Loomio
Wed 28 Jun 2017 12:04AM

Relationship between UniteWNC and Initiatives

T TracySchmidt Public Seen by 370

As we get ready to define what UniteWNC is, wants to do, etc (conscious business canvas attached) I was wondering how people see the relationship between UniteWNC and the initiatives that came out of the summit. Is UniteWNC an umbrella over the initiatives? Or are the initiatives sister efforts to UniteWNC?

RC

Rob Capozziello Wed 28 Jun 2017 12:41AM

My thought would be an umbrella organization similar to what some described early on as a "network of networks" which compliments, doesn't duplicate and respects what others are doing and how they are doing it for their individual communities and audiences. I see us potentially as a central source of info where common themes/topics could be surfaced to foster collaboration across western NC.

GK

Ginger Kowal Wed 28 Jun 2017 2:56PM

I also feel that "umbrella" is more appropriate, but need to make a case for the value we could provide to the other initiatives in that case. Rob's comment helps make this case. I think it's important to hear from the other initiatives to make sure they agree that there is value in being "under", rather than "alongside", UniteWNC.

SC

Steve Cooperman Wed 28 Jun 2017 5:32PM

I'm curious what people mean by 'umbrella.'

SC

Steve Cooperman Wed 28 Jun 2017 5:41PM

I see two ways to go: 1) UniteWNC helping identify, organize and coordinate projects related to the mission and vision, or 2) UniteWNC having as its purpose to create a culture and structures that foster collaboration, and does so by focusing on articulating how we work together, how we share information, how we build relationships rather than on what work/projects get done. In both cases, projects could be seen as under the UniteWNC 'umbrella,' but in the latter case we'd let people work on whatever they thought was going to achieve the mission/vision, with an understanding of how they work, communicate, connect, share info, etc., with others. I also see in the latter case more of a focus on trying lots of things, seeing what does and doesn't work, and less on making sure everyone agrees on what needs to be done to get us to where we want to go.

SC

Steve Cooperman Wed 28 Jun 2017 5:44PM

Clearly, I'm more interested in #2, think it will lead to better collaboration, more innovation, more energy and participation, but want to hear what other people think. I also think we could add in a funding/fundraising piece to UniteWNC and do an Enspiral-like process to fund various projects and initiatives.

CH

Cat Herndon Thu 29 Jun 2017 10:41AM

I imagined that UnITeWNC would be an umbrella organization where the different initiatives could unite under one brand while maintaining their independence. UnITeWNC would be a place to share resources and ideas.

JM

Jim March Fri 30 Jun 2017 8:23PM

I encourage us to not use the word "umbrella", which implies a certain "protective" and "exclusive" connotation. Umbrellas imply hierarchy, whereas I would like UnITeWNC to be more of a collaborator. I like the idea of UnITeWNC's purpose "to create a culture and structures that foster collaboration, and does so by focusing on articulating how we work together, how we share information, how we build relationships rather than on what work/projects get done" (thank you Steve).

Would it be wrong to think of UnITeWNC as the "keeper of the commons", where the commons in this case would be the shared infrastructure, information, and work that is done to meet the UnITeWNC mission? Just a thought.

C

Cheri Sun 2 Jul 2017 8:41PM

This is a great question! I like your second suggestion a lot -- it fits more with self-organizing structures. And building on Jim's comment -- perhaps UniteWNC "holds space for the commons" or "is the container for the commons". There's the important role of holding the energy and framing for what wants to emerge.