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Author: Alex Derr

What is a Network Broker
Infographics

Infographic: The Five Types of Network Brokers

In every community or organizational network, there are key individuals who help keep the system connected and effective. These people are known as network brokers—individuals who sit at strategic points in a network and play a crucial role in facilitating collaboration, resource-sharing, and information flow.

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Five Types of Network Brokers
Blogs

Five Types of Network Brokerage Roles Every Community Leader Should Know

In complex social systems—coalitions, collaboratives, partnerships, or cross-sector initiatives—network leadership is about more than connection. It’s about positioning, facilitation, and leveraging relationships to drive strategic outcomes. This is where network brokers play a vital role. At the heart of brokerage is the idea that individuals

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Building Networks That Work 10 Practical Lessons
Blogs

Building Networks That Work: 10 Practical Lessons From Network Science

Healthy networks don’t happen by accident. They are intentionally designed ecosystems that evolve through clear goals, purposeful structure, and a relentless focus on relationships. Drawing on ten key topics from VNL’s Insights Library, below are condensed lessons you can apply today—whether you’re launching a new

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Building Hubs with Network Science
Blogs

Building Effective Hubs for System Change: A Network Science Approach

In complex systems like public health, early childhood, and behavioral health, coordination is everything—but it’s hard. More and more communities are turning to hubs as central connectors to align stakeholders, share resources, and drive systems change. However, without a clear picture of the network, hubs

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Types of Community Assets
Blogs

Types of Community Assets: 10+ Examples of People, Places, and Partnerships

Community asset mapping is a powerful practice embraced by nonprofits, public health agencies, local governments, and coalitions to illuminate and mobilize the inherent strengths within their communities. Instead of solely focusing on needs or deficits, this strengths-based approach builds upon what’s already working, fostering resilience

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Network Leadership Guide

Advice for building, managing, and assessing cross-sector networks or coalitions of partners.

Ecosystem Mapping Template

A template to map the connections and interactions between key stakeholders in your community.

Network Strategy Planner

A worksheet and guide to help you think through and develop your network or ecosystem strategy.

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