Step A

Assess the Landscape

Keep Moving

-We got stuck feeling like we couldn’t move forward unless we knew every single initiative that was happening. We realized it’s ok to move forward even if you don’t know every single active lung cancer initiative. We know we’ll identify more along the way.

Expand Your Reach

-Ask your sources “who else do you recommend I speak with about this?” They know who is working in the lung cancer space and might identify sources you hadn’t thought of.

Step B

Build a Network

Build Interest

– “Use your research to show the population need and make a strong case for a statewide focus on lung cancer. Share your vision for the new initiative or approach and explain how it is different from what has been done before or how it complements what is already being done.”

Identify Partner Motivation

-“Do research on what is important to the organization or person you are hoping to partner with. Ask lots of questions – find out something new about their organization, hear about how they
became involved with the organization, ask where they see the organization going in the next five years. Listen for points of potential cross-over with your initiative. The most successful partnerships are win-win
situations where both parties gain from the process.”

Diversify Your Partners

– “Partners should also include representatives from the target population to share challenges, barriers, assets, and capitalizing on local resources (culture, practices, etc.).”

Define the Ask

– “The most important discussion is clearly defining your expectations of the partner and what they will get from participating. For examples, are you looking for It is also good to engage the organizations leadership to assure that they support staff and their participation in the initiative.”

Invest in Effective Support

– “High quality facilitation has always been key in any initiative that I have participated in. I have examples from both good and bad facilitators that have made all the difference in the group dynamics, and the resulting collaborative efforts. To bring diverse groups together, facilitators need to be skilled at balancing power differences (in educational attainment or title), allowing all voices to be heard, and keeping groups on task.“

Leverage Your Network

– “I called all the pulmonologists, oncologists, and thoracic surgeons around the state that I knew personally. I explained the need for a State Lung Cancer Round Table, what the opportunities for improvement were, and what the commitment might be. I asked them if they would suggest or enroll any colleagues that I or they could call. I gave them specific opportunities to serve on or chair
specific committees. I told them we would meet monthly by phone and annually in person.”

Step C

Establish Your Structure

Communicate Your Neutrality

– Consider working with with a marketing and communications firm to develop a neutral logo and a look and feel to brands and marketing and then used the branding consistently across
communications efforts. Use neutral branding but list all major partners on slides, publications, and other materials to share credit and give exposure.

Find an Umbrella Organization

– Even if you don’t have the capacity to create a new 501(c)(3) organization, there may be an existing 501(c)(3) that would be willing to house your initiative. If a lung cancer initiative
connects to their mission, they may also be able to provide staff time and other resources, help apply for funding, and in general save time and effort.