Harnessing Networks for Collaborative Impact in Early Childhood Development
Places to Grow’s (P2G)* recently hosted an online peer learning event in collaboration with the International Step-by-Step Association (ISSA).** The event explored collaborative impact, lessons learned from their work, and how networks generate social impact, especially in times of crisis. If you missed the event, watch the recording here.
This event was a unique opportunity for those interested in learning the theoretical strategies for building and nurturing a network. It featured two experts from ISSA, Liana Ghent and Éva Izsák. ISSA has 100 member organisations in over 40 countries, primarily in Europe and Central Asia. The network supports early childhood systems for all children by advocating for quality, equitable, and integrated early childhood services.
After this introduction, Liana launched the presentation by defining the different types of networks (see image below).
“Networks are all around us in society, but also in nature. A forest is a network. If you think of all the trees, the roots underneath the forest actually form a network. So it’s something all around us. And in our work, we’re trying to understand how that translates to the impact we want to see.” Liana Ghent, ISSA
After setting the stage, Liana asked, “Why should we invest in networks?” Networks allow for increased collaboration across sectors and borders, providing opportunities for knowledge sharing, collaborative impact, and increased resiliency. Liana emphasised the importance of networks in complex sectors like early childhood development, especially in times of crisis.
“We find that working as a network is especially important in complex sectors like early childhood, the early years, as services, and as places where children grow and develop, belong to many groups, many sectors, and many stakeholders are involved. So especially in this kind of complexity, we need to have this network way of working and also in times of crisis, when we don’t only have complexity, but we also have chaos… It’s very important to use this intentional design and focus.” — Liana Ghent
In order to cultivate and maintain a network, Liana highlights the importance of clarifying the purpose of the network, identifying and engaging the right members, establishing and maintaining trust, and organising activities that connect members.
“Without trust in the network, there’s hardly any connectivity or meaningful collaboration.” — Liana Ghent, ISSA
After presenting this framework, Éva discussed mechanisms to support member engagement, stressing the importance of shared purpose and values: if they match your members’ values, they are more likely to remain part of the network. ISSA has a diverse range of members, so they cannot use a one-size-fits-all approach. The key is getting to know your members, learning about their needs, experimenting with new ideas, asking for feedback, and adjusting as needed. Additionally, Éva explains how it is also important to be proactive and to incorporate fun, joyful activities is essential.
By acting as a facilitator and storyteller, ISSA plays the role of a network hub, fostering a collaborative culture and meaningful relationships. ISSA also offers a knowledge hub with over 100 resources and best practices on their website.
xfLiana shared one of their member’s reflections: “The purpose brought me here, but the people keep me here.” This shows the power of connectivity, shared purpose, and shared values in a network.
During the last part of the presentation, Liana shared examples of ISSA’s network mobilization in response to crises in Ukraine and Palestine. ISSA leverages its relationships and partnerships and has raised money for members, established a significant initiative that supports psychological first aid, works with trauma-informed approaches, and facilitates training with members and partners.
Unfortunately, in the context of war, Liana explained that the early childhood field is typically deprioritised and how funders tend to work with large INGOs, often with a top-down approach and short-term scope for funding. She states that this kind of support does not work towards creating a healthy ecosystem and that local actors are often not sufficiently recognised in case of crisis-affected areas. Liana discussed the concept of localisation: “We need community-based solutions, but also a more equitable way of getting the funding more directly to the local actors. And ideally not the proliferation of programs, but rather investing in the preparedness of local responders and a robust ecosystem.”
As usual, the Places to Grow peer-learning events format included a Q&A session and breakout rooms following the presentations. Participants could choose one of the two sessions to delve deeper into the topic: network shared purpose and how to assess the health of a network (hosted by Liana) and membership engagement (hosted by Eva).
Don’t miss two upcoming opportunities this fall in which you will be able to continue to learn about the value of networks (and also to expand your network) in the Early Childhood Development space): ISSA conference (October 23 & 24) and the Places to Grow Conference (November 14).
Would you like to join the next discussion? Follow us to stay in the loop about future Collective learning events!
*Places to Grow is a catalyst for excellence in early childhood development in Czechia, Slovakia, and Hungary. It strengthens relationships between organisations active in social services, education, advocacy, and research. Our mission is to create a collaborative community united by a single vision: to help every child realise their potential to contribute to society in the future.
**As a membership association, International Step-by-Step Association (ISSA) is an international learning community powered by the leading early childhood experts in Europe and Central Asia. ISSA unites and supports professionals and partners in equitably delivering high-quality early years services. They challenge existing knowledge and practice and co-construct new approaches and models. Through their work, they advocate for and support competent Early Childhood Systems for all children, especially the most vulnerable. They strive to increase awareness of the importance of Early Childhood Development and of a qualified workforce. As a leading early childhood network and learning community, they promote quality, equitable and integrated services for children, families and practitioners.
