The relationship between National Bricks-n-Books Project, Inc. (Nat’l BnB) and its Affiliates is one where Nat’l BnB deploys its job readiness training programs into local communities in partnership with a local community-based organization, the “Affiliate.”

The Nature of the Nat’l BnB / Affiliate Relationship

In order for this relationship to work, Nat’l BnB realizes that its principle role is to operate behind the scenes, in a transparent fashion, as it were; always promoting the Affiliate as the primary provider of the services being offered in the community. How does this work?  First, all parties work to avoid ever taking on an adversarial posture.  This means the each member of the Nat’l BnB / Affiliate partnership must accept and perform their respective roles and responsibilities to the fullest degree necessary to assure program success.  Clearly there are functions that are better performed by the Affiliate, while others are more suited for Nat’l BnB.

For example, collaborations that are established in the community must be those established between the Affiliate and local collaborative partners; not between Nat’l BnB and the local collaborative partners.  In essence, while operating within the framework of program methodologies, the Affiliate makes the call at the local level, with Nat’l BnB providing consult support.  On the other hand, Nat’l BnB may be involved in establishing collaborative partners on a national level that might benefit the Affiliate locally.  Also, Nat’l BnB must always be acknowledged by the Affiliate as the “developer and owner of the programs” being offered, which means it is responsible for assuring program quality at all levels – locally and nationally. As such, Nat’l BnB reserves the right to update all programs and materials at any time, at its discretion.

In order for each member of the partnership to satisfy their roles and responsibilities more fully, there is an absolute necessity for all to have clarity as to the program’s operational methodologies, which is provided in great detail in the Bricks-n-Books Operational Manual.

1. Additional professional development.
2. Promotional material development specific to the affiliates community.
3. National program promotions, including the identification of all affiliates' activities.
4. Identification of affiliates on National Bricks-n-Books Project website.
5. Identifying success stories of each and every participant enrolled in affiliates' Bricks-n-Books Projects, nationwide.
6. Continuous monitoring the field and reporting on the status of at-risk youth and the communities in which they live.
7. Continuous development of new self-sustaining programs and methods that can be adapted by affiliates and integrated into their programs.
8. Continuous search for public/private funding sources both at affiliate levels as well as nationally.