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Network Navigator:
Evolving Networks for a Changing World
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On the Frontlines:
A Message from Marty Kearns
Positioning for Impact: Strengthening Networks in 2025
Dear Friends and Partners,
In times of political uncertainty and societal change, the need for strong, connected advocacy networks is more critical than ever. The landscape of advocacy is evolving rapidly, with emerging challenges and new opportunities that demand adaptable, resilient, and collaborative strategies. At Netcentric Campaigns, we remain committed to helping movements navigate this complexity by building networks that can withstand turbulence and drive meaningful change.
Internally, we’re sharpening our focus on organizational clarity to ensure that our work remains aligned, impactful, and adaptable—even as external conditions shift. By refining our communication strategy and strengthening internal systems, we can more effectively support advocates on the ground and expand the reach of our network-building initiatives.
Externally, we remain laser-focused on what it takes to sustain powerful advocacy networks. We’ve seen this approach in action—in WashDesk’s success training leaders to expand access to water and sanitation, in Halt the Harm Network’s ability to unite communities against environmental threats, and in the groundwork being laid for two new networks designed to address emerging challenges in innovative ways.
Strengthening networks in turbulent times means leaning into collaboration, experimenting with new ideas, and continuously learning. This year, we’ll continue to build the infrastructure, connections, and strategies that advocacy movements need to thrive—and we invite you to be part of that work.
If you’re looking for ways to strengthen your network, align your strategy, or explore new collaborations, let’s connect.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Let’s build something powerful—together.
Warmly,
Marty Kearns
Deep Dive Insight
The Future of Network Learning is Digital
Advocacy networks thrive on strong relationships—but members are often spread across time zones, geographies, and schedules. So how do we train tomorrow’s leaders?
Digital learning is transforming how networks grow by building skills and strengthening connections. The WashDesk E-Learning Program shows how accessible, flexible training can unite advocates, foster collaboration, and amplify impact.
Discover how digital tools are reshaping network learning.
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Featured Resource
Stronger Leaders, Greater Impact
Great advocacy leaders aren’t just born—they develop through training, experience, and connection.
The Netcentric Campaigns Training Program helps organizers of all levels sharpen their strategy, build trust, and lead more effectively.
By applying our Seven Elements of Effective Networks, this program equips advocates with the tools to sustain and scale movements.
If you or your team are looking to strengthen your network-building skills, this program is the perfect place to start.
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Answers from the Field
Addressing pressing questions from our networks
Q:
“How do we scale network-building efforts to create widespread, meaningful civic engagement?”
A:
Scaling network-building efforts isn’t just about expanding numbers—it’s about strengthening the ties between people. The key lies in intentionally fostering connections between individuals across different communities, organizations, and scales of work.
At a recent board meeting, we explored a framework that focuses on deepening these relationships by empowering community institutions, supporting people through critical life transitions, and ensuring policies that strengthen civic infrastructure.
This means creating spaces—both physical and social—where people from diverse backgrounds can connect, build trust, and collaborate. The challenge lies in overcoming opposition from those who benefit from division. Yet, by centering our efforts on building authentic, trust-based ties, we create conditions where local and national leaders can align efforts, share resources, and collectively shape a resilient, engaged civic landscape.
Emerging Trends and Critical Insights
Falling Down the Right Rabbit Hole: The Rise of Structured Deep Dives
In an era of information overload, advocacy content often sits at one of two extremes: oversimplified for the public, or overly technical for experts. But a new trend is emerging—what we’re calling “structured rabbit-holing”—where readers can “read in” to a topic at an accessible, mid-level depth. This approach gives advocates the background and context they need to engage in informed conversations, without requiring expert-level knowledge.
A recent piece on toxic plastics and so-called “chemical recycling” by Veena Singla exemplifies this technique, guiding readers through a focused deep dive that connects the dots while keeping the content digestible. The result? A well-informed, confident advocate who understands the issue’s relevance, knows where to turn for expert insight, and is equipped to take action. It’s an approach that blends depth with clarity—providing the right amount of knowledge for real-world advocacy.
This model of learning is especially powerful for advocacy networks, where success often depends on helping people quickly grasp complex issues without overwhelming them.
By offering content that delivers both context and clarity, networks can engage more people, foster smarter discussions, and empower advocates to confidently communicate—and act—on the issues that matter most.
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Resisting Chaos: Building Networks for Effective Resistance
Authoritarianism thrives on control, fragmentation, and manufactured chaos—but resistance movements have always found strength in connection, trust, and decentralized action. As political landscapes shift, a critical question emerges: How do we build networks that counter disinformation, withstand disruption, and sustain long-term movements?
Traditional resistance strategies often focus on rapid mobilization—but real resilience comes from intentional network-building. By fostering distributed truth networks, local leaders can become trusted sources of information, countering propaganda with small, meaningful conversations instead of mass messaging. At the same time, resilient infrastructure ensures that movements remain adaptive and connected, without creating centralized vulnerabilities.
Another critical element is networked storytelling—where narratives are shaped by authentic community voices rather than dictated from the top down. By enabling stories to emerge organically and spread through trusted relationships, movements can shift public perception in ways that feel personal, not forced.
In our latest blog post, Netcentric Campaigns explores the strategies that can help advocacy networks prepare for the challenges ahead—and how networked resistance can be intentionally built for long-term impact.
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Updates from Our Partner Networks
Driving Change in Communities Around the World
Halt the Harm Network Update: The Sentinel Awards and Upcoming User Survey Results
The 10th Annual Sentinel Awards was a great success, serving as a powerful reminder of why Netcentric Campaigns started—and continues to support—this event.
More than just a recognition ceremony, the awards foster connections, trust, and collaboration, strengthening the movement’s ability to tackle environmental challenges. In many ways, the event encapsulates Netcentric Campaign’s core mission: building strong advocacy networks that amplify impact and create lasting change.
Looking ahead, Halt the Harm is launching a user survey to better understand the needs of environmental advocates. Insights from this will help shape future initiatives, ensuring the network continues to provide valuable resources and support. Stay tuned for key findings in the next update!
Learn more about the Halt The Harm Network
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From Strategy to Action: Expanding WASH Advocacy Across Ghana
The WASHDesk program is expanding its public engagement strategy with a newly developed campaign, supported by Ogilvy Africa, that emphasizes community-driven action under the theme “My Home. My Pride.” This initiative is designed to inspire residents to take ownership of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practices by appealing to their pride in their communities.
During recent on-the-ground visits, the Netcentric Campaigns teama saw firsthand how these strategies are taking shape, engaging local leaders, schools, and artisans in efforts to promote clean environments and sustainable hygiene habits. The campaign’s creative approach includes interactive storytelling, community games, and even a radio drama series (“Judge Fitaa”), making WASH advocacy engaging and culturally relevant.
With a mix of digital, on-the-ground, and educational initiatives, this campaign is setting the stage for long-term behavior change and deeper community involvement. Stay tuned as this movement grows!
Learn More About the WashDesk Program
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Thanks for Reading!
We’ll be back soon with more insights and resources to support your advocacy journey. Have a question you’d like answered or feedback on the newsletter? We’d love to hear from you—just hit reply and let us know!
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