CFO and the Darr Family Foundation present ‘Network for Progress’
Network for Progress will begin as a series of five facilitated sessions exploring the Red Flags and Blue Ribbons in Springfield and Greene County as outlined by the 2021 Community Focus Report. The series, presented by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks and the Darr Family Foundation, fosters connections among public and private organizations so that meaningful, focused and ongoing progress can be made toward the maintenance of the community’s Blue Ribbons and resolution of Red Flags.
Register today: Limited seating for each event. Reserve your spot by registering today.
Time and Location: Each facilitated session takes place from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the efactory inside the Robert W. Plaster Free Enterprise Center, 405 N. Jefferson Ave.
Attend a Session and Connect to a Network
Social & Community Context - Wednesday, May 25 [Details/Registration]
Session will be held in the Jay Wasson Idea Loft at the efactory. Please check in at the Business Suite by the Queen City mural (immediately to your right when entering the front doors from Jefferson).
- Citizen Participation
- Arts & Culture
Economic Stability - Wednesday, June 15 [Details/Registration]
Session will be held in the CoxHealth Innovation Room at the efactory. Please check in at the Business Suite by the Queen City mural (immediately to your right when entering the front doors from Jefferson).
- Business & Economic Development
- Housing
Healthcare Access & Quality – Wednesday, July 27 [Details/Registration]
Session will be held in the CoxHealth Innovation Room at the efactory. Please check in at the Business Suite by the Queen City mural (immediately to your right when entering the front doors from Jefferson).
- Community Health
Session Overview
- Panel presents overview of the primary theme
- Facilitated discussion around Blue Ribbons and Red Flags
- Network launches: sign up, meet network co-chairs and start moving the needle Network Activities and Timeline
- Networks are supported by two co-chairs from the public and private sectors
- Networks will meet three to five times prior to February 2023
- Networks may apply for special grant opportunities
February 2023
Networks will move the needle by generating measurable outcomes and meaningful insights for presentation at an All-Network Gathering to inform the 2023 Community Focus Report.
Program Coordinators
- Holly Beadle, Director of Philanthropic Services for the Community Foundation of the Ozarks
- Heather Zoromski, Executive Director of the Darr Family Foundation
Network for Progress: Program Overview & FAQ
The Community Foundation of the Ozarks and the Darr Family Foundation are hosting the "Network for Progress" series to connect nonprofits, businesses and community members to move the needle toward the resolution of Red Flags and maintenance of Blue Ribbons outlined in the 2021 Community Focus Report.
"Network for Progress" is driven by the belief that strong networks of community partners, representing both nonprofits and business sectors, can engage in collaborative, targeted activities that generate meaningful and measurable outcomes that move the needle on the Blue Ribbons and Red Flags. Networks embrace resource sharing (information, technology, staffing/volunteers, expertise, research and funding) and, when appropriate, leverage grant opportunities in the development of large- or small-scale initiatives that address Blue Ribbons or Red Flags.
What is a network?
A network is a group of stakeholders with representation from the nonprofit and business sectors that mobilizes in 2022 to address the Blue Ribbons or Red Flags identified in the 2021 Community Focus Report.
- Networks will meet three to five times prior to February 2023 with the goal of making measurable progress on a group-selected project or initiative. Let's move the needle!
- Network updates will be shared via the Community Focus Report website.
- Network groups will convene in February 2023 for an All-Network Gathering to present accomplishments from 2022 and shape insights for inclusion in the 2023 Community Focus Report.
What support is provided to the networks?
- Co-Chairs: Each network will have two co-chairs representing the perspectives of the public and private sectors. Co-chairs will coordinate the communication and work of their network group, serve as the network's liaison to the "Network for Progress" coordinators, and present the network's insights and progress at the All-Network Gathering in February 2023.
- Grant Opportunities: Funding will be available in 2022 specifically for Community Focus Report initiatives that develop from these networks. Additional details will be made available this summer.
What questions should guide network activities?
- What Blue Ribbons or Red Flags are we addressing?
- What is a feasible goal for addressing that Blue Ribbon or Red Flag by February 2023?
- Who is in the network and how can network membership be strengthened?
- What resources/input are being acquired, shared and/or distributed within the network?
- Which network processes are working, and which ones can be improved?
- What progress is being made toward the February 2023 deadline?
What is the Logic Model Theory of Change?
The Logic model theory of change is the framework that will be utilized to create action plans that align the work and resources in our community. We encourage you to attend one of these training webinars to familiarize yourself with this method.
- Tuesday, June 7, 9–11 a.m. — Register in advance for this webinar.
Ready to connect to a network?
Sign up to serve as a network co-chair or member and help move the needle!
Print and share
Download a printable overview (pdf) to share with your colleagues.
Have questions?
Contact Holly Beadle, Director of Philanthropic Services at the CFO, at hbeadle@cfozarks.org or 417-864-6199.
Find this article at https://www.cfozarks.org/networkoverview