Read the following tips from teachers and mentors, or click here for additional resources.

Relationship-Building Tips

Here are some tips for forming and keeping lasting school-community relationships.

• Network to build relationships.
• Spread the word to your internal base. Start with friends and colleagues.
• Talk to parent and parent-leaders in your school. Identify their skills and recruit them as mentors or spokespeople.
• Talk about the project at open houses and orientations. Ask anyone and everyone to support the kids.
• Form and nurture partnerships.
• Identify companies, youth organizations, nonprofits, and colleges that want to create a school-community connection.
• Give presentations, and set up a booth at company outreach events.
• Host thank-you events and provide constant feedback.
• Develop a seamless tie between classroom and the extended day.
• Create organization. Provide ongoing training and support for mentors. Schedule meeting times when mentors and teachers can discuss student progress and create cohesive lesson plans.
• Consider hiring a liaison to act as a mentor trainer and student tutor.
• Update parents on how their kids are doing socially and academically.
• Invite mentors and partners to staff meetings and teacher luncheons. Keep everyone focused on a connection between the classroom and project.

Relationship-Building Links
Check out these Web sites for more information about developing community partnerships.

• Building Community Partnerships PDF: Tips for Out-of-School-Time Programs : Information for program providers on involving communities in out-of-school programs.
• National Youth Development Information Center: Research, strategies, checklists, and tools for developing school-community partnerships.
• National Youth Leadership Council: News, programs, and project resources about service learning.
• Helping America's Youth Partnership Guide: Techniques, tips, and guides for helping individuals and communities become involved in youth development.