A short outline of the pros and cons of networking for civil society organisations and a link to advocacy with lessons drawn from social networking sites.

2. Networks ? Connecting similarities Connecting differences

3. Finding the right structure A network could contain unique, separate but connected and cooperating organisations

7. Reasons for civil society to network Practical : better access to information; status and attractiveness for donors and policy-makers; economies of scale; shared negotiating power Ideological : solidarity for smaller organisations; building common guidelines, methodologies or quality standards; unified voice of coherence for civil society Pragmatic: raised visibility of common issues; sharing experiences, contacts and ideas; common lobbying platform; reducing risks and avoiding duplication

9. Chanelling the recent outrage ONLINE PETITION to Chinese President and UN Security Council: 803,734 signatures from 192 countries Since 17 October, 225,000 Euros raised Facebook, Support the monks in Burma Group 24/09/2007 3,500 Members 24/10/2007 432,479 Members

10. Networking tools: PR, advocacy and campaigns Public Relations is about ‘free’ (not paid for) media visibility. It may cover ‘who we are, what we stand for, what we do, where we work’ . Advocacy is speaking, writing and acting to promote a cause, interest or group. ‘ What do we want to say, who we want to influence, how will we reach them’ . A campaign is a series of actions to achieve a goal. ‘What do we want to change, when and how, what would the final result be like’.