Networking Communities

The WFRN provides ways for members to connect with others who share common interests. Networking communities enable WFRN members to share information, network, collaborate, write research spotlight reports, organize sessions for the WFRN conference, and plan virtual events. Members may add or drop networking affiliations at any time. There is no fee for joining a networking community, but those participating are expected to keep their WFRN membership current.

To join a networking community, the first step is to join the WFRN as a member or update your membership information by following this link:

https://www.meetingsavvy.org/wfrn/frmLogin.aspx

You can check your current membership status by reviewing “See my past purchases”.  Networking community members are expected to have active WFRN memberships.

Within “update my profile” you will be able to select any networking communities you wish to join.  The WFRN Executive Office will add your name to each networking community listserve, as well as notify the chairs of the communities you select.

The WFRN bylaws specify the process for forming networking communities as follows:

Networking communities, also known as Special Interest Groups, provide opportunities for members with shared concerns to engage in conversations to advance collective interests. The WFRN will support Networking Communities through its website and conferences. Leaders are identified at the biennial conference by members of the Networking Communities through processes developed and implemented by each Networking Community. Formation of a new Networking Community requires identification of fifteen or more interested members, reported to the Executive Officer. Continuation of a Networking Community requires sustained leadership and interest.

A new networking community can be proposed by any member by contacting the Executive Office.  New communities are approved by the Executive Board.  The process by which communities select chairs and initiatives is determined by each community, adopting approaches that are transparent and inclusive. Chairs of networking communities are typically responsible for calling a meeting at the beginning of each year to determine sustained interest, identifying planned objectives for the forthcoming year and managing transfer of leadership (if needed).  The Executive Office serves as a support, providing contact information for members interested or potentially interested in joining the communities, facilitating Zoom virtual events, and disseminating resources/information on the WFRN website.  Inactive communities can be reinstated by contacting the Executive Office and by identifying a new chair.  The Executive Office email address is info@wfrn.org.

The WFRN is excited to announce the formation of regional networking communities.  These new communities will enable members in specific countries or regions to connect with other researchers, organize events, and share insights.  In 2021 the Africa Networking Community was formed under the leadership of Ameeta Jaga (ameeta.jaga@uct.ac.za), who welcomes inquiries and participation.  The International Committee is currently exploring the formation of other regional networking communities, including Oceania, South America and Eastern Europe.

Networking communities are involved in the in-person biennial conferences in numerous ways, including:

  • Forming symposia and special sessions that focus on concerns specific the community’s interests
  • Engaging in networking community breakfasts
  • Engaging in side-bar meetings to identify shared interests

Networking community members are invited to affix provided ribbons to their nametags, making everyone at the event aware of personal interests.

Questions regarding networking community involvement in the biennial conference should be directed to the current WFRN president.

Networking community chairs are encouraged to create virtual conference events that can be restricted to members of the community, expanded to include all current members of the WFRN, or expanded to an open invitation to the general public.  The WFRN Executive Office can help arrange Zoom meeting spaces for all of these events.  For events intended to engage current WFRN members or the general public, chairs are directed to contact the current Vice President so as to explore integration of the event into the WFRN’s virtual conference series.

Thank you for your leadership or your interest in forming a networking community. These communities are one of the most valuable resources created by the WFRN and we are delighted by your involvement. The primary role of these groups is to build community within the WFRN through sustained engagement and conversation around research and policy that relates to supporting work and families. As such, your role as a leader of a networking community is to help drive this engagement. In this document, you will find ideas, suggestions, and resources. Please reach out to the Executive Office with any questions or requests at info@wfrn.org and we will do our best to assist you.

How Do I Start a Networking Community?

The following process is identified in the WFRN bylaws.

Networking communities, also known as Special Interest Groups, provide opportunities for members with shared concerns to engage in conversations to advance collective interests. The WFRN will support Networking Communities through its website and conferences. Leaders are identified at the biennial conference by members of the Networking Communities through processes developed and implemented by each Networking Community. Formation of a new Networking Community requires identification of fifteen or more interested members, reported to the Executive Officer. Continuation of a Networking Community requires sustained leadership and interest.

Here are Some Ideas to Engage Your Networking Community

  • Keep your listserv active by posting announcements and/or by creating a regular newsletter.
  • Organize smaller events such as writing groups and/or book clubs
  • Organize larger events such as virtual conference events
  • Submit one or more symposia to the WFRN conferences. In the description of your symposia, be sure to make clear that it is organized by your networking community, and it will be given priority.
  • Organize “best networking community paper awards” at the WFRN conferences.
  • Organize social events at the biennial in-person conferences.

What the Executive Office Can Do for You

  • Provide a list of all members interested in your networking community. You will receive that list in early March each year.
  • Create a listserv that includes any member that registered their membership by February 15 of that year. You will manage communications on that listserv.
  • Establish a webpage for you on the WFRN website or link the WFRN website to a webpage of your own creation. We can also update your webpage when you send us information to do so.
  • Help you create virtual conference events, open to the entire membership using the WFRN’s Zoom platform. We can also publicize these events to the entire membership.  If you want to organize an event that is exclusive to your community (if needed) we can provide you with a Zoom link and a platform for registrations. However, you would need to organize communications from your desk.
  • Make the membership aware of your networking community’s initiatives and interests via the Newsfeed.
  • Provide letters documenting your service as a Networking Community leader for your tenure/promotion files.