“For decades, there was this crazy notion that the communications function of organizations committed to advancing social change was a luxury add-on, like pretty wrapping paper around a gift box. Then came The Communications Network, which has grown in its research, convening and support-service power to position communications as essential to the success of organizations across the sector. Without the Network, we would not be nearly as successful in our community as we’ve been.”
— Doug Root, The Pittsburgh Foundation
“Through incredible, inspiring conferences and events to the localized way that Communications Network serves its members, I have established a critical network of thought partners who face similar and unique challenges around how to be effective in social change communications.”
— Taryn Fort, The Colorado Health Foundation
“Networks are groups of interconnected people or things and ComNet couldn't be a better embodiment of the concept. I've made lifelong friends, learned new skills and had my mind opened to ideas that I cherish personally and professionally.”
— Alejandro De Onís, Knight Foundation
“The Network means community—the brain trust I can go to with questions both thorny and incredibly basic; the people who remind me that communications for good, while vitally important, can also be incredibly fun. The bright, brilliant minds I learn from through the DC LOCAL”
— Alex MacLennan, World Wildlife Fund
“If you believe communicators are essential in a democracy, The Communications Network is for you. Since joining the Network, I have not missed a conference and have enjoyed the workshops and webinars (as a presenter and attendee). I felt seen and appreciated as a Black woman from day one and have been exposed to perspectives and resources that strengthen my entire nonprofit team.”
— Sylvia Ewing, Elevate
“The Social Justice Comms Circle has been central to my engagement with ComNet. It allows me to bring questions in real time to a community of peers and learn from practitioners in different areas of the field. It makes doing social justice work truly feel collaborative.”
— Elizabeth Gilbert Kaetzel, Narratur Studio
Social Justice Communicators
“The Circles experience is like a miniature ComNet conference spread out during the year. The folks who join in on Circles are thoughtful, curious, and encouraging. Their advice and affirmation motivates me to take my work to the next level.”
— Ross Jensby, Health Forward Foundation
Social Justice Communicators
“I jumped into two Circles as soon as I joined ComNet, and I’ve found it invaluable. I come with questions and leave feeling supported, educated, and seen. Meeting everyone IRL at the conference felt like greeting old friends. I know that my Circle-mates will continue to help me grow as a communicator.”
— Tiffany Phillips, Missouri Foundation for Health
Black Communications Professionals & Internal Communications Professionals
“Circles has been a great way to meet other communications professionals and learn how they are handling similar issues. That's really important because our communications department is only a two-person shop. I've received valuable input about equity issues, social media, website overhauls, storytelling portals, and more. And everyone is just really nice!”
— Jeff Williams, School-Based Health Alliance
LGBTQ+ Communications Professionals
"Joining the ComNetworkNY LOCAL leadership team has been an incredible way to meet and collaborate with other comms for good professionals. The community immediately made me feel welcome and supported without an ounce of competitiveness. The relationships and knowledge exchanged have been instrumental as I navigated a job change and took on a new role. It's truly one of the best spaces I've found for professional growth and development.”
— Jessie Landerman, Everyday Democracy
ComNetworkNY
"The field of communications is increasingly dynamic, which makes who you know more critical than ever. Being part of a LOCAL group has allowed me to build a diverse network of colleagues in my backyard who are actively sharing knowledge and opportunities to lift each other up. The experience has certainly helped me grow as a professional, and the friendships I've made along the way are invaluable.”
— Maury Harris, Community Foundation for Southwest Washington
ComNetworkPORTLAND
“From the earliest days of my ComNet experience, it’s been impressed upon me how an amazing nexus of communications professionals want to give back and cultivate a strong and supportive network. The leadership of the Communications Network Seattle chapter have all articulated a similar sentiment: I have received so much from ComNet’s unique approach to networking and authenticity. I’d like to pour some of that magic into my own community. I am honored to consider myself a leader in this space, and I’m grateful for ComNetworkLOCAL for offering tools in community building and collaboration with other LOCAL chapters.”
— Marissa Kaiser, Casey Family Programs
ComNetworkSEATTLE
“Serving on the ComNetworkDC LOCAL leadership team has been an incredibly rewarding experience. It has provided me with the opportunity to connect and learn from fellow communications professionals in the area. I've enjoyed actively contributing to the planning and execution of programming and events for our local community. And finally, the collaborative and supportive nature of our team has made the experience even more enjoyable—we not only work well together but also have fun along the way!”
— Liz Ott, Threespot
ComNetworkDC
“The Communications Network is deeply knowledgeable and active—and it can feel vast, especially when you first join. That changed when I attended a ComNetNY LOCALs event during ComNet in Seattle. Immediately, I felt the embrace of community, which pushed me to jump head-first into organizing opportunities for connection with my fellow ComNet NYers.”
— Amel Alyamani, Surdna Foundation
ComNetworkNEW YORK