“All who think cannot but see there is a sanction like that of religion which binds us in partnership in the serious work of the world.”

--John Hay

Instead of focusing on their individual agendas, collaborative partnerships establish common goals. In order to address problems that lie beyond any single agency's exclusive view, but which concern them all, partners agree to pool resources, jointly plan, implement, and evaluate new services and procedures, and delegate individual responsibility for the outcomes of their joint efforts.

Community-based participation is an approach to partnership that seeks equitable and collaborative involvement of community members and agencies in all aspects of the process. It has moved slowly into the areas of health and public health, but is making its mark in Lassen County.