A partnership IS:
• A handshake, not a handout.
• A written agreement between the parties.
• An agreement that outlines the parties’ mutual interest in, mutual benefits from, or mutually desired goals of a common objective related to the mission of the bureau.
• An agreement with appropriate legal authority.
• An agreement that involves voluntary participation.
• Consistent with the partners’ plans, policies, and priorities.
• An agreement that demonstrates real benefits to the public.
• Wholly owned by each partner organization.
• An agreement that has a realistic timeframe with sufficient lead time to acquire funding, materials and necessary approvals.

A partnership is NOT:
• A conflict of interest or appearance of conflict of interest or preferential treatment of one entity over another.
• An endorsement of commercial products, services, or entities.
• A way to get around laws that apply to things like recreational use, procurement of goods and services, etc.
• Marketing or promotion of partners in any way, except for recognition of the contribution.

(back to Building Partnerships)