A strong network of community partners is a powerful asset to any social change organization. However, it is not easy building these networks, especially if you are new to the challenge. Network science theories and lessons from the field have a great deal to teach
The past year of COVID quarantines and isolation has reaffirmed the importance of social connectedness in our lives. However, it has also exacerbated the issue of social isolation, with studies suggesting record levels of isolation and loneliness in the United States and around the world.
As many clinics and hospitals begin implementing screening programs for the social determinants of health, best practices are being identified and spread from site to site. Many providers have demonstrated the impact of taking a strength-based approach to social need screening and referrals. While SDOH
Only 10-20% of our health outcomes are determined by what happens in a medical clinic. You read that right. Just 10-20%! The other 80-90% results from our health behaviors, where we live, and other factors like access to housing, food, and social support. We call
Strengthening a young person’s social connectedness and social support system can be vital as they encounter complexities on the road to becoming the person they want to be. Sponsored by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, the Social Support Research Fellowship is a partnership between Visible
VNL was recently highlighted by the Trenton Daily for our work with the Trenton Health Team. Read the article below. Trenton Health Team’s (THT) Community Advisory Board (CAB) includes more than 100 organizations from around the region and across sectors. The group convenes regularly to
Anyone who has tried building or leading a coalition knows how difficult it is. Given all the work that goes into these efforts, many researchers are focused on identifying the key factors that lead to coalition success – both in terms of the social impact
“I assume that every collaboration will bring conflict that must be managed” ⏤ Nancy Cantor Tweet Conflict in a coalition is normal – in fact, it’s usually a sign that the coalition or network is quite strong and engaged. Its members are passionate and involved,
“Any tool can be used for good or bad. It’s really the ethics of the analyst using it.” ⏤ John Knoll Tweet Believe it or not, social network analysis has a lot of ethical pitfalls you might be unaware of. Unlike traditional survey research, social
“Systems thinking is a discipline for seeing wholes. It is a framework for seeing interrelationships rather than things, for seeing ‘patterns of change’ rather than ‘static snapshots.” ⏤ Peter Senge Tweet Systems thinking is getting more popular than ever as more and more people realize
Click one of the links below to download a free resource to strengthen your community partnerships, collaborative network, and strategic ecosystem.
Advice for building, managing, and assessing cross-sector networks or coalitions of partners.
A template to map the connections and interactions between key stakeholders in your community.
A worksheet and guide to help you think through and develop your network or ecosystem strategy.
Get monthly updates on VNL news, new research, funding opportunities, and other resources related to network and ecosystem mapping and management.
