How many networks do you belong to? From university alumni
associations to professional organizations, even LinkedIn groups, most of our
names can be found on a plethora of network lists. But how many of those
networks really work for you? Who do you turn to during your most vulnerable leadership
moments and with whom are you most excited to share amazing news?
Our most valuable networks are those comprising like-minded
individuals who have a vested interest in the greater cause that brings them
together. Members of these networks are more than names on a list; they are people
we count on to challenge and inspire us not only professionally, but
personally. The most valuable networks are living networks because one hundred
email addresses on a listserv can’t replace a thoughtful conversation had
across the table from a kindred spirit in a new city, or the relief of
scheduling a video chat with someone who has lived through your current
challenge.
In 2013, nearly 200 young social entrepreneurs participated
in YouthActionNet Fellowship programs around the world. Through intensive
in-person trainings, each Fellow forged close ties with up to 19 like-minded
peers from their class. Founders of organizations ranging from six volunteers
to six hundred, Fellows come from diverse backgrounds and approach social
change from different angles, but one sentiment is universal—each agrees that
the opportunity to share and engage with others who have devoted their life to
a cause is the most valuable aspect of the Fellowship experience. Many admit
that entrepreneurship is a lonely endeavor, and begin to realize the potential
for a larger movement towards social good when they learn that they now belong
to a growing community of over 880 alumni like them.
At YouthActionNet, we can build a network of the best and
brightest in the world, but it can only truly come alive with the active
engagement of each of its members. We see that buy-in time and time again through our alumni, young CEOs and founders
who connect despite disparate time zones, busy schedules, and even language
barriers. From midnight Skype sessions over gut-wrenching staffing decisions to
meeting up at global conferences like the Clinton Global Initiative, our
network comes alive through connections facilitated by our program, but driven
by the basic need of the young leaders we serve to feel that they are not
alone.
The slideshow below is a collection of photos shared by our alumni
of their meet-ups with one another (and YouthActionNet staff) around the world.
Some are old friends, and some are meeting for the first time. This new year, think
about how to make your networks work for you; and remember, we often get out what
we put in to our networks. Make time to connect in person, not just on paper,
to increase the net worth of your network.
YouthActionNet Meet-ups by Slidely Slideshow
YouthActionNet Meet-ups by Slidely Slideshow
If you are a young social entrepreneur interested in applying to become a Laureate Global Fellow, follow us on Facebook to be the first to hear about upcoming application dates.
