When building a coalition, you should set aside your preconceived conceptions and positions concerning your goals, priorities, and policies. Remaining open-minded is one of a network leader’s best tools. After all, a network’s access to different ideas and ways of thinking is one of its
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
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
https://youtu.be/acotRX_7BlY The past year has created pressing new demands on social service providers, including food banks, nonprofits, and other food-related organizations. While the food systems sector was already a hub for collaborative innovation, COVID-19 further accelerated the importance of network leadership skills and strategy for
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
Managing a network of community partners is no easy task. Unlike typical hierarchical organizations, a network is horizontal with few formal mechanisms for accountability through control. Network leaders have to rely on more abstract ideas like trust and mission alignment to keep their partners accountable,
“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
Network Leadership is the practice of building, managing, and evaluating cross-sector community partnership with a network approach. While traditional leadership emphasizes hierarchal styles of leadership, network leaders must manage a dynamic environment without formal roles, hierarchies, or authority. There are a lot of common examples
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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.
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