Thursday, February 22, 2007

DigitalNow Update from Jimmy Wales

Associations without committees?

The idea seems preposterous when considered within the framework of the traditional association model. However, Web 2.0 is having a profound influence on all traditional models – including those of associations.

As we all know by now, new technologies and new applications of existing technologies are changing the way we organize everything from information and education to personal and professional relationships. Does it even stand to reason, then, that associations can expect to continue to lean solely on face-to-face meetings and other time-honored methods to conduct daily business? Even if you could, would you really want to? Who does that model exclude, and what opportunities for growth and relevance might you be missing out on by resisting a transformation toward a new model?

While the "committee-less" association may not be fully upon us today, the trend is moving swiftly and undeniably toward a more fluid, open-ended, and collaborative method of educating, publishing and networking.

As the founder of the Wikipedia project, I have blazed a trail for self-structured communities, working together to build a solid, reliable base of knowledge. It's been – and continues to be – an amazing experience in social innovation. When I join you at DigitalNow 2007, I will be discussing the challenges of this model, as well as the critical capabilities for its success.

The exciting truth is that through the implementation of new model elements, your association can expand its reach, capitalize on a broader range of perspectives and talents, and ultimately increase the impact of its mission.


Jimmy Wales


DigitalNow is the proven leadership conference for associations. To learn more about DigitalNow, and to register, please visit http://www.fusionproductions.com/digitalnow

1 Comments:

At 4:21 PM, Blogger Jeff De Cagna/@pinnovation said...

I posted "No More Committees" on the Always Done It That Way blog back in December 2005. The post can be found at:

http://www.alwaysdoneitthatway.com/2005/12/01/no-more-committees/

 

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