What+are+networks?


 * //What are networks?//**

A network is any collection of things—data, people, technologies, organizations—that are connected together. A //social// network is a collection of people connected by relationships. When focusing on the network, the emphasis is on the //relationships// between the people, not just the individuals (or objects) themselves. Understanding networks means understanding the nature of the ties between people, which may be strong or weak, connected in-person or online.

We’re all part of social networks – in our communities, workplaces, places of worship, schools. As Albert-Laszlo Barabasi said, “Networks are everywhere. We just need an eye for seeing them.” This is the challenge and the opportunity. Networks are usually invisible. We make decisions and take action without regard for the potential network impact. Now, with advances in network science and visualization tools, we can cultivate our ability to see and understand networks; we can act with intentionality and harness the power of networks for social change.

The term network can be the cause for confusion because it is increasingly the cool word for any group or collective action—within, among, or outside of organizations. In the dialogue about networks and social change, network is used as an adjective to refer to way of working – that is connected, transparent and decentralized (“a network approach to grantmaking”); network is used as a verb meaning to connect, to spread or to organize (“to network a group of like-minded activitists”); and network is used a noun to refer to a range of different structural forms.

The Network of Network Funders focuses on social networks made up of individuals and/or organizations that are:
 * connected through meaningful relationships,
 * in which there are many participants (and the potential to grow),
 * space for self-organization, and
 * that leverage new technologies for visualization, connection, and collective action.