North Central Non-Profit Network

Overview

The idea for building a broad coalition of nonprofit groups in the North Central Massachusetts Region was first raised by two area Executive Directors during a workshop held by the Institute for Nonprofit Development at Mount Wachusett Community College.  Acting on their request, the Institute pulled together a group of about 20-25 individuals representing nonprofit groups from the north central area in March.  Based on the enthusiasm expressed at the first meeting a second meeting was held in early April and attended by 25-30 individuals.   The consensus of both gatherings was to move forward in trying to further define and create a network of nonprofit groups in the region.

A recurrent theme throughout these discussions has been the desire to coordinate our work on the premise that together we can be better.   We asked each other what can be done more effectively by a “coalition of the whole” rather than focusing on an individual organization or topic-area.

The group notes that there are numerous, effective, topic based coalitions active in the area, where representatives of the nonprofit sector can come together to address a specific issue of concern.  However, there is not an overarching group for nonprofits and the existing issue-based coalitions to develop and advance a common, coordinated agenda. 

The common thread among participants has been their desire to work on issues that seek to improve the quality of life for families and individuals in the region.  As such, we have established as our mission--improving the quality of life for families in the north central mass region.   The Network will serve to coordinate an agreed upon community agenda following the mission, principles and preliminary goals described below.

The Institute will support the Nonprofit Network by providing staff to facilitate meetings, maintain communication among the participants, and provide any technical assistance to the group as needed. 

 Nonprofits working in the region will commit to come to the table to share and listen to their peers about our work—both our struggles and successes—offering solutions and not roadblocks.  Nonprofits will assume leadership roles in the Network by heading up task forces, conducting needed research and recruiting peers to join the Network. 

Mission, Principles and Goals

Mission:

We are a network of nonprofit organizations seeking to improve the quality of the lives of families in the North Central Massachusetts region. 

Principles:

• We will be a network of nonprofits
• We will be committed  to being responsive directly to the needs of families
• We will strive to be a coalition of coalitions
• We must create an environment that is caring and listening and allows time for dreaming
• We need to keep the work/discussion real—and be true to our actions
• We will need to evaluate our actions and success on achieving our defined outcomes
• We will strive for communication in a sustained level with intentionality

Goals:

(these are preliminary goals and we expect them to evolve as the network grows and we build stronger relationships)

• Goal 1 :  Improve communication among and between services providers
• Goal 2 :  Improve communication between service providers and the people who need and use the services
• Goal 3 :  Seek to increase the value and awareness of the work of the nonprofit sector with the general public, media, elected officials and consumers.
• Goal 4 :  Expand participation of nonprofits in the Network.
• Goal 5 :  Seek to increase the level of resident participation and connection to their communities by promoting and supporting resident engagement work in the region.
• Goal 6 :  Collaboratively work to address an issue of concern to families in the region.

Anyone interested in joining the Network or attending a meeting should contact Jennifer Wiley-Cordone, Capacity Building Coordinator for the Institute for Nonproft Development at Mount Wachusett Community College at 978.840.3221 X199 or nonprofit@mwcc.mass.edu.