Leveraging the power of networks for humanitarian aid

The basis of all networks is a social network. A social network is a structure made of nodes (which are generally individuals or organizations) that are tied by one or more specific types of interdependency, such as values, visions, ideas, financial exchange, friendship, kinship, dislike, conflict or trade. Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_networks

Photo of UK flickr meet up http://www.flickr.com/photos/irashid007/2855672715/

A professional network is a social network that focuses on professional interactions

(photo by Jay Cross)

Networks are unique and differ in their purpose

Learning &

knowledge exchange

Advocacy

Research

Service delivery

Innovation

A community of practice is a network that focuses on practice. “Communities of practice are groups of people who share a concern or a passion for something they do and learn how to do

it better as they interact regularly..” Etienne Wenger

(photos by myself and Dorine Ruter)

Communities of practice help share tacit knowledge between professionals

My experience with communities of practice in Ghana

Questions for you:

Who belongs to a social network?

Who belongs to a professional network (besides Noha)?

Who belongs to a community of practice?

Who is a member of an online community?

Successful networks and communities are reflexive and generative

(source Patti Anklam: Net Work)

Source: http://expertvoices.nsdl.org/cornell-info204/2007/01/29/social-network-of-the-new-testament-jesus-had-lots-of-friends/

Networks are nothing

new

Source:http://manyeyes.alphaworks.ibm.com/manyeyes/visualizations/xhtml-friends-network

There are new online

tools to network

How does this change networks?

3 myths1. Communities are

self organizing

2. Communities are the platform

3. Communities are good

Some success factors for cultivating communities of

practice

1. Build on existing networks

2. Focus on important domain

3. Develop both public and private spaces

4. Keep practice at the core

5. Well-respected coordinator

6. Involve thought leaders

7. Develop active core group

8. Create rhythm of interaction

Questions?