Networking Locally

Networking locally with local businesses, local offices of national or multi-national corporations, governments, aid agencies, local leadership, universities and others working in aid, relief and development efforts is a priority for aid workers, and an ongoing process. It's a priority because aid efforts rarely happen in a vacuum; others need to know what you are doing, to increase trust and credibility for your work and, potentially, to partner with others in such work. It also helps to quickly counter misunderstandings and rumors that inevitably arise in aid and development work.

There is not a one-size-fits-all approach to networking with different audiences locally. Different situations call for different approaches. And networking is an on-going process; staff changes, and relationships must be be continually cultivated.

The Internet allows you to begin networking before you even leave for an assignment. You can:

• look up web sites for governments, universities, nonprofits and others serving an area, and email an introduction to contacts
  
• look for online discussion groups via YahooGroups, GoogleGroups, and your favorite online search engine focused on the geographic area where you will serve or the type of work you will do, and both read the group regularly and post an introduction to yourself and your project
  
• post to the AidWorkers Network forum itself to announce your departure, the project you are going to work on, etc.
  

Upon arrival, you need to further initiate contact via email, phone, or just stopping by, as appropriate and as is possible given the security situation, your access to transportation, etc.

In addition to seeking one-on-one conversations, go to the workshops, presentations and events by other organizations, including local entities. And, ofcourse, invite representatives to observe your staff in action in the field, to your events, even to your debriefing sessions from field staff, as appropriate.

The people and organizations to concentrate on:

• The people who are doing similar work as you at other organizations and institutions (not just international aid workers, but local people as well)
  
• Organizations, companies and institutions that fund or work with your organization or project
  
• Organizations, companies and institutions that might at some point fund or work with your organization or project
  
• Organizations, companies and institutions that might encounter your staff in the course of their own work
  
• Organizations, companies and institutions doing similar work
  

The AWN advice pages offer specific advice on networking and coordinating with:

• universities (both local and outside the country)
  
• governments (local, national and international donor government representatives)
  
• international and national NGOs and coordinating bodies
  
• media (both local and international)
  
• corporations
  
• local business
  
• military forces
  

Also see the AWN Advice page on Advocacy

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