This
should be a wake up call for lots of online strategies that are not
transparent, don't communicate results and just leverage online work to
build a base of donating click monkeys. People are not happy with the
distrust shown to them online.
This study mentioned in Philanthropy
of 587 PEOPLE WHO USE NEW MEDIA ... has nothing to do with the failure
of the platform but of the philosophy and world view of those who run
organizations.
Online strategy and communications behind many organizations use of
the online tools doesn't typically engage, empower and listen. There is
a high degree of distrust of online supporters by organizers and
organizations.
Somehow the open and welcome culture of
organizing "if they show up at a meeting engage them and work with
them" has not translated into online organizing space.
Old
guard leaders don't trust their own instincts or methods used to filter
"good supporters and bad supporters" in the online space and therefore
they distrust all online supports and only offer them limited
engagement, information or resources.
At this stage, it is clear that we are
headed for extraordinarily difficult financial times. The cash crunch for the advocacy movement
will be as bad as we can imagine and far worse than we can easily manage. We need a plan for how to remain effective.
Network 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.