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Creating the right environment where people can freely communicate and collaborate is essential for fostering collaboration, creativity, and shared goals. There are many ways to facilitate connection, or build relationships, between organizations in a community, but here are a few guidelines that may be helpful to follow. 

Consistent Scheduling

One of the first steps to facilitating connection is finding a time for regular meetings. Tools like LettuceMeet and Calendly provide simple and free solutions to coordinate schedules and find a mutually convenient time for everyone involved. Once the time is set, sending out calendar invites simplifies the process by allowing participants to easily RSVP and join the conversation.

Create Spaces for Collaboration

Providing a structured space where people can engage with each other is key. Whether it’s a Zoom, an in-person meeting, or an online forum, the setting matters. Start with a structured format, like a speaker + discussion combo, where a guest speaker presents, followed by an open discussion. This is particularly effective in monthly meetings, such as those used by the Washington Gleaning Network, where specific topics for gleaners are the focus. Sending out surveys or polls beforehand allows participants to choose topics they care about, which ensures the discussions will be more engaging and relevant.

Enable Communication and Autonomy

Once the space is created, stand back and let people connect organically. Collaboration doesn’t need to be micromanaged. Give network members the autonomy to communicate freely and generate ideas. An example of a successful facilitation is the collaboration between the Good Food Network and Harvest Against Hunger. By giving members a platform to communicate, the network has led to the organization of group gleans and statewide food distribution models. This wouldn’t have been possible without creating an environment that encourages and fosters open communication.

Facilitating connection involves intentional planning, providing structure where needed, and then stepping back and allowing the network to thrive on its own. The combination of scheduling, creating collaborative spaces, and empowering autonomy helps to ensure authentic discussion, ultimately helping organizations achieve their collective goals.