Trust Building: The Secret to Highly Collaborative Partnerships

Abstract

How can universities engage in a strategic learning collaborative that advances their "urban mission " in such a way that its community partners participate as equals? How can this vision of equity be achieved and harnessed to work toward a unified vision? Can this articulated vision and plan of action then strengthen both community and campus capacity? This article seeks to illustrate how Columbia College Chicago approached the implementation of its urban mission, and how other universities might also play the role of facilitators while being inclusive, trustworthy, and respectful to community partners.