How to Work with Other Organizations
Working with other organizations that have similar goals increases our ability to make a difference. In the struggle for human rights, our strength and our ability to make a difference increases when we work in coordination with other groups on campus and in our local communities. Together, we can accomplish bigger goals, build broader support and make the message more compelling to a wider audience.
Amnesty International's history in working with other groups
On the national and international level, Amnesty International works with many other organizations working to promote and defend human rights worldwide. Some examples include working with the American Civil Liberties Union, the Sierra Club, Human Rights Watch and Physicians for Human Rights. The local chapters of these organizations are a good place to start when you begin your search for other groups.
On the local level, Amnesty student and local groups build connections with a range of community based civic, church, and area organizations - helping to build our grassroots strength and capacity on the ground and as a movement. Building alliances not only helps build strength, but it can also help your group build diversity, gain credibility and visibility, gain new strategies or ideas, and incorporate new people into your group.
It is important to remember that human rights are relevant everywhere, and there are many local issues that relate directly to your human rights work.
Getting Started
- Identify the issue you want to work on. Here are a few questions your group should answer:
- What are Amnesty's policies and goals on this issue?
- What are your group's particular goals on this issue?
- What do you hope to accomplish on this issue?
- Identify groups that might be interested in the same issue.
So what types of groups are good allies? Besides other human rights groups, potential allies can be found among service and special cause groups, college student associations, religious institutions, and youth groups. Also consider faith communities, local service based groups (i.e. treatment centers for survivors of torture or AIDS clinics) and groups for people of a particular identity or background.
For Example:
- Work with Arab American campus organizations on anti-discrimination/post 9-11 issues.
- Identify a specific number of local faith groups (including churches, mosques, synagogues, etc) to work with regarding the death penalty, particularly around Amnesty's National Weekend of Faith and Action on the death penalty each September.
When brainstorming, think about how another group would benefit from working with you, what type of power the organization can bring, and what potential problems might result. What are the advantages and disadvantages of working with this particular group? Do your research, and take the time to find out more about their group and what they are trying to accomplish.
Connecting With Allies
- Develop a strategy for inviting others to join you in the very beginning stages of your planning. Include them early enough so they can be an active and real part of developing ideas and plans.
- Make contact! Assign a member of your group to meet with a representative of the other group. Be clear and upfront about your interests and expectations, and remember to listen equally to their interests and expectations.
- Identify and clarify common stances on the issue. Where do your group and the other group overlap? Will this collaboration be long- or short-term?
Developing an Action Plan
When carrying out your plan, keep in mind these important tips:
- Be specific. When defining your goal and planning your strategy or event, be as specific as possible. Concrete expectations are easier to fulfill than abstract or vague plans.
- Assign responsibilities. Help all participants fulfill their potential by making sure everyone is assigned a specific task. After each meeting, make sure that tasks are divided according to each person's abilities and interest.
- Establish a budget and deadlines. This will give concrete dimensions to your project. Decide the budget as soon as possible, and determine which group is responsible for which portion. Then, set a timeline and refer to it regularly throughout your work.
- Maintain communication. Keeping all participating groups updated and involved in the decision making process is key to collaboration. Remember that one of the advantages to working with other groups is that this can multiply resources, and thus you should consult this abundant resource whenever necessary.
Celebrate/evaluate together after the project
Congratulate each other for having accomplished your project! In evaluating your work, here are a few questions to think about: were your expectations met? What lessons might you take away from this experience? Would you collaborate with the group on another project? If yes, remember to keep in touch for future collaborations.
Things to keep in mind when you work with other groups
- Too many voices. Working with other groups increases the number of inputs. This may be helpful in multiplying resources, but it might also complicate the decision making process. One way of managing this situation is to remind everyone of the common goal, and to keep on track to work specifically toward it.
- Sacrifices and compromises. Be sensitive and aware of the way other organizations do things - it will probably be different from your own. You can learn from other groups, and they can learn from you - it's a two way street. Make compromises, but keep in mind your group's goals as an Amnesty Chapter.
- Conflict management. Related to the problem of too many decisions/voices, conflict cannot be avoided and should be expected. But more importantly, conflicts are not to be feared! Resolve the conflict by explicitly confronting the problem, assigning a third party to mediate between those involved in the conflict, and letting everyone be heard. Just remember that accomplishing the goal requires everyone's cooperation.
AI's guidelines
Amnesty International asks that in working with other groups, its chapters be attentive in the following areas:
- The new flexibility in working in conjunction with other organizations must reflect AI's independence, impartiality, integrity and credibility.
- Be particularly careful about sharing any public platform, making joint public statements, jointly organizing a project, demonstration or other event.
- AI should not be seen to support particular economic, social, political or religious ideologies or to take sides on a conflict.
- AI must maintain a clear profile and distinct identity.
If you have questions about working with groups call your regional office.
