Funders+Guide+Learning



=Part 4: Contribute to Learning=

A commitment to learning is critical to both working with a network mindset and supporting network approaches to social impact. Adopting a network mindset requires experimenting with new behaviors and practices and openly learning from these experiences. Evaluating philanthropic investment in networks requires approaches that reflect the dynamic complex nature of networks in service of learning and continuous adaptation. I think this is worth two sentences, it sounds like networks are in service of learning. Evaluating philanthropic investment in networks requires approaches that reflect the dynamic complex nature of networks. Network sensitive assesment will enhancelearning and continuous adaptation to improve the impact of the network. SMcA
 * //Experiment and Learn Openly//**

We don’t know all the answers to how to work well in a network context. Experimentation and a commitment to shared learning will be needed. Share what you’re learning so others can learn from you and open yourself up to learning from others.


 * //Take a network lens to your evaluation of networks//**


 * //Why is assessing network impact difficult?//
 * It’s difficult to assess network impact for the same reasons that measurement of broad-reaching efforts toward systems change are hard to measure:
 * //Quantification//: many changes can’t be measured in quantitative terms, and what can be measured may not always be what’s most important
 * //Long-time horizons:// field level results may take many years to be realized. Moreover, in a network context, the results may differ from what was originally intended
 * //Causality//: It’s rarely possible to attribute causality to a single program, let alone a network where you might not even be aware of all of the players and activities
 * Plus – challenges specific to network context:
 * Complexity – large numbers of players and dynamic, ever-changing systems
 * Limited capacity to take part in the evaluation process. Most networks are driven by volunteer participation
 * //Getting started//
 * Look at indicators of impact in both the process of network formation and the field you’re trying to change. Networks can be a powerful //means// for making progress on tough social problems, like public health and education reform. And, the process of weaving networks can be an //end// in itself with stronger webs of relationships creating new potential of all kinds.
 * Invest in feedback loops and learning systems for ongoing assessment that help everyone build understanding together.
 * Evaluate networks collaboratively. Engage network participants in developing a system-wide picture of what is being tried and achieved by the various players. If you build a shared vision of the change you’d like to see, it becomes possible to collectively develop shared indicators that you can all track progress against.
 * //What needs to be assessed?//
 * Network connectivity and health
 * Field-level impact
 * Transformative changes for network members in inspiring and evocative relationships with others; and the viral nature of these kinds of transformative changes (Audrey)
 * //What principles should inform network impact assessment?//
 * E.g., Emphasize learning over near-term judgment, given long time horizon for many network. Focus on meaningful contribution toward impact, rather than attribution. Use network evaluation as part of an ongoing dynamic process of network learning and adaptation to enhance progress toward intended outcomes (or vision)SMcA


 * //What skills are needed to effectively contribute to learning and assess network impact?//**

//**Sidebar: Additional Resources**// E.g., //Network Evaluation: Cultivating Healthy Networks for Social Change, Annie E Casey case on Making Connections, Next Generation Network Evaluation by iScale, FSG’s Collective Impact article in SSIR, Social Network Analysis in Program Evaluation (AEA Journal)//

Go back to the Funders Guide Preliminary Outline.