Global culture is polarized, splintered and self-absorbed while simultaneously being wired, networked and "plugged in". We are individually ignorant yet overloaded with information. Families, communities, sports teams and leagues, alumni associations, churches, civic groups and work associations have always been a strong part of our human experience. We all live, survive and thrive within these networks.
The ties of these social networks now extend beyond geography and organizational walls. Social ties can remain strong even though people graduate, move across town for a new job, or across the country to a new community. Cheap long distance phone rates, email, instant messaging, cell phones, easy exchanges of photos, blogs, online communities and affordable travel enable people to "stay close" across huge gaps of distance and time. In this highly mobile and transient society, traditional community organizing techniques and locally-focused team models are insufficient.
The opportunity to create radical and unexpected change lies in developing strategies along the fault line between these colliding forces. Creating power and influencing social change in the new culture requires an approach focused not only on the individual or organization, but also on the network as a mechanism for exerting influence. The network-centric approach unifies the strategy for creating change with the dynamics of our age.
Netcentric Campaigns educates activists on how to harness the power of a connected grassroots. The vision is of a movement strategically networked together to be more powerful and more nimble.
Collected Thoughts
Using Video to Mend Broken Networks
June 11, 2008 - 3:50pm — LaurieVideoLetters.net is a great example of how a communications tool, in this case video, can be used to strengthen a broken network.
What Makes a Good Weaver?
June 11, 2008 - 3:37pm — LaurieNetwork weavers are individuals with the energy and ability to connect network members. They bring people together to take advantage of network resources, and make sure communications are working smoothly. Weavers are often individuals who like working with others. They know and remember lots of people, and are excited to make new connections.
Interested in webcasting?
June 11, 2008 - 2:46pm — Laurie
There are lots of times when members of our networks can't make it to important meetings, events or lectures. Webcasting is a great way to bring those events to them, regardless of location. But where do you start? Find out more about what's needed and how to get started with your own webcast.
Links We Like
- Tools and technologies for equitable access | Association for Progressive Communications
- Policies for equitable access | Association for Progressive Communications
- APC paper on equitable access to new technologies
- WE magazine - Volume 01
- Introductory Activities for the Three Faces of Power | Grassroots Policy Project
- Tools, Thoughts and Things one can Do with a little Time and Hardly any Resources: Net2ThinkTank: What is needed to facilitate more nonprofits' adoption of the social web?
- Is the Web Still a Windfall for Nonprofits? Beth's Blog: How Nonprofits Can Use Social Media
- frogloop ~ Care2's Nonprofit Online Communications Community - frogloop Home~Care2's blog for nonprofits - Three Keys to Successful Online Campaigns
- 50 Steps to Establishing a Consistent Social Media Practice | chrisbrogan.com
- Pulsed: Blogger vs. Wordpress.com Comparison Chart - 2008

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