MODULE #2
CONNECTIVE MECHANISMS
You are ready to actively share information, resources and expertise with others to collectively gain momentum and strengthen overhead services.
Executive Summary
More nonprofit organizations are striving to build connection and collaboration to strengthen overhead services in addition to mission-related activities. A growing number of organizations are developing and participating in connective mechanisms to share structured information and codify shared knowledge.
These connective mechanisms are customized to suit the needs of participants and the communities they serve. Some examples include a listserv as a means for multiple organizations to share information with their communities or a shared service preferred provider list. By helping participants build knowledge and trust, these strategies can serve as the first steps towards more time and resource-intensive forms of shared services.
What are Connective Mechanisms?
Learn how connective mechanisms are structured, and how they function as a shared service.
Connective Mechanisms in Action
CultureWorks Greater Philadelphia’s mission is to provide equitable access to the resources that arts and heritage practitioners and organizations need to flourish.
CultureWorks Greater Philadelphia Case Study - Rethinking OverheadCase study describing CultureWorks' development and provision of connective mechanisms.
Participating Organization Perspective
Homer Jackson, Director of Philadelphia Jazz Project, describes the organization's experience with shared services and as a member of CultureWorks Greater Philadelphia.
Discussion Questions
Learn what questions you should ask about your organization and community to know if connective mechanisms are an appropriate option for you.
