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Civic networks provide another way of thinking about this dimension of our communi-
ties. Social capital really represents a network of civic relationships. These relation-
ships are becoming increasingly important to communities and regions because of
the shifting nature of economic development.
These new forms of economic development take place in a "civic space", outside the
four walls of any one organization. That's where networks come in. In this civic space,
no one can tell anyone else what to do. The mayor can't tell the school board what to do.
The school board can't tell the chamber of commerce what to do. The chamber of com-
merce can tell the city council what to do. The only way we can accomplish anything
is with collaboration through our networks. Connections lead to conversations, and
focused conversations can lead to commitments and collaboration.
The first step in mapping these networks involves encouraging people to share their
civic networks. As we compile these civic networks, patterns emerge, and we start to
see the connections within the region. Equally important, we see gaps and missing
links.
Note that we ask people to share their civic networks, not their personal, family or
business networks. We are only concerned with building the networks that help us
build our community.
Closing Triangles
We will keep adding to our civic network map. Every so often, we will produce a new
map of our civic networks in Oklahoma. You can then see where you are and how you
are connected. Equally important, you'll be able to see how you can help build our civic
networks in Oklahoma by "closing triangles".
We close triangles this way: Suppose you know Jane and you know Bill, but Bill and
Jane don't know each other. You close the triangle when you introduce Bill to Jane. In
this way you make a new connection and open the door to possible new collaborations
among Bill, Jane and their networks.
To participate, all you need to do is share information on your civic networks with us.
To help you think about your networks, we'll ask you a series of three questions. In an-
swering these questions, think about your professional life as an economic developer.
For each question, provide up to three names. (They can be the same three names for
each of the three questions, or they can be different names for each question.) When you
write the names, use first and last names. To help us with contact information, please
provide e-mail addresses and telephone numbers where you can.
Question 1 (Getting Help): If you are trying to get something done in your job as an
economic developer, like get a project off the ground, who are three people you would
call for help? To whom do you turn to get stuff done?
Question 2 (Getting advice): When you have a challenging problem -- for example, the
board on which you sit has some trouble with the executive director -- and you are un-
sure what to do, which three people would you turn to for advice?