05 Sustain
A relationship is not mature because it exists once.
Sustain keeps the work alive through operating rhythm, updated contacts, backup delegates, documented decisions, training calendars, exercises, agreements, and institutional memory that survives turnover.
Operating rhythm
Turnover is not an exception. It is part of the operating environment.
A durable network needs cadence, delegated ownership, records, training, budget visibility, policy support, and recurring opportunities to practice together.
Maturity markers
| Maturity marker | What changes |
|---|---|
| Awareness | The organization or role is identified as relevant. |
| Named contact | A person or role can be reached. |
| Operating relationship | There is a known way to coordinate. |
| Cadence | There is a meeting, check-in, exercise, or update rhythm. |
| Agreement | Intent, responsibilities, or operational commitments are documented when the relationship is ready. |
| Institutionalized practice | The relationship survives turnover through policy, training, budget, records, and recurring exercises. |
Next frame
The five activities become a larger social impact model when communities can repeat them.
Continue to BOLD Impact