5-17+FAQ+Funders+Guide

=The "Ask"=
 * //We'd love your thoughts / reflections on the preliminary outline of the guide, specifically://**
 * 1) General reactions: what works? what didn't?
 * 2) What’s missing?
 * 3) What's not needed / what can we drop?
 * 4) What additional examples / experiences from your work or others might we include to illustrate ideas?

= **//Frequently Asked Questions//** =
 * How do networks relate to coalitions? Movements? Collaboration?
 * What’s the relationship between network theory, systems dynamics and complexity theory?
 * How do the ideas and recommendations in this guide apply to a global context?
 * How are decisions made in network context? What is known about effective network alignment and governance?


 * What is network weaving and how to support it?
 * When weaving networks, what needs to be done in-person and what can be done online? How to integrate the online and in-person
 * What are techniques for facilitating network interactions and “holding network space”?
 * How do I get started using social media if I don’t have any time?


 * What roles can foundations play in networks?
 * How to manage power differentials when funders enter or catalyze networks?
 * What skills and characteristics are needed to invest in catalyzing networks?
 * What skills are needed to effectively contribute to learning and assess network impact?
 * How do I convince others that working transparently and using social media adds value to my work as a program officer?

[most FAQs still need to be drafted. A few are included below]

**//What roles can foundations play in networks?//**
While there is no simple formula for the foundation staffing needed to support networks, a helpful first step is to clarify the role or roles you’ll be playing in the network.

Typical roles funders take on in networks include:
 * **Catalyst**: establishes value proposition(s); establishes first links to participants (during ‘knitting the network’ stage).
 * **Sponsor**: provides resources for knitting, organizing, growing and transitioning / transforming the network.
 * **Weaver**: works to increase connections among participants; grows the network by connecting to new participants (during ‘knitting the network’ ‘growing the network’ stages).
 * **Coach**: provides advice as needed, once trust is established and power dynamic is well understood.
 * **Participant**: participates in the network without assuming discrete leadership role.
 * **Assessor**: diagnoses network needs and progress, and recommends next steps.

A funder can play one or multiple roles in networks. For instance, Janet Shing at the Community Foundation for Monterey County has been acting as a catalyst, a sponsor, a coach and a hands-on weaver in her work building community-based networks in Monterey County. She has been catalyzing conversations about network connections through the use of network maps. She has been reaching out to members in the community to invite participation and make connections, as well as creating learning opportunities and coaching network leaders. And, the community foundation has been supporting these efforts through their Social Network Project Support.

Intermediaries can also be engaged to take on these roles. The Barr Foundation hired Chris Lynch to weave connections among the after school community in Boston. Chris was positioned independent of the foundation, acting as bridge between Barr and the sector. The Barr Foundation’s role was to support the network and coach Chris.

**//What skills are needed to effectively contribute to learning and assess network impact?//**
In addition to standard characteristics of strong evaluators, like analytic rigor, pattern recognition, and effective framing of the inquiry, evaluators of networks can also benefit from the following: > > > > > > > > > > > > Of course, it is hard to find all of these characteristics in one person. Prioritize the softer skills that are critical to success in this type of work and consider assembling a team with diverse talents.
 * //Balance of network expertise and context expertise.// Enough network expertise to effectively assess the aspects like connectivity and overall network health. Enough sector-specific knowledge to develop an informed/context specific interpretation of the results –recommendations on how the network might move forward.
 * //A combination of anthropologic and journalistic skills//. Ability to develop an assessment based on close observation, plus ability to capture stories of network impact.
 * //High emotional intelligence// and an awareness of his/her role/ position/ influence in the network
 * //Adaptable and open//. Without strong preconceptions of what should and shouldn’t work
 * //Capacity building skills//. Ability to help the network develop assessment skills
 * //Ability to assess at both micro and macro levels//

Go back to 5-17 Draft Funders Guide TOC