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 Dosti’s Role / Joining Dosti
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Dosti supports networks to become more influential and to work with other networks to influence change. Dosti staff offer a community development approach and facilitation skills which help networks to work inclusively and influence change.
Many of Dosti’s member networks receive support from others, such as Dudley CVS or the council. Their support helps networks to prepare to be influential. The support that Dosti offers adds to this by working with networks to use voice, and by bringing networks and representatives together.
Joining Dosti (membership criteria)
Joining Dosti is more than an opportunity to be a part of a credible and successful ‘network of networks’. It offers the chance to be involved in work around community engagement and community influence which is being led here in Dudley, and shared across the country.
In joining Dosti your network will have an interest in influencing changes to public services and a desire to be involved in developing strategies and policies alongside public sector colleagues. You will also be keen to contribute to developing empowering ways of working together across organisations and sectors which help to improve the lives of people who live and work in Dudley Borough.
As a Dosti member you will have already recognised the value of bringing community groups, voluntary organisations and/or faith groups together in a network.
Your network will be community-led, in other words when you network makes decisions its voluntary, community and faith sector members will not be able to be outvoted and they will be a majority when decisions are made, according to your quorum.
When joining Dosti your network will:
 Provide a name and contact details for a key contact in your network.
Provide a list of the groups and organisations which are members of your network.
Agree to circulate Dosti communications to your network members.
Nominate one or more representatives from your network to attend a minimum of 2 representatives
 meetings each year.
Commit to working in ways which are empowering.
Agree to convene a group of at least five people active in your network at least once a year to evaluate
your collective influence and impact on local partnerships, using voice.
To find out if your network is eligible for Dosti membership contact Lorna or Katherine (details at the bottom of the page)
Benefits of joining Dosti include:
1. Access to FREE specialist expertise such as:
Input and ideas about how your network can challenge inequalities, reflect and learn together, promote
participation, and/or work in empowering ways.
Tailored sessions using voice to determine ways to increase your influence.
Facilitation and training to help with planning, delivering and following up network events,
meetings and consultations.
2. Practical support with network communications:
£150 per quarter to resource network meeting and communication costs.
Administrative support of up to a few hours per month.
A page or more on Dosti’s website to promote the work of your network.
Assistance with the design of newsletters, flyers etc.
Training and support for your network’s representatives.
3. Links to others:
Links to representatives who can champion your issues and concerns
Links to networks who you may wish to work together with.
Links to partnerships and information about them and their activities
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