Vigorous Networking - Michelle Mitchell, AIDS Programme
Coordinator, University of KwaZulu-Natal
Michelle
Mitchell, AIDS Programme Coordinator, University of KwaZulu-Natal
HIV/AIDS has changed the way we conduct business in
many ways. One of the most significant changes is the
importance that is now given to networking. I often
wonder why we need to network and what value does a
network add to the many other generous and imaginative
initiatives that we are already engaged in.
There appears to be no fixed definition for "networking".
The term is used in many ways and has a variety of meanings
depending on the context and the needs of individuals
and organizations. A working definition, which I have
found useful is, "networking is a process by which
two or more organizations and/or individuals collaborate
to achieve common goals".
In the struggle against HIV/AIDS, our individual contributions,
although meaningful, often seem small and insignificant
given the enormity of the epidemic. These contributions,
however, when united in a vigorous network, result in
a cord that binds, a net that ensnares and a social
vaccine that will render HIV/AIDS powerless.
The rapid, all encompassing progressiveness of the
disease in the past ten years has shown us that we are
facing a problem that is bigger than any one of us,
bigger than any one organization, in fact, the disease
is bigger than any one sector. To come to grips with
all the dimensions of the epidemic, organizations need
the insights and professional expertise of those of
other organizations, other institutions and contexts.
We have to, unfortunately, acknowledge that many of
our efforts have not been as successful as we would
have liked them to be. One reason for this is that our
efforts are often undertaken in isolation. Sectors,
institutions and organizations do what seems best for
themselves, but without much relationship with others.
There have been, and continue to be, many generous,
creative, but independent initiatives - not enough collaboration
and sharing of knowledge and experience. By establishing
rigorous networks, we move purposefully forward along
the road to overcoming HIV/AIDS.
Networks help us to accomplish things together that
we could not accomplish alone. They help strengthen
advocacy by influencing others, both internal and external
to the network. Networks help broaden the understanding
of issues by bringing together different constituencies,
different expertise and experiences. Networking makes
economic sense - collaborators are able to share workloads,
reduce project duplication and minimise or eliminate
any wasting of resources. Networks can also help in
the mobilization of resources, particularly finances.
Importantly, networks provide a much needed sense of
solidarity, moral and psychological support.
One of the greatest benefits of networks is the creative
synergy that develops. Albert Einstein once said: "We
cannot use the kind of thinking that created the problem
to solve the problem". This is as true today as
it was in his lifetime. HIV/AIDS challenges us to think
creatively and to come up with innovative and effective
solutions to dealing with the epidemic.
As the Honourable Mangena, South African Deputy Minister
of Education, said: "Let us find ways - together
- to make headway on understanding better what it is
we are dealing with here. Let us find ways - together
- to understand not just what needs to be done, for
I think we know what needs to be done, but to really
understand how we can do what needs to be done".
