An Entire Planet of Stories Worth Telling
Connected Communities (CC) are a group of people, organization, club, church, or business that "connect" with a group of children or project. The sponsoring team supports their partner through any number of opportunities. Some Connected Communities sponsor several children or the whole community, others might support our global staff, while some facilitate capital projects like clean water or other needs. ICCM even helps empower some Connected Communities to visit their global partner, regularly.
Connected Communities can build strong relationships with one another. Frequent communication strengthens friendships and deepens intimacy. Communities learn about each, furthering trust, support, and feedback.
While the sponsoring team can easily see the tangible benefits for their global partner, the sponsoring group often finds they are also the biggest benefactor. Knowing and relating to a group of children at-the-margins, outside of a western context, can shape an organization's worldview, promote empathy, and exponentially accelerate a team's compassion, philanthropy, and justice-awareness!
Northgate, of Rochester, NY, is a CC with our entire project across Rwanda. Northgate members have sponsored hundreds of children, to date. The organization has also fundraised and provided for several clean water initiatives, a community park, and more. With annual trips, many of the Northgate team have visited our Rwandan children and leaders.
Your CC might look very different!