Casey Culture
Peer networking has helped Casey change how it works by increasing input from stakeholders in shaping its community and systems change initiatives.
Using peer networks to learn from its work, surface new ideas, listen to residents and collaborate with other foundations has become part of the Casey Foundation’s way of work. This report traces the evolution of peer networks – such as those developed for the Making Connections initiative and the Foundation’s Children and Family Fellows Alumni – and how they became a part of Casey’s learning culture. Based on interviews with dozens of Casey staff, residents, consultants and other thought leaders, it describes good practices for and challenges to sustaining, expanding and improving peer networking efforts.
Peer networking has been a valuable process for the Foundation’s community change and other work – providing a reality check as well as a way to share and translate ideas into action. The process can be challenged by the logistics and costs of bringing people together, and requires careful planning, facilitation and documentation.