On October 2nd 2024, members of Collectivity’s ecosystem—clients, partners, and supporters—gathered to discuss Building a Network for Collective Action. Facilitators included Bo Thao-Urabe, founder of the Coalition of Asian American Leaders (CAAL) and Rooted to Last, as well as Collectivity co-founder Scott D. Cole. All attendees had either worked on or led a network for collective action.

During the 90-minute discussion, while reflecting on the traits of successful coalitions, Scott remarked, “We have a few recipes at our house which we do over and over again. We do them because they are replicable; they'll taste good again and again. I am hoping we have recipes for successful networks as well.” Later, Deb Broberg, executive director of RealTime Talent, said, “If there is a better recipe for that meal, I am here for it!”

Bo led our discussion like a seasoned chef, sharing valuable tips and tricks from her 30 years of experience managing collaborative networks. The salon’s topic focused primarily on the recipe for a well-woven network for collective action.

‘Recipe’ Description

What does a successful network for collective action look like?

Genuine

The best networks for change invoke genuine and authentic participation. Relationships among members are healthy, connections are meaningful, and the members truly communicate with one another. It’s a group that knows itself, and where members feel safe to present their authentic selves while within it.

**Tips and Tricks**

**It’s supposed to be fun!**
“*When you staff a network, you aren’t building something that collects STUFF… people often get networking events wrong because we treat them like transactions,*” says Bo. Remember, members must actually TALK to one another; while some walk into a room and just start talking, many others may need encouragement or even a small push. Engagement opportunities and communication strategies should include chances for genuine connections to be built.

Empowered

A thriving network is a place where things happen. When everyone in the network feels empowered to provide solutions, and believes they can make a difference. With the capability to shape the future of the work, the network becomes a true space for progress. As Bo says, “If people care enough to come to the room, then SOMETHING will happen.” And she’s right—especially when those in the room are empowered for action.

Inclusive

Inclusive networks uphold the pillar of social justice and work to make things equitable for everyone. They generously share knowledge, involve those with lived experiences, and seek to address root causes. Bo sums it up well: “Make sure it isn’t a door, but a funnel—where people can enter with big and small energy and ability.”

Honest and Transparent

When members and the community can openly express concerns and voice when something isn't working, it's a clear sign that the network is on its way to becoming its best self. Healthy discourse and gracefully held tension, all in pursuit of a common goal, show that members feel their voices matter, power dynamics are clear, and can help protect against feedback loops.

‘Ingredients’

What components are important for a network to be successful?

The voices of those most impacted

One of the most essential ingredients in a successful network for collective action is including the voices of those most affected by systemic inequalities. “The people who know are the ones who poke holes in our theories,” says Bo. Actively inviting those with lived experiences is key to identifying root causes and uncovering the real levers for change.

Clear Intentions

Successful networks are built on clear intentions and transparency. Not all networks come together because each member simply ‘thought it was the right thing to do’—sometimes they consist of grantees brought together by a funder or advisory groups formed by well-meaning conveners with limited insight. Transparent power dynamics, acknowledged self-interests, honored needs of individual members, and clear group goals and intentions are all critical ingredients in preparing your network for collaborative action.

A “Network Weaving” approach

Bo introduced the group to the concept of Network Weaving, which has been an essential ingredient in her journey of building collaborative networks. “[Network Weaving] is the concept and approach that centers relationships—ensuring that relationships among those in the network are healthy. Healthy doesn’t mean we hug each other all the time and sing kumbaya—it means we can present our ideas, challenge them, and focus on well-being enough to center the problem without tearing each other down.”

**Tips and Tricks**

**Serve Opportunities**
Are you noticing that some of your network members, even your most dedicated supporters, are losing interest? *“People are most excited after one year—after that, they may need a new role. If [you] are not mindful… even the most committed person isn’t going to keep showing up in that way,”* Bo reminds us. What is the maturation cycle of your members? What does each individual need to gain from this space? Ensure your organization is inclusive of all energy levels, and take time to understand what motivates each member. For highly active participants, offer new opportunities to stay engaged and energized!

Small Wins

Every network focused on achieving positive social change needs an ample dose of small wins to feel actionable. Small wins motivate people! While the larger issues we face are daunting, the next 90 days are less so. It's easier and more energizing to concentrate time and resources on short-term goals rather than constantly facing the enormity of systemic inequality head-on.

Steps

What steps can I take to strengthen my coalition network?

Active Listening

One of the most critical and ongoing steps in building an action network is active listening. There’s a lot to pay attention to—assets, people, energy, data, synergy, lived experiences, and relationships! Ask members, “What can you share?” or “How can you help shape the future of the movement?” Understanding each member’s know-how, expertise, and energy level is crucial to facilitating change.

**Tips and Tricks**

**A Pinch of Courage**
Leading or being a central node within a constellation of networks for social change isn’t easy. It often involves facing disconnects, hidden intentions, unclear root causes, and occasional failures. But amidst the challenges are moments when members connect deeply, when those most impacted can openly share what's not working, and when tactfully held tension leads to authentic outcomes—even if they aren’t what you expected. Bringing bold leadership sometimes means confronting hard truths and amplifying lessons, even when they stem from failure. Remember, the ability to create movement from healthy tension is worth protecting.

Big Management and Leadership

Ensure that your movement meets the expectation of being a space where people can come together to push progress forward. Take the perspective that the world we want doesn’t yet exist—we have to build it. This requires big leadership and advanced management skills.

Lend a Hand

Member participation is the key ingredient in a successful coalition for change. It’s not about the quantity of participation but the quality. Help people initiate conversations, do kinetic activities, and invite those with lived experiences to share their insights. Bring data and sources to support meaning-making and to level the playing field. These practices can significantly strengthen your network and empower everyone to contribute to meaningful change.

Make it stand out

**Role Model**
“*There is a way we perpetuate things such as ‘if this [asset] came from my organization, then I can’t share it with anyone’... but really, we were only the formation that curated that.”* said Bo. Never forget, organizations , especially nonprofits supporting networks for social change, have very important roles as the *“holder of information, the structures for teaching, and tools for developing and perpetuating these things”*. Organizational leaders managing networks must be good role models and encourage sharing of knowledge and resources.

If you love something, set it free

Once you've crafted the recipe for a successful network, your group may achieve its desired results! You might create learnings, assets, resources, and take bold actions… but those most impacted will tell you whether the solution truly works. Return assets and outcomes back to the community—back to the people who can truly use them. Let those most affected guide the next steps and be key players in evaluating success.

Need assistance managing your collaborative network?

Collectivity offers services in Collective Action and Collaboration.

Thank you to Salon participants!

Interested in attending? Complete the salon series interest form to let us know you’re interested and we will add you to the invitation list. This conversation would not have been possible if not for the salon participants. A special thank you to participants, listed in alphabetical order by first name.

Bo Thao-Urabe - Rooted to Last

Deb Broberg - RealTime Talent

Naomi Ko - Rooted to Last

Camille Caster-Cyprian - Rooted to Last

Rose Chu - Elevate Teaching

Zara Zanussi - Collectivity

Shehla Mushtaq - Collectivity

Anna Sibley - Collectivity

Scott D. Cole - Collectivity,

Sophie Reese - Collectivity

Ben Ihde - GreaterMSP