Introduction to the Concept of Networking A1-02570 Trade Union Training on Occupational Health and Safety and HIV/AIDS (Inter-regional Course: Africa and Caribbean) (Turin, 27 September to 8 October 2010) Introduction to the Concept of Networking www.itcilo.org International Training Centre of the ILO

International Training Centre of the ILO Definition A Network is a supportive system of sharing information and services among individuals and groups having a common interest. Networking is about making links from people we know to people they know, in an organised way and for a specific purpose. A regional Network can be set up around any specific purpose e.g. to defend and promote the interest and rights of workers in the area of OSHE and the fight against the HIV/AIDS pandemic. www.itcilo.org International Training Centre of the ILO

International Training Centre of the ILO Definition A regional trade union organisation and its affiliates are an example of an organisational (trade unions) Network with established structures for exchanging and sharing information as well as for extending solidarity support to one another through various means. www.itcilo.org International Training Centre of the ILO

The Roles of a typical Network Agent of change Support - Community Builder. - Facilitator. - Support and Service Provider. Agent of Change - Organiser of Information - Disseminator of Voice - Convener www.itcilo.org International Training Centre of the ILO

The Roles of a typical Network Community Building Community building promotes and sustains the values and standards of a network. Community building through networking often develop strong links within the network but none or just a few weak links outside the network. Facilitating Facilitator networks help make things happen but do not need to be involved with the members’ work. www.itcilo.org International Training Centre of the ILO

The Roles of a typical Network This function is often hard to differentiate from the others because, in theory, all networks are created to facilitate the achievement of any particular objective. Support and Service Providers Support and Service Provider Networks offer a channel to members to obtain the resources they need to carryout their main activities. Organising Information The “organising/filtering” function allows unmanageable amounts of information to be organised and used in a productive way. www.itcilo.org International Training Centre of the ILO

The Roles of a typical Network Facilitating function helps members to carryout their activities more efficiently and effectively. There is evidence that NGOs and Think Tanks can fulfil a filtering function. Voice Amplifiers help take a complex idea or a message and transfer it to the public or transform it into a simple or an understandable one. www.itcilo.org International Training Centre of the ILO

The Roles of a typical Network Convening Convening networks bring together different individuals and groups. Authority, legitimacy, logistical capacity, credibility and communication skills are essential. Convening requires a carefully defined audience. Convening networks need to systematically assess their audience and to provide appropriate information. www.itcilo.org International Training Centre of the ILO

What do Trade Unions’ Networks Need to Do? (Some keys to success Clear governance agreement – to set clear goals and objectives, identify functions, define membership, make decisions and resolve conflicts. Analyse the type of assistant it will need to achieve its goals. Develop the skills of the network members. Build, cultivate and maintain the network through the years. www.itcilo.org International Training Centre of the ILO

What do Trade Unions’ Networks Need to Do? (Some keys to success Strength in numbers – the larger the numbers involved the greater the political weight given to networks. Representativeness – is one key source of legitimacy (and thereby influence). Quality of evidence – affects both the credibility and legitimacy of arguments. Packaging of evidence - is crucial to effective communication. www.itcilo.org International Training Centre of the ILO

What do Trade Unions’ Networks Need to Do? (Some keys to success Persistence - influence often requires sustained pressure over a long period of time. Membership of key individuals - especially influential figures in the policy arena. Making use of informal links - these can be critical to achieving many network objectives. Complementing official structures - by their nature, networks add most value by complementing rather than duplicating official structures. www.itcilo.org International Training Centre of the ILO

What do Trade Unions’ Networks Need to Do? (Some keys to success Good use of ICTs and other networking opportunities - ICTs are opening up great new potential for networking. www.itcilo.org International Training Centre of the ILO