Consortia: Proving That There Is Strength in Numbers—Tuesday, January 13, 2009 at 3 p.m. (EST)

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"E Pluribus Unum. Out of Many, One." That phrase appears on US currency. Likewise, a single center with staff, equipment, or partnership needs can find these resources by teaming up with other centers in the region. There is strength in numbers.

A Neighborhood Networks consortium is a collection of centers in a geographical area that forms a stronger organization. Consortia help centers deal with the challenges that threaten their sustainability. Consortia allow centers to network, sharing ideas and best practices on programming, staffing, and funding issues. Consortia also enable centers to share resources, such as connecting with external stakeholders and access to the nonprofit status that helps them attract funding.

This call will help centers to understand what a consortium is and how it develops leaders and strengthens Neighborhood Networks centers. Callers will learn how to encourage centers to join consortia and how to keep them engaged, in addition to how to make consortia successful and increase their membership. Through involvement in this call, participants will learn:

	The benefits of consortia to the Neighborhood Networks Initiative.
	The importance of teambuilding for creating and developing a consortium.
	How to use technology as a communication tool.
	How to get members to take ownership of the consortium and the role of the consortium member.
	How to obtain and maintain membership.

How the Call Works

Dial toll-free (888) 556-5018 and ask to be connected to the Neighborhood Networks conference call. Please be prepared to provide the operator with your contact information.

Please call between 2:45 and 3 p.m. (EST). The conference call begins promptly at 3 p.m.; however, you may join the call at any time.

For more information, contact the Neighborhood Networks Information Center, toll-free, at (888) 312-2743. The hearing impaired may access Neighborhood Networks via TTY by calling the Federal Information Relay Service, toll-free, at (800) 877-8339.

Additional questions or ideas can be posted on the Neighborhood Networks discussion board.