- Track the key issues and important challenges in the community.
- Maintain ties to many facets of the community by participating on task forces and boards, attending community meetings, etc.
- Create a large network of people who can be encouraged to participate in initiatives and who can provide support when needed.
- Build trust in the integrity and results of the collaboration process on the part of key leaders and the community at large.
- Establish strong, ongoing relationships with funders, elected officials, and key community leaders.
- Demonstrate commitment to implementation by finding a permanent home for the activities and, at least initially, monitoring and reporting on the progress of activities implemented.