Our Approach

By bringing together people who reflect the diversity of their disciplines and their community, our Network provides an ideal forum for identifying opportunities. When opportunity knocks, the Network structure ensures a quick response. When advocacy is needed, the collective strength of its members gives credibility and clout. This approach promotes creativity and lets us take concrete, meaningful action on what's important now.

The health and well-being of children and youth is a huge complex issue. for this reason, the effort to bring about positive change can seem overwhelming. What should be the first step? It's all too easy to postpone action until some master plan appears. In the Network, we think if you have to eat an elephant, it doesn't matter where you take your first bite.

We've forged strong links across the sectors of health, social and community services, education, recreation and justice. By bringing together this diverse group, we are able to identify and create opportunities, and then act on them. Although our structure is non-hierarchical and very flexible, our guiding principles and firm commitment to action provide a unifying purpose and serve as an organizational glue. Our projects and working groups are designed to serve as a model of integration. Network members leave their organizational agendas (and hats) at the door, which has a way of opening new opportunities.

The Secret to Network Success

Encouraging collaboration that fosters good personal relations among our members. Our members respect one another's skills and experience, and see one another as interdependent equals. There are no superiors or subordinates, and we try hard to leave "turf" issues at the door. We support the concept of multiple leaders, and our members are encouraged to feel personal responsibility for the Network's performance and its reputation. When everyone's participating as an equal, and when that participation is voluntary and informal, the Network functons much more smoothly. That kind of atmosphere encourages trust and makes people willing to share.

Taking steps to encourage and build enthusiasm. Network members are a diverse group, and we believe that's one of our greatest assets. It recognizes that the passion and energy members bring to particular issues are precious assets that must be nourished, not subordinated to predefined goals. Broad guidelines and a deliberately informal structure contribute to creativity, while providing needed support and a sense of community. A well-articulated mission statement, a shared vision and common values provide a unifying purpose and serve as organizational glue. We work especially hard to be respectful and supportive of new members. Most of the time, members are engaged in their own projects within a Working Group. Our annual Retreats and other events give everyone an opportunity to come together from time to time to share inspiration and renew commitment.

Trying to keep our expectations realistic. Those who try to command the ebb and flow of the tide are usually disappointed. The ripples caused by the pebbles we throw into the water can be far more effective in the long run. It's our hope they will develop into waves of large-scale change. Every project provides a sound basis for growth and diversification, because everything we do is designed as a model for integration.