WHEN will they be ready? Seizing your role as a network adoption guide

Offerings - workshops, communities of practice, webinars, toolkits, and research briefs - are the heart of how network hubs (like associations or network HQs) influence their members. In our new publication, in partnership with the Iowa Council of Foundations (ICoF), “From Implicit to Explicit: Lessons for supporting funders in advancing racial equity in philanthropy,” we move from discussing single offerings to thinking about a more strategic approach: delivering interwoven offerings over time to generate momentum of network adoption.  

Working with the ICoF and other network hubs, we can see that guiding network adoption requires not just planning for the HOW but thinking of the WHEN. When an offering is launched, especially in relation to other offerings and in response to the readiness of members, impacts the uptake of offerings and the success of adoption of new practices.

What cues helped us to know WHEN our network was at the right moment to adopt new ways of working? WHEN was it necessary for the ICoF to lead, to follow, to push, to nudge?

Looking back, we can identify the cues that helped us recognize when and how to support our members in adoption of racial equity. For example, when you hear…

(click on the dropdown arrow to see the network leaders response)

• "I went to a national conference and there was a lot of talk about ____. I know it’s important, but I can’t imagine how we’d do that."

  The network guide’s role: To encourage curiosity, even when network members are not yet ready for action. Build awareness in order to generate interest.

• “We’re interested in working on ____ but we don’t know where to begin. Do you have some resources?”

  The network guide’s role: To provide resources and experts to answer the questions people are asking right now. Help members engage in a few “quick win” effective actions that advance the goal. Support the willing. In any network, a small subgroup of members will begin adoption earlier than others. When this happens, start shifting your facilitative energy to support the willing members. Offer workshops, webinars, and conversations that meet their needs.

• “We’re working on ____ and I’m running into politics and resistance from people in power. I’m not sure what to do next?”

  The network guide’s role: Support members in making adaptive changes to culture, power, systems, and policies. Help members persist and deepen their work through peer support models.

See more examples specific to racial equity and the role of Philanthropy Serving in our new publication “From Implicit to Explicit: Lessons for supporting funders in advancing racial equity in philanthropy,”