Project Number: 2023-2-PL01-KA220-YOU-000171409
MOBIUS MODULE 9
Resources and Networks
The Mobius project has been funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the National Agency (NA). Neither the European Union nor NA can be held responsible for them.
Agenda
- Module’s goals
- What will you learn
- 9.1. Why Resources & Networks Matter
- 9.2. Understanding Resources
- 9.3. What are networks?
- 9.4. Principles of Effective Collaboration
- Activity: Network builder simulation
- Stakeholder Mapping: Influence & Interest
- 9.5. Types of Social Innovators
- Influence–Interest Matrix
- Resource Hunt
- 9.6 Pitch Your Partnership!
- Resources
Module’s Goal
This module is designed to support you to:
- Understand the importance of identifying and mobilizing resources to support social innovation.
- Recognize the value of building strong networks for collaboration and support.
- Explore how partnerships and cross-sector engagement can strengthen impact.
- Emphasize sustainability and long-term success of youth-led initiatives.
- Develop skills to map, access, and activate diverse types of resources and collaborators.
What will you learn?
KNOWLEDGE
Understand the role of networks and partnerships in social innovation Identify types of resources (financial, human, digital, spatial, etc.) Recognize the value of stakeholder engagement
SKILLS
Show openness to working in teams Value collective action and mutual support and demonstrate initiative in building sustainable partnerships
ATTITUDES
Map relevant stakeholders and resources Build and maintain collaborative relationships Communicate with partners from different sectors
A bit of theory
9.1. Why Resources & Networks Matter
Social innovation does not happen in isolation. Social innovation is deeply rooted in community context and thrives when individuals and organizations come together to support meaningful change. Successful initiatives depend on the ability to identify, access, and mobilize diverse resources while building strong networks of support and collaboration. This is what sustains impact and enables growth. Food for thought: Can you think of a youth-led initiative that needed outside help to succeed? What kind of support was essential?
9.2. Understanding Resources
In the context of social innovation, resources are not just financial. They include a wide array of tangible and intangible assets. Help participants recognize that they may already have access to many of these without realizing it. Types of resources:
- Human resources: volunteers, mentors, peer supporters
- Material resources: access to spaces, equipment, supplies
- Digital resources: free platforms (e.g. Canva, Zoom), open educational tools
- Social resources: community trust, reputation, local networks
- Knowledge resources: training materials, guides, lived experience, local wisdom
9.3. What are networks?
Networks are relationships and structures that help your idea grow. They may include individuals or organizations who share your goals or can help you reach them. Networks may include:
- Collaborators (peer organizations, local groups)
- Advisors and mentors
- Funders and supporters
- Public sector representatives
- Private businesses with shared values
- Media contacts
- Beneficiaries who also advocate for your work
Good networks increase visibility, offer resources, and amplify impact.
9.4. Principles of Effective Collaboration
Building partnerships is more than just exchanging resources — it’s about creating trust-based, purpose-driven relationships. These principles help guide the process:
- Shared values and vision: Are we aligned?
- Transparency and honest communication: Are we clear and open?
- Clear roles: Who does what?
- Mutual benefit: What’s in it for each partner?
ACTIVITY
You’re about to launch a youth-led social initiative — but you can’t do it alone! In this simulation, you’ll face decisions about who to approach, what resources to seek, and how to build your network. Each choice you make leads to different challenges, outcomes, and learning opportunities. There’s no perfect path — think strategically and reflect as you go!
Network Builder Simulation
Start
Introduction
Welcome to the Network Builder Simulation! You’re launching a youth-led initiative. To make an impact, you’ll need to connect with the right people and organizations. Your choices will shape your project’s success. Let’s see how your network grows!
Next
Choose your project
💬 Mental Health Peer Support
🎨 Street Art for Social Change
🌱 Community Garden Project
Decision Point 1: Who Do You Contact First?
Your idea is ready! You need to build your initial network. Who do you contact first?
Local municipality representative
A popular influencer
A youth-focused NGO
Decision Point 2: You Need Resources
You now need materials and support to implement your idea. What do you do?
Ask local businesses for sponsorship
Launch a crowdfunding campaign
Apply for a micro-grant
Decision Point 3: Something Goes Wrong
At your first event, turnout is lower than expected. What do you do?
Organize a feedback session with your network
Partner with a school/youth center
Focus on social media promotion
Municipality Representative Outcome
Well done!
They like your idea! But they need detailed documentation and their approval process is slow. Can you wait?
Next decision
Youth NGO Outcome
Well done!
The NGO offers mentoring, volunteers, and visibility. You feel empowered and better connected to the community.
Next decision
Influencer Outcome
hmm... maybe it was not the best choice...
Your project goes viral! But the influencer wants creative control, and you risk drifting from your original purpose.
Next decision
Micro-grant Outcome
Good plan!
You write a detailed proposal. It’s tough, but you secure funds aligned with your values.
Next decision
Local Business Outcome
not bad...
A café and bookstore offer sponsorship in exchange for advertising space on your materials.
Next decision
Crowdfunding Outcome
not bad...
Your campaign reaches many, you raise money, but managing it and meeting donor expectations becomes a burden.
Next decision
Feedback Outcome
Well done!
People feel heard and give great ideas. You build trust and relevance.
Continue
School Outcome
Well done!
Partnering with the school leads to strong youth engagement and support.
Continue
Social Media Outcome
Hmmm... maybe you need to rethink this
You get views, but not deep participation. You learn digital isn't everything.
Continue
Reflection time
Congratulations! You successfully finished this scenario. Now, it is time for you to reflect. Think about your path.
Restart
Restart
Continue
Stakeholder Mapping: Influence & Interest
9.5. Types of Social Innovators
Every social innovation initiative depends on the people and groups around it — the ones who care, the ones who influence, and even the ones who might not be interested (yet). Knowing who these stakeholders are and what role they can play is a key step in turning your idea into action. In this activity, you will begin to map out the stakeholders who are relevant to your own social innovation idea. You’ll be asked to consider:
- Who has power and influence to support or block your project?
- Who is truly interested in the change you want to create?
- Who could become a valuable ally, partner, or advocate?
- And who may not play a central role – at least not right now?
9.5. Types of Social Innovators
We’ll use a classic tool called the Influence–Interest Matrix, which helps you organize stakeholders into four categories based on:
- Their level of influence (power, authority, resources)
- Their level of interest (motivation, passion, concern for the issue)
After filling out the map, you’ll be able to download your work and use it to guide your next steps — like building partnerships, planning communications, or preparing outreach. Take your time to reflect — your choices here will shape how you engage others on your changemaking journey. When you’re ready, go to the next page and begin mapping!
Influence–Interest Matrix
High Influence – High Interest
Low Influence – High Interest
Low Influence – Low Interest
High Influence – Low Interest
Resource Hunt
Welcome to the Resource Hunt!
Every social innovation project—big or small—needs resources to succeed. But not all resources are equally important for every activity. In this interactive challenge, you’ll explore two different types of youth-led actions:
- A Community Event
- A Digital Awareness Campaign
Let’s see how resourceful you can be!
Resource Hunt – Prioritizing Resources
Prioritise Like a Pro! You’re planning a youth-led initiative and need to decide how to allocate your limited resources. For each case, review the available resources and drag them to the right zone: - Essential – You cannot do it without this.
- Optional – Nice to have, but not absolutely necessary.
- Not a Priority – Doesn’t make much sense for this context.
You’ll do this for 2 types of activities. Ready?
Scenario 1: Community Event
You are organizing a local event to raise awareness about youth mental health. It will take place in your community center with participants of all ages.
Meeting Space
Micro-funding
Social Media Tools
Graphic designer
Volunteers
IT support
Press Contacts
NOT A PRIORITY
OPTIONAL
ESSENTIAL
Solution
EXPLANATION
Scenario 1: Community Event Essential
- Volunteers: Essential for organizing, running, and managing logistics on the day of the event. They ensure everything runs smoothly.
- Meeting Space: The event needs a physical location. Without it, the community gathering can't happen.
- Micro-funding: Some basic expenses (like refreshments or equipment) require small financial support.
Optional
- Social Media Tools: Helpful for promotion but not the core of a local in-person event.
- Graphic Designer: Nice to have for posters or banners, but homemade materials can work if budget is tight.
- Press Contacts: Useful to get coverage, but not necessary for the event to take place.
Not a Priority
- IT Support: This is a face-to-face event with little to no tech setup needs.
Scenario 2: Awareness Campaign
You are planning a 2-week youth-led campaign to raise awareness about climate action. You’ll use various media to reach a broader audience.
Meeting Space
Micro-funding
Social Media Tools
Graphic designer
Volunteers
Community mentors
Press Contacts
Influencers
NOT A PRIORITY
OPTIONAL
ESSENTIAL
Solution
EXPLANATION
Scenario 2: Awareness Campaign Essential
- Social Media Tools: The backbone of any awareness campaign—used to post, share, and engage audiences.
- Graphic Designer: A good visual identity strengthens the message and captures attention online and offline.
- Press Contacts: Helps amplify your message beyond your own channels.
Optional
- Volunteers: Support tasks like scheduling or responding to comments, but not critical in short campaigns.
- Micro-funding: Useful for boosting posts or small ad spends, but many platforms allow free outreach.
- Influencers: Can give momentum, but their involvement isn’t always necessary or easy to obtain.
Not a Priority
- Meeting Space: A campaign doesn’t require physical gathering.
- Community Mentors: Valuable for support, but not essential for visibility-focused goals.
🎉You Did It!
You've just explored how to match real-world needs with the right resources and made thoughtful choices about what's essential, optional, or not a priority. Every youth-led initiative requires smart thinking, creativity, and flexibility—and that's exactly what you've practiced here. Before you go, take a moment to reflect:
🎉You Did It!
🎉You Did It!
Don't forget: The success of a project isn't about having all the resources—it's about knowing how to mobilize the right ones, at the right time. Ready to take action? Use what you learned here to start mapping out your own initiative. You’ve got this!
Pitch Your Partnership!
9.6. Pitch Your Partnership!
Before we close this module, it's time to bring everything together! Imagine you've got a great idea for a youth-led initiative — but to make it happen, you need support from others. In this activity, you'll prepare a short pitch to present your idea to a potential partner — like a local café, youth center, school, municipality, or business. This could be for funding, resources, space, or simply collaboration. Your task: Create a 1-minute video or a digital/printable poster to present your idea. Be clear, creative, and convincing! Check the next page for instructions!
9.6. Pitch Your Partnership!
INSTRUCTIONS - What to include:
- What your project is about (What problem are you solving?)
- What impact it aims to have (Why does it matter?)
- Why you chose this specific partner (How do they fit in?)
- What you need from them (And what you offer in return!)
When you're done: Share your pitch with a peer, your teacher, or a small group — and get their feedback! If you're in a group setting, you can also practice delivering it live. This activity will help you boost your communication skills, gain confidence, and prepare for real-life collaboration. Good luck, you’ve got this!
Resources Page
- Resources / Further reading
- Kania, J., & Kramer, M. (2011). Collective impact. Stanford Social Innovation Review. Retrieved May 16, 2025, from https://ssir.org/articles/entry/collective_impact
- OECD. (2021). Youthwise: The OECD’s Youth Advisory Board – 2021 Cohort. Retrieved May 16, 2025, from https://www.oecd.org/en/about/programmes/youthwise/youthwise-2021.html
- Social Innovation Exchange (SIX). (n.d.). Building networks for social impact. Retrieved May 16, 2025, from https://socialinnovationexchange.org/
- European Commission. (n.d.). Erasmus+ Programme Guide (2021–2027). Retrieved May 16, 2025, from https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/erasmus-programme-guide
It’s time to test your knowledge from the module! Take this quiz!
IT Support
Social Media Tools, Graphic designer, press contacts
Volunteers, meeting space, micro-funding
Meeting space, Community mentors
Volunteers, micro-funding, influencers
Social Media Tools, Graphic designer, press contacts
9. MODULE 9
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Transcript
Project Number: 2023-2-PL01-KA220-YOU-000171409
MOBIUS MODULE 9
Resources and Networks
The Mobius project has been funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the National Agency (NA). Neither the European Union nor NA can be held responsible for them.
Agenda
Module’s Goal
This module is designed to support you to:
What will you learn?
KNOWLEDGE
Understand the role of networks and partnerships in social innovation Identify types of resources (financial, human, digital, spatial, etc.) Recognize the value of stakeholder engagement
SKILLS
Show openness to working in teams Value collective action and mutual support and demonstrate initiative in building sustainable partnerships
ATTITUDES
Map relevant stakeholders and resources Build and maintain collaborative relationships Communicate with partners from different sectors
A bit of theory
9.1. Why Resources & Networks Matter
Social innovation does not happen in isolation. Social innovation is deeply rooted in community context and thrives when individuals and organizations come together to support meaningful change. Successful initiatives depend on the ability to identify, access, and mobilize diverse resources while building strong networks of support and collaboration. This is what sustains impact and enables growth. Food for thought: Can you think of a youth-led initiative that needed outside help to succeed? What kind of support was essential?
9.2. Understanding Resources
In the context of social innovation, resources are not just financial. They include a wide array of tangible and intangible assets. Help participants recognize that they may already have access to many of these without realizing it. Types of resources:
9.3. What are networks?
Networks are relationships and structures that help your idea grow. They may include individuals or organizations who share your goals or can help you reach them. Networks may include:
- Collaborators (peer organizations, local groups)
- Advisors and mentors
- Funders and supporters
- Public sector representatives
- Private businesses with shared values
- Media contacts
- Beneficiaries who also advocate for your work
Good networks increase visibility, offer resources, and amplify impact.9.4. Principles of Effective Collaboration
Building partnerships is more than just exchanging resources — it’s about creating trust-based, purpose-driven relationships. These principles help guide the process:
ACTIVITY
You’re about to launch a youth-led social initiative — but you can’t do it alone! In this simulation, you’ll face decisions about who to approach, what resources to seek, and how to build your network. Each choice you make leads to different challenges, outcomes, and learning opportunities. There’s no perfect path — think strategically and reflect as you go!
Network Builder Simulation
Start
Introduction
Welcome to the Network Builder Simulation! You’re launching a youth-led initiative. To make an impact, you’ll need to connect with the right people and organizations. Your choices will shape your project’s success. Let’s see how your network grows!
Next
Choose your project
💬 Mental Health Peer Support
🎨 Street Art for Social Change
🌱 Community Garden Project
Decision Point 1: Who Do You Contact First?
Your idea is ready! You need to build your initial network. Who do you contact first?
Local municipality representative
A popular influencer
A youth-focused NGO
Decision Point 2: You Need Resources
You now need materials and support to implement your idea. What do you do?
Ask local businesses for sponsorship
Launch a crowdfunding campaign
Apply for a micro-grant
Decision Point 3: Something Goes Wrong
At your first event, turnout is lower than expected. What do you do?
Organize a feedback session with your network
Partner with a school/youth center
Focus on social media promotion
Municipality Representative Outcome
Well done!
They like your idea! But they need detailed documentation and their approval process is slow. Can you wait?
Next decision
Youth NGO Outcome
Well done!
The NGO offers mentoring, volunteers, and visibility. You feel empowered and better connected to the community.
Next decision
Influencer Outcome
hmm... maybe it was not the best choice...
Your project goes viral! But the influencer wants creative control, and you risk drifting from your original purpose.
Next decision
Micro-grant Outcome
Good plan!
You write a detailed proposal. It’s tough, but you secure funds aligned with your values.
Next decision
Local Business Outcome
not bad...
A café and bookstore offer sponsorship in exchange for advertising space on your materials.
Next decision
Crowdfunding Outcome
not bad...
Your campaign reaches many, you raise money, but managing it and meeting donor expectations becomes a burden.
Next decision
Feedback Outcome
Well done!
People feel heard and give great ideas. You build trust and relevance.
Continue
School Outcome
Well done!
Partnering with the school leads to strong youth engagement and support.
Continue
Social Media Outcome
Hmmm... maybe you need to rethink this
You get views, but not deep participation. You learn digital isn't everything.
Continue
Reflection time
Congratulations! You successfully finished this scenario. Now, it is time for you to reflect. Think about your path.
Restart
Restart
Continue
Stakeholder Mapping: Influence & Interest
9.5. Types of Social Innovators
Every social innovation initiative depends on the people and groups around it — the ones who care, the ones who influence, and even the ones who might not be interested (yet). Knowing who these stakeholders are and what role they can play is a key step in turning your idea into action. In this activity, you will begin to map out the stakeholders who are relevant to your own social innovation idea. You’ll be asked to consider:
9.5. Types of Social Innovators
We’ll use a classic tool called the Influence–Interest Matrix, which helps you organize stakeholders into four categories based on:
- Their level of influence (power, authority, resources)
- Their level of interest (motivation, passion, concern for the issue)
After filling out the map, you’ll be able to download your work and use it to guide your next steps — like building partnerships, planning communications, or preparing outreach. Take your time to reflect — your choices here will shape how you engage others on your changemaking journey. When you’re ready, go to the next page and begin mapping!Influence–Interest Matrix
High Influence – High Interest
Low Influence – High Interest
Low Influence – Low Interest
High Influence – Low Interest
Resource Hunt
Welcome to the Resource Hunt!
Every social innovation project—big or small—needs resources to succeed. But not all resources are equally important for every activity. In this interactive challenge, you’ll explore two different types of youth-led actions:
- A Community Event
- A Digital Awareness Campaign
Let’s see how resourceful you can be!Resource Hunt – Prioritizing Resources
Prioritise Like a Pro! You’re planning a youth-led initiative and need to decide how to allocate your limited resources. For each case, review the available resources and drag them to the right zone:
- Essential – You cannot do it without this.
- Optional – Nice to have, but not absolutely necessary.
- Not a Priority – Doesn’t make much sense for this context.
You’ll do this for 2 types of activities. Ready?Scenario 1: Community Event
You are organizing a local event to raise awareness about youth mental health. It will take place in your community center with participants of all ages.
Meeting Space
Micro-funding
Social Media Tools
Graphic designer
Volunteers
IT support
Press Contacts
NOT A PRIORITY
OPTIONAL
ESSENTIAL
Solution
EXPLANATION
Scenario 1: Community Event Essential
- Micro-funding: Some basic expenses (like refreshments or equipment) require small financial support.
Optional- Press Contacts: Useful to get coverage, but not necessary for the event to take place.
Not a PriorityScenario 2: Awareness Campaign
You are planning a 2-week youth-led campaign to raise awareness about climate action. You’ll use various media to reach a broader audience.
Meeting Space
Micro-funding
Social Media Tools
Graphic designer
Volunteers
Community mentors
Press Contacts
Influencers
NOT A PRIORITY
OPTIONAL
ESSENTIAL
Solution
EXPLANATION
Scenario 2: Awareness Campaign Essential
- Press Contacts: Helps amplify your message beyond your own channels.
Optional- Influencers: Can give momentum, but their involvement isn’t always necessary or easy to obtain.
Not a Priority🎉You Did It!
You've just explored how to match real-world needs with the right resources and made thoughtful choices about what's essential, optional, or not a priority. Every youth-led initiative requires smart thinking, creativity, and flexibility—and that's exactly what you've practiced here. Before you go, take a moment to reflect:
🎉You Did It!
🎉You Did It!
Don't forget: The success of a project isn't about having all the resources—it's about knowing how to mobilize the right ones, at the right time. Ready to take action? Use what you learned here to start mapping out your own initiative. You’ve got this!
Pitch Your Partnership!
9.6. Pitch Your Partnership!
Before we close this module, it's time to bring everything together! Imagine you've got a great idea for a youth-led initiative — but to make it happen, you need support from others. In this activity, you'll prepare a short pitch to present your idea to a potential partner — like a local café, youth center, school, municipality, or business. This could be for funding, resources, space, or simply collaboration. Your task: Create a 1-minute video or a digital/printable poster to present your idea. Be clear, creative, and convincing! Check the next page for instructions!
9.6. Pitch Your Partnership!
INSTRUCTIONS - What to include:
- What your project is about (What problem are you solving?)
- What impact it aims to have (Why does it matter?)
- Why you chose this specific partner (How do they fit in?)
- What you need from them (And what you offer in return!)
When you're done: Share your pitch with a peer, your teacher, or a small group — and get their feedback! If you're in a group setting, you can also practice delivering it live. This activity will help you boost your communication skills, gain confidence, and prepare for real-life collaboration. Good luck, you’ve got this!Resources Page
It’s time to test your knowledge from the module! Take this quiz!
IT Support
Social Media Tools, Graphic designer, press contacts
Volunteers, meeting space, micro-funding
Meeting space, Community mentors
Volunteers, micro-funding, influencers
Social Media Tools, Graphic designer, press contacts