While most providers, social workers, and other helping professionals now realize the importance of social support and care, few have the information, data, tools, and resources required to make an impact on those they serve. We need better ways to screen for social needs, analyze
To address wicked problems like social isolation and social need, we need to take network approaches that leverage coalitions of community partners to achieve collective impact. However, without some kind of data to guide your efforts, this work can be difficult to achieve any significant
Rural communities are full of social connections. Everyone seems to know everyone and is willing to help at a moment’s notice. However, despite this personal resilience, rural communities also face greater challenges related to transportation, internet access, and social services and resources. A number of
Social connectedness plays an important role in the health and well-being of veterans. From physical health and wellness to mental health issues like depression, PTSD or suicide, providing strong social support is a demonstrated way to improve outcomes across the board. However, despite the evidence,
Social connectedness is a major factor in a young person’s development and growth. From the moment we are first born, we are dependent on a network of social support, including parents, siblings, neighbors, family, and friends. These individuals and organizations serve as mentors and peers,
Social connectedness is a major factor in a young person’s development and growth. From the moment we are first born, we are dependent on a network of social support, including parents, siblings, neighbors, family, and friends. These individuals and organizations serve as mentors and peers,
We have a social connectedness crisis in America among older adults. Studies and surveys show that 1 in 4 people over the age of 50 feel lonely a significant amount of the time, and 1 in 3 are socially isolated. These problems have real, significant
What is social connectedness, and how is it different from social isolation and loneliness? How does connectedness impact our health, and why is it so critically important? As we continue to work our way through the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are asking these questions about
https://youtu.be/f2BJTJBxVsI Over the past year, we have tested PARTNERme, our social connectedness screening tool, in a number of unique pilot projects with community partners in health care, education, and mental health sectors. We learned a great deal about measuring social connectedness in a variety of
https://youtu.be/plXJcRT2ouM Network mapping and social network analysis is a powerful method for visualizing the quality and quantity of connections in a network of partners. It allows you to see who works with who, what resources are exchanged, how partners trust and value one another, and
Click the link below to download a free resource to help strengthen your community partnerships, network, and collaborative 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.
Our Network Leadership Guide shares tips to build, manage, and strengthen your network of community partners. It’s perfect for those taking a systematic approach to address the root causes of health inequity or the social determinants of health.
