Get Your Network on the Map!

At NNYM - connecting people is our job. I was at a conference a few weeks ago and a young man asked me if I knew anyone in Syracuse, NY. I could tell that he believed his question was a long-shot, since we hours away from his home town. He was interested in connecting with other youth workers but didn't know where to start.

I DID know someone in Syracuse — I know the GREAT John Ginnan!! I was able to send a text message to both dudes and immediately connect them, so my new friend knew he wasn't alone. But what about locations where I don't KNOW people immediately? I rely on the NNYM database to connect people across the country.

Is you network listed?

Here are some of the common objections that hear in regards to listing a network:

No - our network is specialized.

Cool! If you are gathering with your denomination, specific ministry focus, or using a specific gathering structure... put it up! Label it a "Super Cool Denomination" Network. People are looking for you, and they may not knowto ASK YOU! Chances are, they will be asking our staff at a conference that they attend... hours away from your location. NNYM wants to serve!

No - Our network doesn't need to be listed; we've already found the youth workers in our community.

Well... that you know of, that is. There are so many leaders who are looking for connection. Some are new to your area that you may have missed, some are volunteers who have just learned about networking because one of our staff spoke at a conference they attended, but you don't know EVERY youth worker in your community... I guarantee it!

No - I don't want to manage one more thing.

Okay, I get that. We want to make things simple. If your group already is connected via social media, just list the contact information for one of the leaders. We simply want to make your network famous.

We want to connect you - the leaders.

One of the most valuable things that I have experienced is leaders swapping ideas. Leading a network is no different. When I started networking in 2006, I was invited to go hang out with other network leaders to swap ideas. One of the area coordinators got the local network leaders together for lunch... I LEARNED A TON! One area coordinator that has been doing this is Jonny Radcliff. The guy is amazing! He's been looking for networks in the Philadelphia region and connecting the network leaders. These leaders swap ideas and help each other get better at leading networks. You can't be invited, if someone like Jonny doesn't know you are leading a network!

The truth IS - people EVERYWHERE are looking for real community. Every conference that I've attended, training I've been part of, church I've spoken for has a youth worker who is interested in community for THEM. Posting your network may not be for YOU, it may be for that leader who is thinking about quitting and desperately needs someone to give them a little hope. They simply need to meet someone in their city, town, or neighborhood and chat a bit about the issues of working with teens so they can stay in the game.

Putting your network on the map helps us make this goal a little easier to accomplish!

Check to see if your network is listed at www.nnym.org/search