Constant Communication
I just had a really great conversation with the Executive Director of our sister NeighborLink in Porter County, IN (Chesterton & Valpo area).
They started this past October and are still learning what running a NeighborLink is all about and how specifically they will operate in their community. Since all the NL’s are run independently of each other, we operate in a collaborative manner more so than a heirarchy.
As they are interacting with the recipients and reviewing needs they are receiving, it’s hard not to be perplexed by the situation and start asking questions on what to do.
How much do we step in?
How much money should we designate to this project?
How will be find the right volunteers?
How do we know we should even help this person?
Hundreds of others…..And they’re all right questions.
NL steps into each situation differently. Wholistically. Not just a project but as a friend to help the recipient become sustainable and play an active role in their own recovery/project. We know that our involvment in their lives will be short lived in most circumstances and if they cannot take care of the needs when we leave, we have to ask if what we’re doing is the right thing to do.
NLPC is doing a great job and is being exposed to lots of needs in their short lives. They are being faced with asking the question of “does this mission statement still work?"
We can step into bigger projects, at least right now, so should we? And if we do, does that change who we are or does that support the organization?
The reason for this post, is that NLPC, NLFW, & NL St Louis must stay in constant communication because we have to support each other. We’re the best sounding board we’ve got. We won’t get better advice than continued collaboration amongst each other.
The biggest benefit of constantly communicating with each other is the ability for us all to grow and become well rounded. We’re all supported differently and have different communities and backgrounds.
I’m excited to be part of the NeighborLink Network. This is one of the most exciting things I’ve ever been a part of. A Grassroot, Collaborative movement that is more about giving than getting.
