Networking




Take the time to gather and talk to all of the various workers in the community (health care providers, security enforcement, schools, environmental groups, women’s groups, street workers, etc.) and convince them of the importance of girls’ problems and the urgency to act.

Leave space for each partner to make suggestions so you can have a local plan of action that is integrated and coherent and can be implemented throughout the various sectors. Take the time to explain to and convince your co-workers – and also involve them in the plan of action.

~ Geneviève Morand,

Magazine Authentik, a magazine by and for girls, Montreal

It gives me more credibility, being a part of a national organization, with representation from across the country … all types of organizations, all walks of life.”

~ Retreat Participant, 2004 

 

Creating girls programs is community building. We have learned along the way that it is vital to build community support, credibility and legitimacy. To do this we engage girls who participate in our program with a wide range of people, including volunteers, mentors, schools, youth and women’s organizations, funders, contributors, media, and others.

 

We also engage with other organizations or community members who support our work as allies, stakeholders, and partners. This creates a community of support for your girls program, and offers a broad understanding of girls’ issues while strengthening the network of inspiring and engaging people; and issues and events that the girls can get involved with. This task can seem daunting at first, but take it step-by-step.

 

Here are some general tips for building support for your program:

 

  • Don’t get stuck working in isolation.

  • Build energy around your program and talk to people, share your ideas, and engage people. You will need other people to believe in your vision to make it happen.

  • Talk to teachers at the local school and ask for support. Find someone in the school who will be an ally for your work.

  • Find people in the community who can relate to your ideas. For example, make links with the local women’s or youth organizations.

  • Make links with the local university. Find professors who care about community issues who will support your efforts. Talk to people who work at the university women’s centre or to Women’s Studies professors. University support can provide important legitimacy.

  • Talk to friends, parents, sisters and brothers, ask them if they know anyone who can help you out.

  • Find local not-for-profit organizations and use the resources that they have to support your program. You can, for example, search out other organizations that do similar work and ask them to help you, either on a volunteer level or as consultants.

  • Ask for letters of support from organizations, teachers, professors, and MPs.

  • Make the most of the Girls Action’s National Network. There is a wealth of experience to draw on and people to support you. Contact Girls Action to get advice and to find out how you can connect to other network members in your area and across Canada.

  • Be persistent!

  • Ask for help!

 

There exist many different avenues to build community support and engagement in your program. The next sections describe some key ways to work with others in supporting your program and how to engage girls and they local community in your program.

 

For addition information on this topic, visit our Online Resource Centre www.girlsactionfoundation.ca