Connect

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Many Member Organizations are keen to forge links with other countries and WAGGGS is perfectly placed to help make this happen. Inter-country relationships can be mutually beneficial on many levels.

On this page you will find examples of international partnerships which we hope will inspire you to set up partnerships between your organization and others.

Making partnership a success

The Uganda Girl Guides Association and Guides New Zealand have developed a partnership based on relationships which are mutually beneficial. The partnership encompasses personal visits and Mutual Aid scheme support. Read more link to Partnership news article page

WAGGGS has produced the brief guidelines below to help those Member Organizations who are considering setting up partnerships. You can also request a partner and your request may be posted on this page for other interested Member Organizations to see.

Guidelines and definitions of Partnership and Twinning

What is the difference between Partnership and Twinning?

Partnership

A partnership is formed between two or more Member Organizations or between Member Organizations and other non-governmental organizations (NGOs) on a formal basis. All partners will sign a contract or Memorandum of Understanding which outlines the commitment and responsibilities of each organization.

In some cases, the partnership is formed between MOs so that one Member Organization can give support through financial assistance and training to another Member Organization. However, it is important that both parties benefit from the partnership and that it is essentially a two-way undertaking. This can be in the form of an exchange of resources, people and skills. This will ensure that the partnership is a pleasant and fulfilling experience for all those involved.

WAGGGS defines a partnership as an international co-operation involving Member Organizations within the same region or between Member Organizations from different regions. Partnerships can also be set up between Member Organizations and NGOs active in their country. WAGGGS is involved with NGOs at a world level and can assist Member Organizations with creating partnerships at a country level. The partnerships WAGGGS have set up include a strong association with the United Nations and a very successful partnership with the global corporation UPS.

Some partnerships, particularly those involving more than two partners, will be formed so that the partners can work on a joint project. This enables Member Organizations to share knowledge and pool resources to work on an area of mutual interest.

Twinning

Twinning is a less formal type of connection. It may be formed below national level, but for the purposes of this definition we will be dealing with national-level twinning. Twinning activities may include exchanges between units, taking part in camps in one or other country and correspondence between members through pen-paling.

Twinning connections can grow into formal partnerships and it is a good way to get started. Many Member Organizations advise their members to ‘start small’ when forming connections and WAGGGS supports this approach.

Twinning may start through personal contacts or correspondence between National Associations. It may grow from pen-palling to exchanges visit between units. Exchanges or camps may be set up for intercultural experience and do not necessarily have to involve a service project.

There are many connections which fall into the grey area between partnership and twinning. For example, a single unit may work on a small-scale service project without it forming part of a formal partnership.

Points to consider when seeking a partnership with another Member Organization

Location
Knowledge of the country and it’s Member Organization
Historical connections between the two countries
Culture
Opportunities that you would like to give to your members
What you would like to get out of the partnership
The safety and stability of the country you are interested in.

What support can WAGGGS provide to partnerships between Member Organizations?

Global overview
In depth knowledge of all the Member Organizations
Ability to broker appropriate partnerships
Neutral support throughout the partnership
Shared experience of other Member Organizations who have undertaken partnerships
The opportunity to have your partnership featured on the WAGGGS Network web pages and raise the profile of your Association

Regardless of the type of connection you decide to set up, it is a good idea to make clear plans about what you intend to do. Some of the points to address in any action plan are as follows:

Objectives
Expectations
Timeline