Category:Communications

From Networked Advocacy

Contents 1 What do we mean by "communications"? 2 Strengthening network communications: action steps 3 Evaluating network communications: what to explore and ask 4 Examples of strong network communications

What do we mean by "communications"?

Networks survive on the strength of one-to-one, one-to-many and many-to-many conversations and exchanges. Tools like websites, listservs, email, face-to-face meetings, phone conferences and focus groups cement ties between the group.

Strengthening network communications: action steps

• Map resources currently being used by the network.
• Promote favored means of communication. Train network members on the most popular forms if necessary, for example Skype.
• Develop protocol for using various means of communication, if necessary.
• Segment communications between network members, if necessary. Create specialized listservs for certain kinds of information or actors. Keep these offshoots tied into the greater identity.
• "Grease" network communications. Identify a "weaver" or other individuals to encourage frequent and effective communications.
• Address roadblocks to effective communications. Address challenges with particular individuals, processes or technologies.
• Establish new kinds of communication as necessary - for example instant messaging, intranets or wikis.
• Collect and share/post contact information.
• Train new members on how to communicate with the network.
• Consider needs and challenges of network members in different locations, or with different technical capabilities.
• Identify "champions" to model effective use of favored communications.
• Build in ongoing evaluation systems.
• WHAT ELSE?

Evaluating network communications: what to explore and ask

• What are the primary means of communication in the network? Email, face-to-face meetings, etc.?
• What listservs exist? How many exist? Are they used? Are they appropriate - are they too general, too specific, etc.? How are they managed?
• How frequently do network members meet in person? How useful are these meetings? How often should they happen? Who participates? What is achieved? How do they balance against online communications?
• Do network members use Skype or other instant messaging?
• How often do network members call eachother?
• Do network members blog, and post on each other's blogs?
• What's the balance between online and offline commmunications? How comfortable are network members with either? Do communications reflect those preferences?
• Are there communications protocols for various tools - for example, suggestions on how to title listserv messages? Are these necessary?
• Can network members learn how others like to communicate, and find contact information of other network members?
• Can network member easily contact people in the network - either on the whole, or segmented audiences?
• Are the 'right' people involved in the network communicating?
• Is anyone in the network hindering effective communications?
• Evaluation tools
• WHAT ELSE?

Examples of strong network communications

Photo credit: Crowd photo: adlaw: http://www.flickr.com/photos/adlaw/88182813/

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