1) Member Organisations

Access to “Ask an expert” feature of the web site for staff of the organisation
Much information will available to anyone who browses the web site, and all individual members can post questions on topic-based discussion boards. However only contributing members , those who are associated with a member organisation or those who have offered services or donations to the network can send questions directly to topic conveners or network consultants.

Meeting training needs of staff
As our capacity develops, the Network will enable member organisations to access ‘hub projects’ (for exposure visits) and training consultants (for on-site seminars) through which health staff can gain experiences, learn new skills, and expand their vision.

Purchase of a copy at discounted rates of ‘Setting up community health programmes: a practical manual for use in developing countries,’ Ted Lankester, 2006 Macmillan.
This is a revised 440 page Edition due for publication in autumn 2006, covering similar topics to the website but in more detail. There are ‘tasters’ from this book in topic pages on the web site.

Visibility
Member organizations can present their projects and news in a simple to edit own-page format within the Network’s web site. This will be very valuable for smaller organisations without a website of their own or who would like information about their programmes to be more widely known. When individual members who belong to a member organization submit their personal experiences of community health interventions, they will be searchable on their organization’s web page. (Of course no organisation needs to have this visibility if they prefer not to.)
Member organisations can invite short-term student placements at their programmes through the web site.

Playing a role in shaping the future of the Network.
Here is an opportunity for a wide range of faith-based community health organizations to work together for one another’s benefit – to the end that we can see improved health on a global scale. Being a member lends an organization’s name to the venture and gives the opportunity to take a lead in it.

2) Individual Members

Access to community health care knowledge base
The web site presents theoretical and practical information about the whole breadth of community based health care. Individual health topics include a convener’s overview and personal perspective, details of Network members’ experiences, related web sites, guidelines and good practice, practical tips, the evidence base and practical training resources. This adds up to a huge amount of relevant information, all easily accessed under simple-to-find topics.

Discussion forums
Members can post questions or issues in topic-based discussion forums or respond to other’s contributions. (Members who belong to member organisations can make use of the “Ask an expert” feature.)

Monthly information
Members receive monthly e-newsletters or quarterly paper newsletters giving hot-off-the-press information from other members.

Opportunities for encouragement through sharing experiences
The Network places a high priority on members learning from one another, especially through “members’ experiences” and discussion forums on the web site.

The Network gives opportunities for members to share about how faith has enhanced their community health practice and been of benefit and blessing to their community.
As the Network grows and develops through more individuals and organisations joining, we expect the value and number of benefits to grow also.

Nick Henwood
Edited by Ted / Nick 2/3/06