If we want more networking in our groups, neighborhoods, and communities, we have to prepare more and more safe places of this sort. The advantage you have in an all-volunteer group is that people already share some commonality of interest and purpose and, in smaller groups, often already know one another. No one is so poor, uneducated, or client- stereotyped, that they don't have something valuable to offer. And no one is so rich, educated, or successful that they don't need something. The most effective way is through practice of network exercises such as the ones that follow.
Experience is by far the best teacher.
Humor helps, too. As an example, see the two cartoons on the following pages. Finally, caricature of what not to do can enhance our appreciation of network attitude. Here is an example, contributed by Connie Hyatt of the Oregon State Department of Human Resources. But the overall relevance is crystal clear.