One tool that has been incredibly helpful during our network member meetings is a section of time set aside for members to have open discussions with each other. 

There are no fancy collaboration apps involved, no transcripts and no recordings. There is no real planning or facilitation involved. It’s just time set aside so that members can focus on themselves and each other. 

What we found is that people respond positively to the opportunity to just talk. Setting aside some space within every meeting for open discussion has been massively important to our particular group. In this set aside time, people are able to brainstorm ideas, discuss problems and learn about each other in a dynamic way that isn’t possible in planned and polished sessions.

If our network can do nothing else, creating a space where these organizations can share their thoughts and ideas is invaluable. Not only does it allow for the kind of collaboration these organizations cannot usually facilitate on their own, it ultimately contributes to the success of gleaning and hunger relief work within the state.