How can peacebuilding networks and coalitions amplify their collective voice and influence?

In order to establish an effective, efficient, and proactive network, organizations must begin by establishing their primary goals and how, among numerous organizations, their goals, values, and priorities intersect. Developing a shared vision and agenda permits the network to function in harmony and unity, as all are attempting to achieve the same goal: implementing peace.

A unified vision and agenda are crucial for ensuring that peacebuilding networks and coalitions can effectively promote trust, solidarity, and define advocacy objectives within an organization. As organizations clarify their key goals and values, members can reduce internal competition and collaborate towards a common goal.

May sound obvious, but it is importatn to remind that nonviolence, peace culture, and peace education must always remain the main principles of any peacebuilding project.

Again, this is something that hundreds of organizations aspire to do, including the Alliance for Peacebuilding and its member organizations in a wide variety of ways, ranging from local projects in places like Portand OR or Columbia SC to trying to shape the policies made in Washington.

Incorporating a diverse range of stakeholders in your network allows for the nourishment of inclusivity, increased participation, and the coverage of a wide range of issues that, although differing in name, share the same end goal through their profound intersection. In addition, allowing for a diverse range of partnerships to form in your network also ensures the voices of local communities and civil society are no longer excluded and are welcomed into vital decision-making spaces.

I have noted that communication challenges and limited reach remain an almost universal truth when looking at peacebuilding networks. The tendency that I find is that these networks and organisations will focus on preaching to the choir, solidifying a siloed approach to discussing an otherwise fascinating and vital agenda that should be reaching much broader! Public awareness is crucial, but I have noted an inclination to simply “put information out there” for the general public instead of reaching them where they are. The public will not be browsing your blog or signing up for your newsletter, but they might read articles on more conventional media platforms -bringing your information to where the public is simply a best practice to adopt.

Effective communication is crucial for peacebuilding networks and coalitions. They must use clear, consistent messages to raise awareness, inform, persuade, and mobilize support. Utilizing accessible channels like social media, podcasts, and campaigns helps ensure their message reaches and resonates with diverse audiences effectively.

To effectively learn and adapt from feedback and evidence, peacebuilding networks and coalitions should prioritize the collection and analysis of relevant data and information from various sources through a robust mechanism to gain a comprehensive understanding of the context, needs, and impact of the interventions. Adapting to feedback and evidence also requires a willingness to implement changes within the network or coalition's structure, processes, and programmatic approaches. This may involve revising operational procedures, adjusting resource allocation, modifying outreach strategies or introducing new initiatives tailored to the identified needs and gaps. Commitment to continuous learning and improvement is the key to being relevant.

Dialogue and collaboration are tools that make peacebuilding possible. You almost never can force peace onto a population in conflict. Over the last fifty years, organizations like the Alliance for Peacebuilding, the Association for Conflict Resolution, the National Center for Dialogue and Deliberation, as well as dozens of courses taught in business, law, social work, and other schools have done just that.

Engaging in dialogue and promoting collaboration within your network is a crucial step. This ensures that everyone's voices are heard, respected, and considered in policy reform and development. These aspects of stakeholder engagement are crucial elements of peacebuilding, for without dialogue, the sufferings of many would remain unheard.

Dialogue is a necessary tool in ushering groundbreaking peacebuilding. When effective dialogue and collaboration are implemented, the voices of those in distress are heard, and joint action becomes possible. This collaborative approach not only enhances effectiveness but also cultivates mutual understanding, respect, and trust among all peacebuilding stakeholders.

Unfortunately, there is no single go-to source an interested person can turn to in order to celebrate and acknowledge successes. The Alliance for Peacebuilding's annual PeaceCon comes as close as we get, but it falls far short.

Celebrating and acknowledging the successes and contributions of members within a coalition space not only incentivizes achieving individuals but also strengthens the overall reputation of the organization. The Institute for Economics and Peace exemplifies this approach through their annual reports and research briefings, which prominently feature the collaborative efforts of their dedicated team of researchers contributing to IEP's impactful projects. By showcasing these achievements, IEP reinforces its commitment to advancing peace and promoting global understanding through rigorous research and collaborative excellence.

Join other peacebuilding networks and institutions to fortify our ecosystem and share the best practices and know-how you have came across for the common good.