Making the Case for Networks

Are you trying to convince others that a network is the right answer for your cause? Some suggestions for recruiting support:

Illustrate success. Some key actors don't immediately agree with, or understand, the need to build a network. Some individuals also feel territorial or defensive about sharing resources; many actors in the nonprofit sector exist within an inherently competitive funding and/or political environment. Thus an important early step is to [share examples of how networks have successfully achieved social change]. The key message is that network members need not sacrifice any of their own advantages to participate; rather, networks amplify the reach and influence of their members beyond what any individual organization could do itself.

See yourself as already operating in networks. Many advocates are already acting as networks/network members. Encourage them to think about how they're currently forming and exploiting informal relationships to get their work done. For example, have they recruited friends to come to a successful fundraising event? Have they used personal contacts within the environmental or right advocacy communities to get meetings? These kinds of informal ties - and the resources that are made available as a result - are the idea of networks in action.

Gauge organizational ripeness for network action. Informally survey the key network actors. Are organizations supportive of member involvement? Are there reasons why certain individuals or member organizations will need special interventions/selling of why it would be effective to operate as a network? Remember that although an individual may be sold on the idea of operating within a network, it takes the entire organization to support - or at the very least not hinder - any changes or interventions.

Understand investments needed. Make sure members understand the value of collaboration, and the time that may be required to start collaborating effectively. There may not be tangible results or benefits right away - there may be an initial "building up" period during which members need to invest more than they should expect to benefit. For this reason, it's also a wise idea to set up some 'low-hanging fruit'/easy victories, to get some momentum and excitement for collaboration.