Dynamics of strong community partnerships for child health policy

Strong community partnerships can effectively advocate for policy changes to improve community environments that support the health and well-being of children. Collaboration is particularly critical in diverse communities with large minority populations and high poverty rates. When numerous health disparities are present, community resources may be strained and partnerships involving residents of the community are vital to ensure wise use of public funds. Yet, the dynamics of these relationships can be complex and affecting policy in political climates is often daunting. Strategies aimed at strengthening partnerships, collecting data, and presenting data in powerful ways to inform policymakers are imperative. Community partners may assume a variety of roles within partnerships. However, strengthening the collaborative skills and participation of individuals is a way to achieve equitable partnerships. Lessons learned through community partnerships and community-based participatory research projects will be shared. Strategies for involving community residents as full partners on collaborative teams will be described. Positively affecting child health policy requires deliberate efforts to mobilize partnerships and examples of such efforts will be detailed. Understanding the dynamics of community partnerships is essential to ensure success. Consequently, identifying strategies that propel partnerships forward and those that may hamper the productivity of partnerships is critical information. The dynamics of partnerships, and the relationships achieved within those collaborations, can be instrumental in moving projects forward toward social action in political arenas and favorable changes in health policies.