Emphasis has been placed on networking as one of the skills that individuals need to propel themselves forward in life, their careers, and their professional development. This is because it has helped people to develop and improve their skill set, kept them on top of the latest trends in their industries, enabled them to keep a pulse on the job market, meet prospective mentors, partners, and clients, and gain access to the necessary resources that have fostered their career development. Other than defining people by who they are and what they do, the pursuit of social capital has also become one of the ways that has been significantly elevated to form an individual’s identity. Who is in your professional or social circles? Do you know someone who knows someone who knows someone who can get this thing done or offer assistance? The cliché ‘your network is your net worth’ reverberates everywhere you turn. And so, people have rightfully made it their goal to belong somewhere: a social club, a religious formation, a professional network, and different associations here and there.
But, have we thought about a well-structured networking mechanism between organizations? This is a scenario where organizations intentionally create connections and relationships with other entities, both within and outside their industry, to synergize over a common development agenda. Partnership for the Goals is SDG Number 17, which emphasizes the fact that the set Global Goals can only be achieved if we collaborate and work together. At the heart of it is knowledge-sharing, which the Relinked Network is proudly advancing by creating platforms for learning, networking, partnership, collaboration, and community outreach. The issues social impact organizations are trying to solve are large, complex problems that can’t be addressed by any single entity. Mutual learning will enhance their ability to manage emerging challenges and uncertainty.
The importance of collaboration, connectivity, and partnerships in achieving sustainable development goals cannot be understated. Networked development involves fostering connections among various stakeholders—government agencies, NGOs, community groups, and individuals—to collectively address complex challenges and create positive change. Leveraging interconnected relationships, shared leadership, and collaborative efforts to create positive change in society is the essence of networked development for social impact. The Relinked Network as a platform that links and re-links people and organizations with opportunities for social impact, is positioning itself to exemplify a commitment to building bridges, amplifying voices, and promoting effective leadership and governance for impactful development outcomes. It’s a powerful approach that transcends individual organizations and embraces the collective strength of interconnected networks.
According to an Irex report that examined whether Youth-Led Networks can take development to scale in Kenya, networks play a pivotal role in creating a positive impact for people, communities, organizations, businesses, and governments. The report identified the existence of networks as an important support for youth to provide opportunities and increase their abilities. It, therefore, follows that fostering and leveraging networks are essential strategies for achieving sustainable and impactful development on a large scale.
Relinked Group is upbeat on leading this charge for networked development to spur growth and enhance a lifetime commitment to social impact. We hope to join in with other like-minded individuals and organizations to drive inclusive growth, to ensure that all socioeconomic benefits can be extended to all segments of society. This will be central to everything that we will be doing even as we pursue our impact objectives.
Our Strategic Priority Areas for 2024.
Too many organizations are doing too many small things. We need to join forces to create movements for change
~ Dr. Ann Hudock.
