It’s About People

In preparing to introduce myself on the NetworkWeaver blog, I have been reflecting on where I’ve been weaving networks throughout my past work.

There are a few threads throughout my work. My anthropology training shows through with my focus on inclusiveness when defining stakeholders, especially those folks who frequently find themselves on the edges or outside.  Designing an affordable housing project?  I might ask if you got input from the people on the maintenance and janitorial staff. I’m passionate about finding accessible ways to engage.  Today I came across this post about expanding the voices heard  when making local decisions.  Jay highlighted inaccessibility as a challenge of our engagement traditions — and proposed some approaches more accessible to people:

Much of local politics revolves around meetings—what if we found the resources to put those meetings online, to post transcripts and live-tweets? What if there was opportunity for real-time online comment?

Working on a project, I listen to find the unique gifts each person brings, sometimes using that gift to bring them into the project.  Recently I struck up a conversation with someone in my coworking office, discovered he liked to bike and he produces videos.  A few minutes later, he had agreed to produce a video for the Minneapolis Bicycle Coalition. Finally, I don’t want to do things, I want to help others learn to do things.  I’m happy to facilitate a meeting, but I’d rather create and test a meeting facilitation template with you, to build capacity in other people. Inviting people in, making it easy for them to participate, using their gifts meaningfully, helping people grow.  Network weaving is about people.

Note:  cross-posted at http://www.networkweaver.com/?p=379