Nourishing Networks
Passionate people are working with each other in profound new ways to tackle tough challenges. Together we are weaving the talents, time and imagination of all community members and networks, with the efforts of our existing safety nets. We are building collective ownership for community well-being – starting with hunger in King County.
Nourishing Networks was incubated at the Center for Ethical Leadership from July 2012 through January of 2014, offered in collaboration with many community partners. Starting in early 2011, the Center took a lead role in researching and applying network principles in the development of materials and processes such as principles, practices, design of gatherings and the architecture of network meetings. The Center has also provided coaching and facilitation for leadership teams to support the formation and development of local Nourishing Networks.
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Neighborhood-based Nourishing Network groups have been established in six communities in East King County:
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There is tremendous talent and resource in our communities, along with the desire to take care of each other. Nourishing Networks revolve around the simple belief that every individual has a role to play, a gift to offer, and a need to be met. By engaging everyone’s passion to serve and care for others, we can identify and meet the growing need of hunger. Furthermore, each individual brings a new network of support to the effort - including organizational ones - and in turn, the networks grow organically.
As a result of these networks, there are a wide array of new or expanded efforts to address hunger including gardens, backpack programs and community kitchens – and initiatives geared to make more visible the prevalence of hunger in our communities. |
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Nourishing Networks Central launched in February of 2014 to provide the infrastructure that allows local networks to stay active in finding and filling gaps. The Center continues to be a partner by capturing and documenting lessons, expanding understanding of application of network principles, offering coaching support, and co-designing gatherings and trainings for Nourishing Networks.
To learn more about Nourishing Networks and Nourishing Networks Central, check out http://nourishingnetworks.net/ If you have questions or would like to join a Nourishing Network in your community, contact Linda Benson. |
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