Building Relationships -- A  reprinted reflection from Kathleen Lane, AAP's Iowa Field Consultant, that still rings true several years later.

Organizers and field consultants are personable by nature. Beyond commitment to the issue of expanding access to abortion, it is why we are well-suited for the work. The quality and impact of our work depends upon relationships. And building relationships is something we do naturally. Lately, I've been reflecting on how exactly we do build relationships. Why is it crucial to the work? What's effective and what's challenging?

Interpersonal Relationships

In building successful relationships we need to gain understanding of others and build trust and credibility. Gaining understanding of our partners in the work means allowing for the complexities of and multi-dimensions of each individual. Part of this will include an introspective periodic check for any unexamined assumptions that might impede building relationships. Every coalition member plays a crucial role on the path to success of the project. We know what role(s) we would like a person to play on this path but individuals usually clarify for themselves why a relationship is strategically important for them. Acknowledging and respecting that provides a blueprint for the way contact is moderated.

Being credible is crucial. I want my stakeholders to see me as a resource. Sometimes I don't have the answer to a question. Building credibility means being okay with that, willing to say so and letting them know you will find the answer. Little things matter in building credibility too. Being realistic about time lines goes a long way. I've found it is better to avoid saying "I'll get back to you tomorrow on that" particularly if "getting back" is dependent on connecting with someone else.

A lot of this work is one-on-one and establishing rapport means appreciating the individual as a person. Building trust includes sincerely caring and being open to each individual's position, both professional role and as a person. They need to know that you are truly listening and willing to weave their ideas into the plan.

Group Dynamics

At times we call group meetings, sometimes of all the stakeholders. We may have pre-existing relationships with members through the community or previous work.  I remind myself that this is not the time to build interpersonal relationships. My role is to strengthen alliance and cooperation within the group. My relationship at these times is with the group. Honoring and encouraging "stakeholder wholeness" has bigger benefits for the organizer and the project in the long run.

Be focused/Be flexible

We have a goal and we have a plan. If we have clear communication and effective collaboration we would expect that we can achieve results. Often we have external obstacles along the way culturally and politically. Having a strong stakeholder alliance gives the project strength and can help us re-frame situations to gain a broader perspective. And individually, there are many great insights in the group. Pose effective questions and truly listen.

Ah, listening. Having rapport means that individuals are willing to express to me any reservations and conflicts they may have about the project. They know that I value them and their views and that I will explore it all with them and seek resolutions. A lot of creativity goes into this work. In the broader scope we all hold the same values regarding women's right to reproductive health care. We're Cultural Creatives, every one of us. And as such we need to always believe in the creative capacity of individuals to overcome any obstacle to the work of expanding access to abortion. Not one of us can do it alone. And who among us would want to?