The spark has been lit. The momentum has hit. Statewide asset-building efforts have come into their own with more than two dozen states and provinces now boasting an established network. Indiana's LINK initiative, for example, makes sure that local community projects are connected with resources on a state and national level.
Many networks work on strengthening ties between government agencies and local organizations.
Some, like New York, are working at the state policy level. Others, like Nebraska, are concentrating on the grassroots level. All are actively engaged in mentoring and sharing experiences and even cosponsoring conferences, as New Jersey and Pennsylvania are doing. First you find out from them what's really working, then you figure out how the network can build and expand on that. Many states have found that it's best to build a network on existing infrastructures instead of reinventing the wheel.