Earlier in this chapter we discussed the reasons why family literacy coordinators seek community partners. Now we'll look at who these partners might be.

The number and nature of potential partners will vary from one community to another. Variables include whether a literacy organization is situated in a rural or urban area; the size of the community; and the number of government departments, human service agencies, businesses, industry, and educational institutions in the area. Situations can also vary depending on whether the community has a strong history of inter-agency cooperation and networking, and whether there is a pool of volunteers that can be accessed. The support of leaders and key decision-makers in the community is also an important variable that can affect the success of family literacy initiatives (Practical Guide 1995).

When you start developing a list of potential partners, consider agencies or groups in your defined area who

• deliver services to children and families
• have supported literacy in the past or who have an interest in improving literacy
• have access to or contact with families you want to reach
• would benefit from having their name associated with this project
• have funding available for community development or early intervention
• can help provide opportunities for valuing and promoting literacy development within the community

As an additional preparatory step in identifying potential partners, it's useful to consider why community agencies enter partnerships, from the agencies' perspectives. The table on page 38 outlines the reasons given during FLAG's partnership interviews in 1995.