Capacity-Building Within Networks

In March, the DC Social Justice Transformations Network (DCSJTN) hosted its first Capacity Building workshop. Presented as a three-part series, the goal is to increase awareness about how networks function and serve as a repository of information for DCSJTN. 

Leading through uncertain times can be complex because sometimes you do not know what the problem is, or if you do, you do not know what to do about it. This is when it is important to lean into others, embrace differences, and create conditions that are collaborative and solution-generating. The Capacity Building series aims to show how this is done within networks.  

The first workshop, Facilitative Leadership & Network Weaving: Collaborating During Times of Complexity, focused on facilitative leadership and how to apply it within networks and weaving networks for resilience and impact. Attendees learned about the seven principles of facilitative leaders (design pathways to action, see systems, seek maximum appropriate involvement, facilitate agreement, inspire a shared vision, focus on results, process, and relationships, and discover shared meaning), and how network weaving can create and inspire conditions for self and collective empowerment.   

The overall goal for the series is to achieve the following:   

• Increase understanding of the network model. These sessions aim to help participants better understand networks and their unique power-sharing structure.   

• Strengthen connections and shared understanding. Sessions will foster stronger relationships among DCSJTN members and Network Action Team members and cultivate a common understanding of the network's core qualities and intentions. 

• Enhance facilitative leadership skills. These sessions will highlight practical tips and tools to maximize engagement within the network. 

• Develop a deeper understanding of key concepts. Discussions will include normalizing conversations around power dynamics and understanding the complexities of systems. 

We invite you to join us on May 14 for Power Dynamics and Decision-Making, and on June 10 for the final session Seeing and Sensing Systems for Greater Impact.