Partnerships between public health and FBOs can be fruitful for both groups.  As with any partnership, care and time must be given to these relationships. FBOs are trusted messengers to many people in the community who may not readily access or trust public health messages.  Public health can be a source of information and resources to FBOs and their leadership, which they can in turn share with their congregations and those they serve in the community.

Public health programs should be diligent in approaching organizations that share similar commitments. Like any partnership, you cannot assume that relationship building and expansion are shared goals.  Creating an interest in deepening the partnership may require some preliminary steps, such as convening introductory meetings to ensure proposed new/expanded activities are appropriately addressing common goals of both partners.  Public health agencies may also consider distributing requests for proposals more widely to include FBOs.

We hope the Model Practices Framework has inspired you, affirmed what you are already doing, and given you the determination to do even better.  The last section has a list of organizations and resources that you may find useful as you continue on your partnership building journey.