F5.01 - Oral Session: Ties That Bind: Understanding and Capitalizing on Relationships Between Organizations

Brief Abstract Summary: Explore how Inter-Organizational Network (ION) Analysis, a type of Social Network Analysis (SNA), can strengthen collaboration in multi-sector efforts to prevent teen pregnancy and improve adolescent sexual and reproductive health (SRH). In complex urban environments like Chicago, coordinated partnerships across various and diverse stakeholders are essential, but difficult to manage. Through the POPSS initiative, led by Texas A&M University in partnership with Lurie Children’s Hospital, we used ION analysis to map and evaluate a steering committee's collaboration dynamics. This session highlights how SNA methods revealed strengths, gaps, and opportunities in organizational relationships, resource sharing, and strategic planning. Participants will gain practical insights into visualizing networks, interpreting key metrics, and applying findings to improve coalition function. Learn how ION analysis can be a powerful tool to advance health equity and support youth outcomes.

Detailed abstract description: Preventing teen pregnancy and improving adolescent sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes requires a coordinated, systems-level approach beyond isolated interventions. In large urban cities such as Chicago, cross-sector collaboration is both vital and inherently complex. Steering committees and coalitions often serve as the backbone for collaboration, yet the dynamics of how organizations interact, share resources, and influence decision-making are rarely systematically analyzed.
To address these challenges, Texas A&M Health was awarded a five-year grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to implement the Chicago Partnerships & Opportunities for Adolescent Health Preparation, Support & Services (POPSS) initiative, in collaboration with Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. POPSS seeks to deliver evidence-based programs, policies, and resources across schools, clinics, community organizations, and congregate care settings in historically underserved areas of greater Chicagoland. Central to this initiative is a community engagement strategy focused on capacity building through a steering committee composed of key stakeholders tasked with providing strategic direction, oversight, and community-responsive decision-making.
This presentation showcases the use of Inter-Organizational Network (ION) Analysis, a type of Social Network Analysis (SNA), to examine the structure, strengths, and gaps in a citywide steering committee focused on teen pregnancy prevention and SRH in Chicago. SNA methods are used to understand and improve relationships and connections within a network, revealing hidden influencers, identifying bottlenecks and opportunities, and fostering collaboration. It offers data-driven insights for organizations to strengthen partnerships, optimize communication, and achieve strategic goals across various fields. Through the ION, we mapped the relationships among committee member organizations, focusing on key dimensions such as relationship, information and resource sharing, planning, and contracts. We collected data through surveys completed by steering committee members at the start of year 1 and halfway through year 2, to capture direct ties and perceptions of network dynamics.
This session will describe the basics of conducting an ION analysis, present our findings, and explain the importance of using SNA to inform collaborative efforts. We will share network visualizations, describe key metrics (e.g., degree centrality, betweenness, network density), and reflect on the practical implications of using ION analysis to evaluate and improve collaborative functioning.
By the end of this session, participants will understand how ION analysis can be a powerful tool for evaluating and strengthening collaboration among multi-organizations public health initiatives. Our goal is to show how tools like ION analysis can help communities work together more effectively to support young people’s health and futures.