In 2008, the economic crisis demonstrated that the existing nonprofit support system was inadequate to assist service providers. Infrastructure & capacity building organizations could not reach and connect with service providers. Countless service providers are working at reduced capacity, a significant number have closed, and many more are at risk of closing. At the same time, the demand for service is increasing and communities across America are in need. There is urgency in the sector.
To address this urgency, we have partnered with HelpSmart which brings together networks in multiple subsectors to share greater cost benefits and economies of scope and scale. Working together, we can build a more responsive nonprofit support system and greater capacity to meet the needs of Americans. We encourage you to engage with SHARE Network USA, sponsor and manage a local or state network, provide benefits, and financially support us.
In 2010 SHARE Network USA will:
- Launch SHARE Networks in all states
- Expand from workforce development to include all human services
- Partner with existing associations and networks to manage local and state SHARE Networks
- Deliver benefits (information, tools, and services) to registered service providers
HISTORY
In 2002, Job Service North Dakota received a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor for a web-based resource directory and referral system to expand access to and better engage the community with workforce development services. This project was recognized as one of the most beneficial and the North Dakota Share Network (www.sharenetworknd.org) became a model for others. Highlights include:
- The directory and referral system are free
- Organizations manage and update their information so it is more current and reliable
- Organizations and community are brought together
- Awareness and service are increased
The U.S. Department of Labor funded the project for more states where SHARE Network was implemented by a cross-sector partnership to establish a cross-sector collaborative network for workforce development. The partnership allowed for project sustainability leading to establishing SHARE Network USA.
SHARE Network is a testimony of government pioneering best practices, deploying on a large scale, and facilitating sustainability. Each SHARE Network is autonomous, but the technology and standards are centrally managed. It is a proven model that keeps cost low, respects local and state issues, builds national collaboration, collaboratively engages the community, and delivers benefits to each registered organization.
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