How Does a Network Function? Introducing the 2026-2028 VSHC Strategic Plan

One of the most widely cited definitions of soil health describes it as “the continued capacity of a soil to function as a vital living ecosystem that sustains plants, animals, and humans.” It’s a definition that reminds us that soil is not inert—it is alive, interconnected, and supporting a vital network. But it also raises a practical question: what are those functions, and how do we strengthen them?

When we think of an organization, collaborative, or network, the same need for understanding of functions exists. Like healthy soil, strong networks require not only a core purpose, but clear functions that support the broader system. That is, we must understand how we work together to grow the ecosystem of collective impact.

In 2022, about a year after the Virginia Soil Health Coalition received funding to formalize our work, we began a year-long, iterative process to better define our functions and role. The result was our first Collaborative Strategic Plan (2023–2025), which clarified how we operate as a network and focused our efforts on strengthening core capacity, deepening collaboration, and expanding our reach across the state and beyond.

Now, three years later, we are proud to share a refreshed 2026–2028 Strategic Plan that builds on those lessons, reflects our growth, and positions us for deeper, broader impact. As you will see below, this next phase of work aligns closely with what we have focused on and will continue to emphasize - strengthening the network, supporting collaborative initiatives, and reaching outside our network through education and advocacy. Yet we also are sharpening our priorities and strategies with an increased focused on expanding research to implementation, coordinating, evaluating and sharing our impact for long-term growth and visibility, and more.

You can learn more about the new Strategic Plan as well as the Collective Action Plan, which outlines what the implementation of these priorities will look like on the ground, here.