Maintaining/Establishing network momentum:

Regular communication with the network coordinator and your network

Vary meeting locations

Create an email list for network so you can send things out easily

Start some traditions o Birthday celebrations o Outings o Picnic in the park

Celebrate and feast together

Get feedback from network o Survey

Goals; o review them o on right track?

Photos are a great way to capture moments

Share info; outings, newsletters, LifeSPAN events

Keep the dreams and visions of focus person alive

Include network members o Delegate things to them o Don’t be an enabler

Follow-through on your commitments to the network and to me

Plan ahead; allow time to schedule

Create a network notebook o Add outing info, newsletters, articles, contact info, calendar

Ask for contact updates

Be flexible

Creative thinking

Have a positive attitude

End meeting on time, thank everyone, announce next meeting date or time frame

Invite new members o Sample letter o Ideas and approval from families

Establish boundaries o You are paid for your time

Connect with me if you have questions

Remember that challenge and change stir up family dynamics

Change can be slow

Takes time for a network to bond

Communication is critical

Look for ways to connect with other networks


Host fun meetings that people want to attend

Make the meetings social and a place where everyone can share their updates

Have network traditions (annual picnic in the park, dinner at a restaurant)

Have private Facebook pages for networks

Do a network survey; value the ideas and opinions of others

Have network members send in their stories for the newsletter

Invite new members

Skype visits for those that are far away

Record stories for the focus person

Find ways for focus person to give to the network members (cards/crafts)

Connect focus people who face similar challenges

Communicate agenda items via newsletter, esp. if the meetings tend to be more social

Newsletters; include out-of-towners and photos

Have fun eVites

Check in (with phone call?) to non-responsive members

Honor different ways of communicating within a network

Identify the challenges

Beth can help by: o Having an open-door policy o Back up support as needed o Keep folks on track with meetings, info, reminders

Have tech training for new facilitators to learn how to do newsletters (photos), Facebook page set-up etc.