts, and how they could contribute to your new program
  • Create and implement a plan for when and how you’ll reach out to potential partners and include follow-up steps for keeping in touch and maintaining engagement
  • If appropriate, develop and execute a memorandum of understanding (MOU) or other type of agreement outlining shared commitments related to the program (note: this may require consultation with legal counsel)

Some resources, such as short program summaries, email templates, and one-page program descriptions, can be helpful to have when reaching out to and engaging with new and existing partners. When creating these materials, you may consider including the following information:

  • Benefits of partnership for the partner organization
  • Diabetes background/statistics
  • Program information (description, location, dates/times, eligibility, contact information/website)
  • Benefits for participants (e.g., health benefits, low/no cost)
  • Information on providing referrals
  • See Other Resources section for more sample materials

“They [food banks] could work with local hospitals in their area to let them know that they have this program…building those community relationships would be very beneficial to them in doing a program like this.”

– Diabetes food pantry implementer

Sustaining partnerships

  • Take time to learn about partner organizations’ priorities and ensure that the partnership creates mutual benefit for your organizations
  • When onboarding partners for your diabetes services, be clear from the start on your intentions and set expectations on their proposed contributions
  • Maintain clear and consistent communication, avoiding long breaks in contact and keeping them aware of program updates and progress
  • Keep partners engaged over time by featuring their contributions in a newsletter or special events
  • Share evaluation results that demonstrate how your program, supported by partnerships, is positively impacting people with diabetes in your community
Case Example

One food bank aiming to implement DSMES programming in a new community developed multiple partnerships to support programming within that area. A key partner was a local civic center, which agreed to provide dedicated space where the programming could be delivered and signed an MOU formalizing that commitment. The food bank also engaged a local community health worker (CHW), who provided invaluable support with program recruitment and implementation and facilitated connections to other local organizations. For example, the CHW:

  • Disseminated information about the program through the local Veterans Services office, a housing facility for older adults, a community healthcare organization, and the local health welfare office
  • Presented the program at a city council meeting
  • Promoted the program via social media (Facebook Live)

When the program launched, the CHW also attended several of the DSMES sessions, capitalizing on their local knowledge to help engage participants and build rapport.