The theory behind networks is simple and obvious. By working together, organizations can effectively harness and focus their collective energies to influence change. Under the umbrella of a network each organization becomes part of greater whole which can speak with a unified voice. Networks multiply resources including professional staff, mass volunteer memberships, geographically dispersed branches, expertise and influential relationships with government decision-makers.
In developing its strategies and tactics, a network can draw upon the collective expertise and insights of a diverse team. Some groups possess sophisticated media skills and enjoy good relations with reporters. For others counselling and offering psychosocial support may be their strong points. Others may have legislative drafting and advocacy skills.
Still other groups may be able to offer services such as photocopying documents for other members. In GCN technical skills are tapped from within the membership. The membership has a pool of expertise ranging from lawyers, child activists, gender specialists, medical personnel, and counselors.
Networking, involving partnerships will allow expertise to be pooled and shared and resources maximized. Partnerships make sense because the issues affecting girls are multi-dimensional and few organizations can address all the issues. Institutional capacity building is also very important because certain areas of girl child programming require technical expertise. A case in point, being counselling. Networking strengthens the human resource base and provides a pool of experts to provide appropriate expertise to members in all facets of programming.
Girl Child Network appreciates that the field has reached the point where isolated initiatives need to be consolidated in order to ensure optimum coverage. Partnerships between local organizations will provide the connections to move programs closer to needed scale while eliminating the competitive spirit that exists between local agencies, creating instead a spirit of shared effort and collaboration.
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Why Network?
