Five years ago, I wrote a blog post to explain the “Network Effect” — one of the primary roles that StriveTogether plays to help accelerate network member progress to put more young people on a path to economic mobility. As the StriveTogether Cradle to Career Network has grown and advanced toward deeper systems transformation, it is more important than ever to create spaces where place-based partnerships can come together to learn from one another and devise action plans to operationalize that learning back home.
Within the nonprofit sector, many of us are part of learning forums — meetings, conferences, webinars — where you hear something new and think how great it would be to replicate that idea in your own system or community. At StriveTogether, we convene network members at similar points in their journey toward transforming systems, lifting examples that can transcend one geography. What we’ve seen is that, despite best intentions, there’s often a breakdown between that moment of insight and taking the next step. However, through regular convenings that bring the right people together at the right time, our network members are starting to find the recipe that merges learning with action.
In 2023, StriveTogether network members came together at our annual policy summit to hear about a groundbreaking initiative that exemplifies the power of community engagement and collaboration. Rocky Mountain Partnership, based in Colorado, shared their Civic Influencer strategy, an initiative designed to empower community members and amplify their voices in shaping policies and practices that impact young people’s lives.
This strategy resonated deeply with Jennifer Barahona, executive director at Norwalk ACTS in Norwalk, Connecticut. With a background in community organizing, Jennifer had been contemplating ways to enhance community engagement and advocacy efforts in Norwalk for years. The introduction to Rocky Mountain Partnership’s Civic Influencer work at the Policy Summit sparked a transformative idea for Norwalk ACTS — to build their version of a Civic Influencer program tailored to their community’s needs.
Norwalk ACTS took action, leveraging their state coalition and grant funds to kickstart their Civic Influencer program. They recruited a diverse cohort of 18 community members committed to deep learning on how to advocate for equitable policies and practices, increase their own civic engagement and break down barriers for other marginalized community members to participate in shaping local policy.
The program, spearheaded by board member Julie Corbett, offers a comprehensive curriculum focusing on empowering influencers with knowledge about existing disparities, effective advocacy strategies and individual action planning. Quarterly convenings and ongoing support ensure that Civic Influencers are equipped to drive meaningful change in Norwalk.
Meanwhile, in Adams County, Colorado, the impact of Civic Influencers through the Rocky Mountain Partnership is tangible. Their collaboration with community members and youth leaders led to the successful passage of a critical mill levy override, securing vital funding for K-12 education and impacting over 20,000 students. This achievement not only showcases the potential of Civic Influencers but also underscores the importance of community-driven initiatives in driving systemic change.
The success stories from Norwalk ACTS and Rocky Mountain Partnership highlight the network effect in action within the StriveTogether Cradle to Career Network. By providing a platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration and resource mobilization, we empower communities to create sustainable solutions and amplify the voices of those most impacted by systemic challenges.
In the words of Sarah Hughes, an Adams County student and Civic Influencer: “We showed that if you can bring the right people together, you can accomplish the goal.” This is the force that drives the Network Effect — putting the right people in the right place at the right time to inspire real action. Thanks to the collective efforts of Cradle to Career Network members, we can build a future where every young person is able to thrive. Learn about our plan to put four million more young people on a path to economic mobility, here.
