Como você constrói uma forte rede de líderes sem fins lucrativos em seu estado?

After 18 intensively compounded years in Civic Ecology, I’ve not only witnessed, but been recognized for navigating, the challenges of a sector where many non-profits act reactively, driven more by emotional fulfilment than strategic, outcome-based work. My goal is to connect with leaders ready to shift toward proactive, risk-reducing approaches. To pioneer is to work encumbered—often alone and without the cushion of trust. I seek partners committed to measurable impact, who value clarity, efficiency, and long-term solutions over constant crisis response—and who understand that popularity and sentiment must follow, not lead. I believe that less, done strategically, can often achieve more.

Here’s what I’ve found to be effective: Show up consistently – Attend local events, panels, workshops, and community gatherings where nonprofit leaders come together. Being present is half the work. Start with conversations, not collaborations – Get to know the people first. Ask about their work, challenges, and vision. People remember those who listen, not those who pitch. Organize small meetups – Sometimes big events are too formal. Hosting an intimate roundtable, coffee catch-up, or virtual hangout can create space for honest sharing and stronger bonds. Be consistent, not transactional – Relationships in the nonprofit world are often long-term. Check in, celebrate their wins, and stay in touch even when there’s no agenda.

Building a strong network of nonprofit leaders in your state starts with identifying key players via directories like Guidestar. Attend or host events—conferences, meetups, or roundtables—to connect in person or virtually. Create a shared resource like a Slack channel or newsletter to offer value. Collaborate on projects (e.g., events or grants) to build trust. Stay consistent with follow-ups and join your state’s nonprofit association to tap into existing networks. Focus on genuine relationships, not just contacts, by being curious and helpful.

É fundamental valorizar interações verdadeiras e cooperativas. Fomentar encontros e criar ambientes para discussões, com foco em dividir desafios, experiências e possibilidades. Estimular o acompanhamento e o suporte mútuo, fortalecendo o grupo e ampliando a influência social conjunta.

Antes de qualquer coisa, precisamos ter clareza sobre por que essa rede existe. Querem trocar experiências? Compartilhar recursos? Ampliar o impacto social? Formar novos líderes? Um propósito forte é o que une e movimenta as pessoas. Eu iniciaria identificando pessoas que já lideram projetos, ONGs, coletivos ou iniciativas sociais e que compartilham dos mesmos valores. Dando prioridade à diversidade de perfis, territórios e causas — isso enriquece a troca. Podemos criar um grupo online (WhatsApp, Telegram, Slack) ou encontros presenciais. Começando com algo leve: uma roda de conversa, uma oficina, um café com propósito. O importante é criar um ambiente seguro e horizontal onde todos se sintam à vontade para contribuir.

Since founding our NPO, we’ve stayed ahead by developing policies based on mature international conservation concepts, setting us apart from both our peers and regulators. I seek networking opportunities with multi-disciplinary academics and practitioners, including experts in Law, Ethology, Anthropology, Ecology, ECD, Education, Psychology, and Marketing, all with an urban-centric environmental focus. Our goal is to evolve laws, principles, and cultural norms that transcend education formats, religion, and superstition. Ultimately, we aim to lead thought and drive practical implementation.

Research doesn’t have to feel like stalking your ex on Instagram. It’s just smart creeping — with purpose. Scope out the real players in the nonprofit world. Who’s making moves? Who’s always tagged in the good stuff? Don’t overthink it. Use what’s already out there — newsletters, podcasts, LinkedIn rabbit holes. Your network knows people. Ask. Worst they say is “nah,” and even that’s a breadcrumb. This isn’t about being nosy. It’s about being strategic. Everyone’s winging it anyway. Just do it with Wi-Fi and a notepad.

This part can be lonely. Sometimes I feel like I don’t even know where to start. I search online, ask in groups, send messages into the void. But even one reply makes it worth it. I was thinking about IG bit it doesn't work good

Whether you need to start your own networking group or if you have several choices to choose from, after you’ve gathered your goals, mission statements, etc. have a general draft or idea of how to contact someone. Make sure they know who you are, the group you’re representing, etc. Next, the key factor is to find the first contact and make a connection. After that find a second contact and a connection with them. Once you have a few initial contacts, it becomes easier to meet other people and the initial connections can even help your network. Finally, do not limit your method of contacting; these can be through business meetings, social media, or training seminars to name a few. Use all of them to your advantage!

I’m still trying to understand how it works. I haven’t found my space yet — so for now, I’m creating it slowly, person by person. A DM here, a coffee chat there. No big network yet, just real human connections.

Ghosting after a great convo? Rookie move. Real connections need more than a LinkedIn add and a “let’s keep in touch.” Reach out. Say hi. Send memes. Share stuff they’d care about. Doesn’t have to be deep — just real. Following up isn’t needy; it’s respectful. People remember the ones who care enough to circle back. Networking’s not dating. You won’t get left on read if you’re thoughtful. Most folks are too busy or too shy to do it — so do it first. Be the follow-up friend. That’s how trust stacks. That’s how collabs start.

This scary me too much! I really sometimes shy to say about sherebuilds. But same time I already met amazing people who really helping me

Networking is a 2-way street & doesn’t end once you’ve made the contact. First, after you’ve initially contacted someone, make sure they have contacted you back to start the relationship. If you haven’t head back from them, try to get in contact again. After you have the relationship, if you don’t have the opportunity to speak to this other contact often, you need to schedule the time to get in contact with them. If you wait for them to get in contact with you, they may be sitting on the other end waiting for you to contact with them. In this case no one wins. Again, schedule the time & take the initiative to get in touch, even if you do it more than the other party. The more important factor is that communication is maintained.

Networking isn't trick-or-treating. It’s not just "gimme your secrets, your leads, your connections." It’s "here’s what I’ve got — need it?" People remember the ones who show up without an ask. Share stuff. Give shoutouts. Make intros without weird strings attached. It’s not charity — it’s currency. The more you give, the more your name sticks (in a good way). But don’t be that person who DMs like a pop-up ad. Respect the vibe. No one owes you their time just because you connected. Play it cool. Be real. Relationships grow when it's not just about the take.

It’s easy to feel like I have nothing to offer yet. But I’m learning that listening, encouraging others, or sharing my own story — those are valuable. We all have something to give.