How do you expand your community organizing network to include new voices?

Ask your clients/service consumers for their input, not only your professional colleagues. Failing to do so can mean programs and services that the public won't use. Ask what is needed but be specific about what services they, personally, would access. People can have odd ideas about what others need (or "should" have). In applying for a grant that specified funding be given to programs for "at risk" children, I successfully argued that the program should be for all students. The vulnerable children needed the less "at risk" kids as allies. They needed common vocabulary and ideas and not have the stigma of being singled out to attend a special program... We addressed the real needs and "wasted" money on kids not currently in crisis.

Totally agree with Carol Lynn that we should have an open and honest communication, not only within the team, but also with the donor, the other stakeholders and most importantly with the beneficiaries. In non-profit works, we often assume that we know what is best to remedy the problem, but at times the intervention can unintentionally create bigger problems. I worked in a program to strengthen policy advocacy capacities of local community-based groups in the early years of Timor-Leste´s independence. Having had fought for 25 years for their freedom, at the beginning the community saw their own newly-formed government as the "enemy". It took a lot of dialogues and discussions within the community to find a common goal moving forward.

Simple. Find new networks, which always include new voices. If finding a new network is difficult, then you have a capability or personnel problem. Finding and creating new networks/voices for those of us in the community fields should be a joy and a skill acquired before you take those roles. Also, during a hiring phrase look for people with out of the box professional experiences for they are your true treasure in this pursuit.

Ask the uncomfortable questions of fellow professionals and agencies... ask about failures and gaps. You may have to do this privately, one-on-one, rather than in a public meeting or brainstorming session. You may need to use confidential, anonymous surveys. Ask about successes and triumphs, too, of course. Lol But what's really difficult? What issues do they not address because of lack of resources or expertise? Would partnering with other agencies be appropriate or useful? Think really big, in terms of fantasy wish lists not limited by funding or manpower. Yes, you will then need to scale back to some degree, but aim high. Dream up a perfect world and pick a spot to begin. You probably won't change the world today but make a start...

Go to public events. Host a table or kiosk at a community event, even if it doesn't seem to align perfectly (or even logically) with your mission or target demographic. I've gone to craft fairs and community suppers with my travel bag of materials on Domestic Violence, Suicide Prevention, Mental Wellness and Pay Equity and been in the right place to connect with the right person. It isn't possible to go everywhere and reach everyone but if you're spending time sitting at a desk complaining that you aren't having the impact you want and are unable to deliver the services you know are needed, it's time to expand your horizons or take a new approach. Consider "marketing" a women's group support group as a safe space. The issues will surface.

Look for allies. Think about where the points of intersectionality lay. With Domestic Violence (my area), it's poverty, housing insecurity, food insecurity, substance abuse, mental health issues... What do your clients/service consumers talk about? Worry about? Partner with the agencies that address those issues in a meaningful way. Serve on a board or committee. Support their events and campaigns. Go to workshops, attend training. Explain to your manager or Board of Directors the value of having partners as community resources for your work and the people/endeavors that you are trying to support.