Networking is a key strategy adopted by NGOs for a number of reasons. Networking activities support the NGO's own activities, and facilitates linkages with other key stakeholders within and outside the sector such as other NGOs working in the same domain, donors, media, technology providers, CBOs and government agencies etc. Networking may assist NGOs in administrative, financial and legal problems that they may have. Networking may enable NGOs to develop more effective and innovative programs and projects. Thus, networking can result in a number of benefits for the NGOs including sharing of knowledge and resources, creating new opportunities, forging new connections, enhancing the confidence level and raising one’s own organizational profile.
NAMCO is of the view that networking can be an important strategy for it to strengthen its programs and interventions while also being able to express solidarity with other like-minded organizations working towards a common goal. NAMCO has been approached by a number of national and state level networks to take lead at the district level and strengthen their activities. NAMCO has taken such lead roles where it deemed to be relevant, significant and impactful for its own communities, programs and interventions. NAMCO is actively engaged and has taken leadership role as the District Convenor (for Thiruvarur district) for the following networks.
- Tamil Nadu Alliance - is a coalition of NGOs working to improve the conditions of young adolescent workers in the textile sectors of Tamil Nadu. This is the largest umbrella organization of NGOs working in the textile sector in Tamil Nadu.
- Campaign Against Child Labour (CACL) - CACL is a national level network / campaign of different organizations that have joined hands to raise the issue of child labour in India, and actively intervene where children's rights are being violated. (https://caclindia.org/)
- Tamil Nadu Voluntary Health Association (TNVHA) – It is a state level network of about 600 NGOs working towards health promotion, especially to vulnerable and marginalized people in Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry. It is a state unit of Voluntary Health Association of India, New Delhi established in the year 1971. (http://www.tnvha1971.org/)
- Multi Stakeholder Initiatives- Tamil Nadu(MSI -TN) - The network was formed in 2014 to foster cooperation and partnership between stakeholders – suppliers, NGOs, trade unions and the government – to ensure fair, ethical and sustainable labour practices in the garment and textile industries across Tamil Nadu.
- Forum Against Gender based Violence Against Women – This is a network of NGOs working to end gender based violence against women in Tamil Nadu. It aims at building awareness to general public, support victims of gender violence, and fight through legal and policy advocacy means to achieve its objectives.
In addition to the above, NAMCO is an active member of the following networks
- Gender Enabling Network of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Civil Society Organizations (GENIE CSOs) for Climate ventures – a network of about 400 CSOs working for women empowerment, particularly with a focus on climate change adaptation initiatives.
- ‘CLEAN’ (National level network of alternative energy) - Is a non-profit organization, committed to support, unify and grow the clean energy enterprises in India with more than 200+ enterprises working in the Decentralized Renewable Energy (DRE) domain.
- Consortium of Health Associations of India (cHAI) - established in the year 2019 to promote health in the states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana and Kerala