
Self-Help
Network is internationally recognized as a leading self-help group clearinghouse
and as a Center for Community Support and Research of Wichita State
University dedicated to serving Kansas self-help groups, community coalitions,
networks of community members and non-profit health and human service
organizations. Our history and special interest is in working with those
who are often not given a “seat at the table” when community change
is being considered. Our philosophy is based in Robert Greenleaf’s concept
of Servant Leadership. As servant leaders we are dedicated to working
with Kansans to help them accomplish their desired end-in-mind for positive
community change. With an interdisciplinary staff of nearly twenty,
we have expertise in a variety of topics including community collaboration,
strategic planning, evaluation/outcome research and leadership development.
When working with others we take a generalist approach by bringing tools
and strategies that are useful regardless of the topic and draw upon
best practice approaches of community psychology, social work, business,
and public health. Living in the academic world of Wichita State University
and working extensively in communities across Kansas, we have come to
appreciate the powerful combination of theoretical and research knowledge
found at a university coupled with the experiential knowledge of Kansas
community leaders. We intentionally draw upon those tools and share
them with our partners. We believe that every Kansan has valuable experience
and strengths worth sharing with others and so seek intentionally to
identify and partner with others also passionate about creating thriving
Kansas communities.