Two qualities, more than others, characterize the networking process as it relates to human service organizations, many of which are NGOs and CBOs. These qualities are spontaneity and freedom. Spontaneity is the willingness of individuals to reach out at any time to help those in need. Freedom, on the other hand, is both an individual and institutional value that must be present if networking of needs and resources is to take place. It includes freedom to act; freedom to redefine institutional and program boundaries in order to be more responsive in a time of need; and the freedom to share power, influence and access to resources in a collaborative, non-threatening manner. It is through individual spontaneity and the freedom to act that the art of networking human needs and community resources is best exemplified.
GCN holds meetings for all the members once every two months.These bi-monthly meetings create fora where members exchange ideas and share experiences from their organizations. GCN has also used the bi-monthly meetings to distribute relevant IEC materials from other organizations.
Special talks during the bi-monthly meetings given by selected persons depending on the area of specialization have enlightened members on pertinent issues on the girl child as well as children in general. The spontaneity of the members of the network is evidenced by the partcicipation of members at the meeting.
These two qualities, spontaneity and freedom, drive the networking process and make it dynamic and responsive. They are qualities that are largely absent in the formal, bureaucratic, professionally staffed agencies that are charged with performing many of the human services. This provides NGOs and CBOs with unique opportunities and challenges to optimize their use of networking techniques to serve their communities and constituents in new and bold ways.
The ability of NGOs and CBOs to influence begins with the competencies of the organizations' leadership and staff, quickly spreads to the individual organizations' competencies and track record, and finally involves the network of NGO/CBO institutions that can be mobilized to influence community or region wide issues and concerns.
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Strengths
