Yet the challenge that the sector faces in building a strong advocacy voice reflects more the extraordinary diversity of the community sector rather than competitive ruthlessness.  There is, between those bodies which share a similar purpose, a willingness to cooperate and share good practice.  Let’s remember that most powerful social movements of the last century have been driven by loose partnerships between larger numbers of community service or advocacy organisations, some international in orientation, others embedded in local neighbourhood.

There exists, in short, a desire for connectedness.

That is why the launch of the Connecting  Up Directoryrepresents an important step forward in providing an on-line comprehensive listing of nonprofits.   It will make consultation, communication, and cooperation much easier.  It will connect nonprofits and those that support or fund them.  It will be equally valuable to those who wish to regulate charities or those who seek to advocate on their behalf.

The Directory will, as it develops, provide a means by which to portray the growing significance of the raucous cacophony of interests that is the community sector.

Connectedness is a source of strength for the community sector.  This Directory, which already lists 60,000 Australian nonprofits, represents a bold initiative in seeking to achieve that goal.