As collaboration across organizational boundaries is becoming more and more common, the need to explore how to “govern” or manage/facilitate/lead networks of partners continues to grow. The rise of the Collective Impact model guided many networks in strategies for utilizing a backbone organization as the primary governing entity and many resources have emerged for how to implement that structure. However, as that model has been implemented, people are curious about what other types of methods for governing networks might be possible, and are looking for alternatives to this top-down approach to network governance. Specifically, people are looking for governance models that will empower network members to engage in having a shared voice, facilitation process, and accountability. In this webinar, Blythe Butler, from the First 2000 Days Network in Canada, brings to life a conversation many of us are looking for, and sets the stage for digging deeper into this “big topic” of networks in today’s fast moving collaborative spaces.

This webinar is part of the Network Leadership from the Field webinar series, which shares actionable insights and skills on network leadership from practitioners utilizing a network approach to innovatively address their communities' needs.

Presenter: Blythe Butler  is currently implementing the First 2000 Days Network, an innovative ‘collective impact’ initiative using network analysis, developmental evaluation and capacity building to improve both process (systems) outcomes and early childhood development outcomes. Blythe’s practice focuses on change management, evaluation, and capacity building to support the development of adaptive learning cultures within organizations. She is an accomplished facilitator and stakeholder engagement practitioner with over 15 years’ experience in the public, private and non-profit sectors. Blythe holds a BComm in Finance and International Development from University of Alberta, studied Journalism at Carleton University, and Design Marketing at Parsons in New York City.