Nets, netting and networking (III)

Platforms for mutual taking actions

StartingIn the third, last installment of the topic on nets, netting and networking, we are going to resume the risks and opportunities in the networking, some lessons learnt form the studies on networking and the problems, which inevitably occur.

Advantages and disadvantages of networking

The net is a kind of infrastructure, or “helping” structure, which links the non-governmental organizations-members which voluntarily communicate in order to continue with the efficient carrying out of the organization’s activities. As a result of the networking, organizations receive new topics on the agenda and they improve the normal (traditional) everyday work.

A new phenomenon is that the nets, especially between the NGOs, start creating mechanisms, which will enable the members to search, activate and improve the relations with the international agencies and DONORS.

The nets are “platforms for taking actions”, used by the non-governmental organizations for creating new unions, new strategies and new ways of negotiating.

The word “networking” refers to the communication activities and information exchange. If exchange does not exist, no network exists either, and networks cannot function if they consist of only passive information receivers. But even when communication is carried out in several directions and the networking functions well, it takes time for the nets to mature. Mostly mentioned number is five to seven years. It is partially like this because it often happens to be hard to confirm the gains from networking and partially because it happens that gains, which have not been planned at all to occur.

It often happens that nets are selective. As such, it can happen that they help and at the same time obstruct communication and information spread. However it may have been, nets, as communication mechanisms and as a learning tool, when opener and more successful, can promote ideas and information exchange between individuals and groups which would not communicate in any other case. They have the potential to enable accelerated development of new knowledge and to activate new issues between the members. Therefore, networking can promote ideas spreading through different sectors and structures and creative ways for their addressing. Experiences show that there is a sequence of conditions, which need to be fulfilled so that the networks could be successful. There is also a large number of falls which should be avoided.

Preconditions for NGOs’ successful networking

Obviously, there is not a standard scheme for nets development. However, based on various experiences, it is possible to list some preconditions and issues for analysis for everyone who is determined to create a net, which will link various non-governmental organizations.
• The net is a means, not an end in itself.
• Not a single net should be created without some previous exploring its feasibility.
• Nets are not built overnight.
• Nets are temporary creations.
• Nets should rely on their resources.
• Nets should have various membership.
• Nets need some flexible management and ability in due course to adjust to the changing conditions.
• Networking is more important than the formal structures.
• Nets need some firm base in the local communities.
• Direct contacts between the members are necessary, especially in the nets, which are in the initial phase of their establishment.

What must not be done while creating the net

• Net’s activities must not be planned by the top (coordination group);
• We should not concentrate solely on the implementing activities;
• The net should not be closed for external opinions and advice;
• Some political, personally directed manipulations must not be accepted.

Which steps should be taken while creating the net

• Give information: it all starts with giving information on your own activities and the organization, creating a distribution list and regular sending it, using e-mails, web sites, sending invitations for your activities;
• Show interest: make telephone contacts on regular basis, visit some activities organized by other people and organizations, send them a postcard, try to remember their personal interests;
• Organize meetings: meet the people personally, do not wait to meet them by chance and invite them to a conference, organize a seminar or a meeting;
• Take some mutual actions/activities: the best way to meet the people is to work with them, as a result of that the relations in the net grow stronger. We should be sure that the people are involved in all project phases, from the planning phase to the evaluation phase.

 

Prepared by: Sunchica Sazdovska
(Source: Optimizing Efforts – A Practical Guide to NGO Networking, UNSO/UNDP, May 2000)