Our work across the globe has helped us to create a unique method that builds networks for young people in any environment.
We combine a decade of practical experience with sector-wide best practice and insights from network building in over 30 countries across the world.
Thriving networks need these four components:
- Vision and Purpose: A network must be bound together by a shared purpose and aspirational vision for positive change. This should be guided by the organisation or school, but ultimately defined by the network members themselves.
- Structure and Leadership: It needs a clearly designated group of individuals to lead the network, including representatives of the marginalised. Leaders must be able to effectively co-manage and make decisions. Networks also need processes to nurture a pipeline of future leaders and processes to transition leadership roles.
- Engagement and Communications: A network requires a deliberate strategy supporting the vision and using activities for maintaining engagement, keeping members motivated, and fostering a sense of belonging. This requires regular and relevant communication driven by effective data management and careful selection of platforms and tools, which will encourage members across different segments to engage with one another.
- Activities and Mobilisation: To achieve the purpose of the network, there needs to be co-defined activities and collective action that will answer the needs of your network members and current students or participants and will allow people to apply their skills for practical change.
Cross-Cutting Values
Underpinning the core components, three cross-cutting values need to be incorporated into network building to drive positive social change:
I. Learning:
Embedding an inquisitive mindset and processes to reflect and adapt creates opportunities for growth. On an organisational level, this means defining success and setting up how to measure it and with a review process it leads to constant improvement and greater impact.
II. Inclusion:
Networks benefit from diversity of its members. Creating empowering spaces that celebrate diversity and enable those who are often excluded to participate, co-own and co-lead the network and feel that they belong, unlocks innovation and impact diversity brings.
III. Environmental responsibility:
Prioritise goals and the use of resources so that current and future generations can prosper and lead fulfilling and healthy lives locally and globally.