Community Weaving is unique because it has various approaches for implementing the model depending on community readiness to initiate change. The Community Weaving (CW) methodology shifts the manner in which individuals and systems relate and alters the functioning and meaning of social service delivery. Citizens from diverse socio-economic backgrounds are trained and mobilized to take responsibility for themselves and others to improve their quality of life. Communities familiar with asset-based community development concepts, find the CW approach a great way to put theory into practice with the tools and technology provided by the Family Support Network, International, a non-profit organization based in Washington State.

There are three approaches that can be used separately or collectively to implement Community Weaving. One is initiating a coalition building effort, another is recruiting Good Neighbors and another is training one or more Community Weavers. Any one of these approaches can initiate Family Support Networking. Keep in mind, diversity is key to creating an abundance of strengths and assets to learn and draw from

Coalition Building: By organizing a collaborative partnership of interested stakeholders representative of the diversity of the community builds a solid foundation that sustains the effort. If a coalition exists that has experience working on community improvement initiatives with experience administrating grants, this is ideal. Build coalitions with leaders from:

• Schools
• Family Centers
• Hospitals
• Recovery Groups
• Public Health
• Parks and Recreation
• Housing
• Parenting Groups
• Social Services
• Student groups
• Youth Services
• Public/Private Non-profits
• Civic Organizations
• Businesses
• Mental Health
• Special Interest Groups
• Corporations
• Law Enforcement
• Domestic Violence
• Environmental Groups

Any one of these groups can start Community Weaving independent of other groups by technology on FSN web site. However, to experience the ultimate impact of this approach, bridging social capital amongst groups is what makes this model so powerful.

Community Weaver Certification Training: The goal is to recruit and train individuals (both professional and non-professional) as Community Weavers who have an understanding of the programs and services offered by the organization. Virtually anyone can be trained to perform the duties of a Community Weaver as long as they have access to the Internet and know how to access resources. Community Weavers are provided with the tools, technology and support necessary to start-up Family Support Networks in neighborhoods and communities, as well as learn how to recruit Good Neighbors and Family Advocates who provide direct services to families.

Volunteer Recruitment & Training: Volunteers participate in the FSN in two ways. Everyone participating in the FSN is classified as a Good Neighbor use the cutting edge web-based technology to pool and access resources and post activities. Those choosing to be trained as Family Advocates learn skills to provide direct support services to referrals from FSN Partnering agencies. Many who receive services often choose to become FSN volunteers and serve others.

FSN Partners: FSN Partners are professionals and organizations that provide one or more of the following:

• Recruiting volunteers into the FSN
• Provide list of speakers
• Provide space for FSN activities
• Provide list of books and videos
• Supply information on programs and services
• Offer trainings at no/low cost
• Create a gathering place on GNN
• Provide office space & equipment

FSN Staffing: The staffing depends on many factors. Many positions can be filled by existing staff of one or more FSN partners.

• FSN Project Coordinator: Usually staff person who has fiscal responsibility for a grant
• Community Connector: Oversees implementation of FSN, administrates project, makes presentations, recruits FSN Partners.
• Community Weaver: Recruits Good Neighbors & Family Advocates, manages and tracks volunteers. Tech support for GNN.
• FACT Trainer: Trains Family Advocates, conducts background checks. Provides support services to volunteers.

This model tends to be more sustainable when individuals from the grassroots are trained as Community Weavers and given the skills, tools, technology and support to start their own Family Support Networks in their communities. They emerge as pioneers, leaders and change agents equipped to address issues affecting the lives of families and the community. Their experience makes them ideal candidates to serve in leadership roles on many levels within the community.

You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to engage, train and mobilize a grass roots social support system that serves as a safety net for families, fosters social capital and functions interdependently with formal systems to improve the health and welfare of the whole community from the inside out.