Fantasies and Realities in University-Community Partnerships

Abstract

University-community partnerships can be a realistic means of increasing resources for addressing community problems. However, expectations of partnerships are often so grand, and available resources so limited, that those who create partnerships may substitute fantasy about how partnerships will magically create abundant problem-solving resources for realistic analysis, organizing, planning, and funding. This article examines contrasts between the rhetoric and realities of the university, the community, and partnership with case material from the University of Maryland’s Urban Community Service Program partnership with a Southeast Baltimore education organization. The case highlights the importance of starting partnerships with definiteness about outcomes and resources but maintaining adaptability in process.