4. Network: Definition
Networks are collections of
people and organizations
connected to one another.
The glue that holds them
together is relationships– it
is shared interests,
connections, and social
change outcomes.
Online tools can help us
leverage our networks to
make social change.
Image Source: Innonet
6. Why Should We Network?
How can I
possibly know
everything?
7. “W.TEC is a Nigerian non-governmental organization working for the economic
and social empowerment of girls and women, using information and
communication technologies (ICTs). We have chosen to focus on this area
because statistical evidence has shown that in most African countries, women’s
use and knowledge of ICTs (to store, share, organize and process information) is
lower than men’s, denying them of income-generating opportunities and the
chance to network with others.”
16. Effective Social Media Practice
Twitter Best Practices and Practicing – Personal Profile
Craft Your
Five Minute Exercise: Twitter Elevator
Speech
1. Who are you?
2. Why should someone want to connect with you?
3. What makes you unique?
4. What is the change you want to see in the world?
17. I am passionate about teaching NGOs to
use the Internet for social change
Photo by Steve Goodman
Credit InnonetImageSource: Wikipedia/Map of Six Degrees Theory of Social Connectivityhttp://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Six_degrees_of_separation.pngText: Chapter 2: Understanding Networks – The Networked Nonprofit by Beth Kanter and Allison Fine
http://www.flickr.com/photos/iicd/5348319263/in/faves-cambodia4kidsorg/Girl Geeks Session Explain Girl Geek Sessions - shoulder to shoulder learningOverview of different tools that we might use (1) A platform to share documents and resources (wiki)(2) A platform for "just in time" interaction online in between meetings (email group or private FB group)(3) A platform for "real time" voice interaction (Skype/Conference Call) In the training design, we have allocated time to train participants on using the wiki. I did not expect anyone to actually set up a profile before the meeting unless they were confident self-learners with technology or already knew how to use the wikispaces. The "complete your profile task" was more of a technology assessment than a preparation task. It's one thing for people say they are comfortable using technology on a survey, it is another thing to see if they complete the task on their own. It is terrific that Elizabeth and Mahelet were able to set up an account on wikispaces -- that means they are going to be great co-teachers at the meeting. There might have been other barriers to using the wiki beyond comfort levels and not having formal training - such as finding the time to do the task and, of course, connectivity issues :-) We can discuss this as part of the training in Rwanda and find ways to help participants deal with these "real life" challenges of transfer. It is one thing to do a training, but the real work begins after the training when people begin to make a habit of using the new skills and networked ways of working. It is important for us to talk about this in Rwanda. One of the planned training exercises in Rwanda design will be to guide participants in setting up their profile so they can understand a couple of techniques to share information on the wiki. It will hard for them to decide what platforms they need unless they "get their hands dirty." Also, the wiki training activities are designed to help build the network and learning from each other which support the outcomes. I just finished a training with Family Planning NGOs in Pakistan, place that has major connectivity issues. They worked on updating their profiles in the training together in pairs. By doing it in the room together, we model "social learning" -- one person learns something about the platform and teaches someone else. This helps build a network, improve everyone's skills and reduce dependency. The wiki is a simple shared file cabinet where participants can share their lesson plans, resource guides, and resources, improving them based on what they learn about instructional design. The wiki can also be place for participants to keep journals -- have a place to write down and share what they're learning with each other. This helps with documentation and makes it easy for participants share with one another. It can also be a place to add notes from Skype calls. It is important to have "real time voice" for people to talk to each other, hear their voices. Online communications looses 90% of what is required for good mutual understanding - tone of voice for example. Only virtual communication can lead to misunderstandings and can pose a problem in building a network. I realize that a conference call system may be very expensive for the project. But, SKYPE out into a free conference call platform is very inexpensive, unless any of the countries censor their Internet and the ability to SKYPE out, although there are workarounds. (BTW, SKYPE video takes a lot more bandwidth than SKYPE audio. But this may be different in your country.)For network building, it is a good idea to have a platform for "just in time" support, interaction, and relationship building -- options are a private FB group or email group. The group can discuss the trade offs. One of the strengths of using a Facebook group is it encourages networked interactions and helps build habits in these new ways of working. It can also become a place to celebrate real-time accomplishments, come to each other for advice, connections, referrals, etc - it should be the platform that helps the group builds the ties that are so important in network formation. I have included in the design some time for training on FB group if we go in that direction. If they prefer to communicate through email then we can use the time to cover something else! I've used private FB groups with newly formed networks even in places where connectivity is a problem. What is useful about it from a network building perspective, is that during the training when we're all together, we can use it for the exercises and modeling group conversations taking place offline. See the attached image for examples from the recent training family planning NGOs from Pakistan about the types of interactions that can take place in a private FB group for a newly forming network. Have them get on the Facebook Group – and document the Me To We exercise Wiki – set up accounts, edit their profiles – edit text, add bold, add hyperlinks, add document (upload), add slide deck Wiki – edit journal page – add image
Twitter can be an excellent tool for network weaving and professional learning about any topic, but especially social media. The tools make it easy to get “just in time support,” network, connect with different people who have different expertise.
Twitter can be an excellent tool for network weaving and professional learning about any topic, but especially social media. The tools make it easy to get “just in time support,” network, connect with different people who have different expertise.
Twitter can be an excellent tool for network weaving and professional learning about any topic, but especially social media. The tools make it easy to get “just in time support,” network, connect with different people who have different expertise.
1. Why should someone care about your? When possible, leverage an emotional connection.2. Be distinctive. For example were you the first or only one to do something? Perhaps you are the largest or oldest. These distinctives help set you apart and provide credibility.3. Don’t forget the basics. Who does your organization/endeavor benefit? How does your organization benefit someone?4. Finish with an ‘ask’ to follow.
