network mapping and development

7/31/2019 Network Mapping and Development

1/22

Network Approaches and

Stages of Development

MAG-Net Annual Meeting

April 2012


2/22

Network Approaches and

Stages of Development

MAG-Net Annual Meeting

April 2012


3/22

What comes to mind when you think of a

network approach to building movements?

I woke up this morning with my mind stayed on freedom. - Civil Rights song


4/22

A network approach can:

l Strengthens the scale and impact of organizingwork- build power to achieve together what you couldnot do alone.

l Connects leaders and campaigns across regional,issue, and identity silos.

l Maximizes financial, strategic, and humanresources of individuals and groups.

l Encourages horizontal leadership


5/22

No bridge is an island

Bridging is hard work. We string single linkstogether to achieve a flow of goods, services,people, armies, work. It links over divides.

It requires sustained collaboration to build a bridge.And yet this work has gone too often on the backsof few. Once a bridge is built, we take it for granted.


6/22

Networks Can Challenge IndividualCompetition


7/22

www.learntoquestion.com Waiting for buses to Mississippi, a group of volunteersand staff link arms. 1964, Steve Schapiro, Black Star

Networks Share Risk


8/22


9/22

Why Build Action Networks?

Action networks can increase the scale of nationalmobilization and multi-issue strategy

Action networks can root in local communities,local concerns, and elevate the vision of local and

groups to the national stage.


10/22

Functions of the Action Network

Networks are most effective whenthey have a clear purpose and set of

functions. Sample functions include:

Inform members of timely changes inthe media policy landscapeConnect members to share skills andresources, access opportunities, and

exchange best practices

Mobilize members to take collectiveaction and advance shared goals


11/22

Network Components

Purpose/

Intention

Relationships

Support

Learning

Action


12/22


13/22

Stand If Your Organization

Served thousands of low-income households and won more than70M addition dollars for education in the digital televisiontransition in 2008.

Implemented grassroots strategies that helped win the nationsfirst net neutrality rules in 2009.

Helped to win the passage of the Community Radio Act in 2010.

Participated in grassroots strategies that prevented an increase incell phone costs and blocked AT&T s take-over of T-Mobile in2011.

Are ready to protect the rights of wireless users, preventcommunity broadband pre-emption, secure radio stations, and

end the kick-backs on prison phone call in 2012!


14/22

How does Movement Building Happen?

Movements are built by:

Communicating universal values Convincing the majority of people that the

movement, not the elite power holders,

represents societys positive values.

Strong anchor organizations, grassrootsorganizing, strategic alliances, & networks

uniting multiple constituencies.

Generating new vision, fostering many layers ofleadership, & enlarging power through

sustained mass action.


15/22

Networks are not built overnight, but instages.

CoaltionWorks, Network Weavers, andothers have identified key stages in thedevelopment of networks.

How Does a Network Develop?


16/22

7/14/1216

Stages of Network Development

DefinePurpose

& Audience

ExperimentWith

Collaboration

Build NetworkIdentity & Strategy

SOCIAL CHANGE

ACTION Organize &

Formalize

Codify & EmbedNetwork Functions

Sustain the NetworkEvolve theNetwork


17/22

We have discussed the basics of ACTION networks

Now its time to map network connections, analyze those

connections, define the value created by those

connections, and refine the purpose and function of

the Media Action Grassroots Network.

ARE YOU READY?


18/22

STEP ONE: JOURNALING (10m)

1. Before your organization joined MAG-Net, how

were you connected to other groups working on

media rights and access?

2. What changed about your organizational and

individual relationships as a result of your

membership?


19/22

STEP TWO: MAP NETWORK CONNECTIONS (30m)Networks are built on relationships.

1. Write the names of the groups in your regionalchapter on post-it notes. Arrange their names into a

shape on butcher paper, then draw lines between

these groups that indicate how they are connected

to each other. What activities or infrastructure

connect these groups? What individuals connecteach group to MAG-Net?

2. Place the drawing youve created on the wall.3. Do a brief gallery walk


20/22

ANALYZING OUR MAPS IN PAIRS (25m)Find a pair, and answer the following questions:

1. In thinking about the map you created, what patterns,elements, or characteristics did you notice?

2. Given these patterns and characteristics, how would youmeasure awareness of the network amongst members,

connectedness of the network within and across region,

influence of members on the network and to achieve shared

goals, and the overall health of network connections?

3. What value is created by the connections? Given networkconnections and value, what network purpose and functions

best support this?


21/22

LARGE GROUP DISCUSSION (30m)Network Purpose & Function

1. Please share some brief highlights from your discussion.2. Lets discuss the purpose and function of the network- what is

your current understanding of the purpose and functions of

the network?

3. Given what you learned from the network mapping, how mightwe refine the network purpose and functions?

4. Lets chart these ideas


22/22

7/14/1222

It is our duty to fight

It is our duty to win

We must love each other and

protect each other

We have nothing to lose but our

chains

~Assata Shakur

network mapping and development

Documents