Social Network for RSA Fellows

Collaborating towards a more fully networked RSA

In summary: if we want a better networked RSA, with more chances to connect and benefit from its many activities, we can’t just jump to a solution. We need a Fellow-led exploration of what’s possible, some experiments, and a chance to help shape new content strategies and networking activities.

Over the past four years there’s been enormous progress in improving communication between Fellows, staff and Fellows, and the wider constituency of the RSA. We have a dedicated staff team on the job, Fellowship council, working groups, Catalyst projects, videos, online platforms - and more.

Matthew Taylor rightly celebrated that in his blog post this week: Spread the news, we’re getting engaged

But if you follow discussion on Linkedin, or this site, Fellows still find it difficult to connect … many interest groups are dead … while the sheer volume of content produced on the main site and various social media channels by staff can be overwhelming.

The results of the Fellowship Survey show a strong demand for greater engagement, and recommendations to achieve this (see below). Networking with other Fellows was rated second only to being associated with the RSA, its values and work, in the important aspects of being a Fellow.

So is this another moan: Something Needs To Be Done (by Them)?

No - because I think the next stage of development will only succeed if there is more action by Fellows to complement - and collaborate with - the work of staff, and to help shape the use of the next online platform developments. From Matthew’s post, that would certainly be welcomed.

The diagram above is not one that’s specific to RSA. It‘s goes with the oft-heard story … “we are too hierarchical at the moment, with a few clusters. We want to move from ‘join us and get a newsletter’, beyond some groups that are themselves hierarchical, towards a network where people doing more connecting for themselves”.

But how to do that? I’ve put some links at the end of this piece referencing earlier discussions and attempts over the past few years.

It isn’t easy, particularly in the RSA. The RSA’s great strength is diversity of Fellowship, and breadth of vision … but that means there isn’t one focus of interest. It has a lot of traditions and a culture developed over 250 years. It isn’t a classic membership organisation, where staff are there to serve those paying the subs … or a crowd of volunteers expecting to do things for themselves with some support. It is a puzzling mix … and so a great place to experiment in the changes that are needed more widely in society.

My suggestion is that we collaborate in an exploration. It’s an idea developed from recent discussions about the role of regional digital champions and social reporters. Earlier still, the first ideas for a fully networked RSA were developed among North East Fellows in the Virtual Coffee House group back in 2005-2007. That’s worth reading as a vision of what might be possible - update version from Peter Churchill linked below

While the RSA's new technology strategy will provide further tools for Fellows and staff, experience shows these will not be enough on their own to promote more networking. And while Fellowship staff, council members and regional groups are active in developing better communications, networks only operate effectively when network members have the skills and motivation to participate, using their preferred methods.

The exploration will provide a way to try some small-scale experiments, research experience elsewhere, and develop an optimistic view of opportunities for the future. In practice the explorers may:

highlight existing good network building within RSA
find out from Fellows what greater networking they would welcome
report on what is planned by RSA staff and build on existing collaborations with staff
look at examples elsewhere
help build a core network of digital champions and network builders
map some networks to find the existing strong connections, and gaps
Start experimenting

As part of the process we will run some design workshops, inspired by one run by Fellows and staff in 2009.

The format for this exploration draws on experience of others run by social reporters for Big Lottery Fund, Nominet Trust, and other organisations - but we will develop our own approach as we go.

There’s an open Google doc with these idea here http://bit.ly/L8wCNV

We already have a core group of explorers. If you are interested, please add your name as a comment below, or in the Google doc. You’ll find on the doc that I have also added the idea that we might here have the base for a wider exploration of the role of networks and networking in society, if anyone else is interested. That reflects the ethos of the RSA: it isn’t just for our benefit, it is for social change.

First explorers

Dave Briggs dave@kindofdigital.com @davebriggs
Peter Churchill roundhay125@googlemail.com @roundhay125
Jemima Gibbons jemimag@gmail.com @jemimag
John Oakley john@wingonline.com @dauwkuk
Roxanne Persaud roxanne@commutiny.org.uk @commutiny
David Wilcox david@socialreporter.com @davidwilcox

Previous discussions and resources

Early RSA networks developments at OpenRSA
Workshop in 2009
Tessy Britton 2010: How could a network look after itself
Don Pinchbeck 2012: A ramble through the history of the Virtual Coffee House - and the ...
David Wilcox 2012: What might digital champions and reporters do to animate RSA networks
Peter Churchill: VCH Vision 2010
Results of Fellowship Survey

Recommendations from the survey

Here’s some of the survey recommendations that we might help with

Ensure uniformly high standard of intellectual debate and address identified areas for improvement; online communities may require more moderation and quality assurance
Involve parts of the Fellowship as an extended expert group for staff- and Fellow-led Projects
Leverage the existing high usage of social media by Fellows, particularly Linked-In and Facebook, to encourage more intra-Fellowship networking and collaboration
Encourage retired Fellows to be more engaged in a way that matches their retired lifestyles and make Fellowship more personally relevant
Tap into the intersection of Fellows’ interest to network, and the RSA mission, by shaping online and offline platforms accordingly
Provide clearer and more tailored paths to engagement, e.g. how can a Fellow engage with only little time at hand?

I've posted these ideas first in this RSAde group forum, but will promote more widely once people here have a chance to comment or contribute.

What do you think? Is this worth Fellows-led action? Do you wish to contribute ... and if so, where's the best opportunities to show what's possible?

Update: new post with further developments Next steps towards a networked RSA

Tags: networks

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Dr Bob Rollins on May 31, 2012 at 14:11

I Thanks David,

2. I agree that the 'New Fellows' question intersects with dig-engagement but extends to other areas I think a blog post may be the best way forward. (Watch this space).

3. Understood about recommendations for the stuff done centrally. Just trying to highlight that freeing up localities and projects to do their own thing technology-wise wouldn't necessarily drag staff into having to stay abreast of all of those technologies. (if necessary at all, Digital Champion could act as some kind of [temporary] link. I think staff should (probably) keep a minimum set of tech comms that is needed to give RSA a well branded presence at the core but not restrict projects from trying anything that will work.

4. I think I'm with you on OpenRSA but, technology aside, that sounds like it plays to the heart of what it is to be associated with the RSA as Fellow, staff or external individual/organisation. If it's something RSA is committed to then tech would sit at the boundary between (presumably) continuing RSA-only groups and maybe project-private Ning etc.on the 'inside' and the froth of all sorts of tech being used 'out there' in projects. I don't know enough about what OpenRSA means and what has been done (yet) to have any view about what might be appropriate.

Finally ... Why do we have Forums AND Blogs? In some ways this discussion feels like it could have been had on a forum... Spoiled for choice again perhaps. Maybe it's 'culture' or 'custom and practice'

David Wilcox said:

Wow - this is really taking off!

Thanks Bob for joining us, and energetically too. On your points:

Rationalising, curating, etc is desperately needed I agree. But see 3.

A thread about 'How can new Fellows be best helped engage with the RSA?' would be very valuable, I think. It could be a new forum post here - or in my view warrants blog post in the main part of the site. It is more than digital engagement.

On system design I'm happy for you, John and others to lead the way. I would just say that this site and others are managed by RSA staff, not Fellows, so we can only make recommendations. The problem is that staff are very stretched, and while there is a long-term tech strategy, there is no content strategy that I know of, and no real focus for discussion on interim needs. Hence this discussion. What can we do? Create our own discussion and development space (I'm saying OpenRSA) that has better functionality than this, where we can figure what's needed and maybe model a bit. Should that be done jointly with staff as part of a planned process? Probably ... but I'm not sure that is on offer (back to staff overload). I think Fellows have to lead the way, warmly welcoming any staff support we can get, and hoping for come co-design.

Permalink Reply by David Wilcox on May 31, 2012 at 14:13

James - glad you asked

http://www.thersa.org/fellowship/apply/uk

We need you. We'll make it fun :-)

J ames Derounian said:

Showing my ignorance....what does one actually do to become a FRSA?? Nomination by existing fellows?

James

Permalink Reply by J ames Derounian on May 31, 2012 at 14:14

Sorry to be dim David but....exact focus for a blog post? A brief 'brief' please!

Permalink Reply by David Wilcox on May 31, 2012 at 14:18

Bob - I think you flagging up a possible open-then-aggregate-curate strategy that is always a challenge to organisations:-) But very welcome ideas. Lots of issues about brand reputation etc. John may pick up.

OpenRSA history http://openrsa.wikispaces.com/

Blogs and forums ... a question for staff.

Dr Bob Rollins said:

I Thanks David,

2. I agree that the 'New Fellows' question intersects with dig-engagement but extends to other areas I think a blog post may be the best way forward. (Watch this space).

3. Understood about recommendations for the stuff done centrally. Just trying to highlight that freeing up localities and projects to do their own thing technology-wise wouldn't necessarily drag staff into having to stay abreast of all of those technologies. (if necessary at all, Digital Champion could act as some kind of [temporary] link. I think staff should (probably) keep a minimum set of tech comms that is needed to give RSA a well branded presence at the core but not restrict projects from trying anything that will work.

4. I think I'm with you on OpenRSA but, technology aside, that sounds like it plays to the heart of what it is to be associated with the RSA as Fellow, staff or external individual/organisation. If it's something RSA is committed to then tech would sit at the boundary between (presumably) continuing RSA-only groups and maybe project-private Ning etc.on the 'inside' and the froth of all sorts of tech being used 'out there' in projects. I don't know enough about what OpenRSA means and what has been done (yet) to have any view about what might be appropriate.

Finally ... Why do we have Forums AND Blogs? In some ways this discussion feels like it could have been had on a forum... Spoiled for choice again perhaps. Maybe it's 'culture' or 'custom and practice'

David Wilcox said:

Wow - this is really taking off!

Thanks Bob for joining us, and energetically too. On your points:

Rationalising, curating, etc is desperately needed I agree. But see 3.

A thread about 'How can new Fellows be best helped engage with the RSA?' would be very valuable, I think. It could be a new forum post here - or in my view warrants blog post in the main part of the site. It is more than digital engagement.

On system design I'm happy for you, John and others to lead the way. I would just say that this site and others are managed by RSA staff, not Fellows, so we can only make recommendations. The problem is that staff are very stretched, and while there is a long-term tech strategy, there is no content strategy that I know of, and no real focus for discussion on interim needs. Hence this discussion. What can we do? Create our own discussion and development space (I'm saying OpenRSA) that has better functionality than this, where we can figure what's needed and maybe model a bit. Should that be done jointly with staff as part of a planned process? Probably ... but I'm not sure that is on offer (back to staff overload). I think Fellows have to lead the way, warmly welcoming any staff support we can get, and hoping for come co-design.

Permalink Reply by David Wilcox on May 31, 2012 at 14:21

Umm - discussion on Twitter led to the idea of a jointly convened cafe event. I (James) am not an FRSA, but here is why I think such an event could be valuable for both parties ... and here's what might encourage me to join RSA?

Off to get a train so may be some interuption of discussion

J ames Derounian said:

Sorry to be dim David but....exact focus for a blog post? A brief 'brief' please!

J

Permalink Reply by John Oakley on May 31, 2012 at 19:04

Graham, in principle I agree with your face-to-face argument. I think ultimately that if it is at all possible then that should be the preferred networking method. However, I believe that networking technology can dramatically reduce the time to establish relationships. SInce becoming a Fellow I have been been in the US Pacific Northwest and my only contact with members of the Society has been through these electronic means.

I have now arrived in the UK and last week I spent two days in London at the RSA meeting face-to-face with many of my electronic friends. And that's how it felt, that I was meeting my friends. After a lunch with a small group I felt as though I had known them for years, as not only had I been able to dialog with them before but I had some deeper conversations than with old friends of several decades. And in one case, due to a fire alarm at JAS while I was there when we were all evacuated into the street, several people introduced themselves to me based upon my profile photo. I also seamlessly continued a conversation in the street with one senior staff member that I had started online at Seattle airport the previous day.

To me, a veteran online communicator of more years than I care to admit, that JAS visit proved to me how powerful these technologies are. But eventually you need face-to-face.

Permalink Reply by Dr Graham Wilson on May 31, 2012 at 20:13

Yes John. I'm not suggesting offline exclusively,

As you must realise, with 1500 twitter followers, a similar number on LinkedIn, and on ecademy, I do believe in the use of online social media too. But, as you say, "eventually you need face-to-face".

In my experience, many people spend a lot longer than they need to communicating online before actually meeting face-to-face.

My monthly drink list has 150+ people on it, and we have met every month for over 4 years. There are always new people coming along who find the idea of physically meeting someone intimidating, do so once, and then revert to online. But I doubt very much if they will ever see a tangible outcome from these excursions.

In my executive job hunting work, almost every week I encounter people who have tried to do this exclusively online, and are still searching for a job six, twelve and even 18 months later. The quickest way to turn their hunt around is to give them a reason [aka excuse] to meet people in the real world.

Cheers, Graham

PS Hope to see you soon.

Permalink Reply by John Oakley on May 31, 2012 at 20:42

And a monthly drink list would do it for me :-)

But seriously, that eventual meeting is so important and breaking bread or drinking together I find the most effective way of getting people to relax and be themselves. Of course, that does have its personal downside. For the last 25 years I've been building relationships for business and pleasure in a variety of roles. At least 3 days a week I would have meetings over a meal or drink. Consequently I am one of the 50% obese in society.

However, I have been able to build strong teams and have very low attrition by finding out about the person before establishing an ongoing relationship. Obviously not from a single meeting ( although I do believe Gladwell has something) but on a regular basis.

Now, essentially in retirement, I may be considered your competitor as I am the first port of call for some of my ex-employees and business contacts as they turn to me in their job search. And your advice is the advice I give them. Meet people.

My life is a little hectic at the moment but hopefully we can get together within the next month. I've quite a saga to share and would appreciate your input.

Permalink Reply by David Wilcox on June 15, 2012 at 9:39

Update: this discussion and others prompted a group of us to plan relaunch of OpenRSA to lead an exploration into:

How can RSA Fellows contribute to the organisation's mission - and benefit from the experience in ways that suit their needs as well?

Details here. We are holding back on how best to do this for the moment because it seems to me important that we engage staff and if possible trustees in this important discussion, and that it is as constructive as possible. Let's keep talking though!

Permalink Reply by David Wilcox on June 28, 2012 at 9:09

I've been helping Jemima and others to try and get some online engagement in the Fellowship Council elections

This highlights (again) just how bad our online comms systems are. Are we ready to do something? Forum comment at more length here http://bit.ly/OxsA7D

The elections give us a chance to focus attention.

Permalink Reply by Marilyn Hyndman on July 4, 2012 at 11:04

I found this very useful, it is difficult to navigate and contribute even when signed up to groups and I too noticed so many people who have posted but engagement peters out. I think a solution to the problem of having not so much time would be useful. Thank you for this.

Permalink Reply by David Wilcox on July 23, 2012 at 14:02

I've now posted an update Next steps towards a networked RSA drawing on the Fellowship Council election discussions, and a lively topic on Linkedin about Why did you join the RSA.

Hope you will drop in, and encourage our new councillors to take a lead. That would connect the exploration to official RSA business