Vigorous Networking - Michelle Mitchell, AIDS Programme Coordinator, University of KwaZulu-Natal
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Michelle Mitchell, AIDS Programme Coordinator, University of KwaZulu-Natal
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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".
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