Listening to a presentation by Kanter and Allison Fine, two writers and in fact both CEO's of their own non-profit organizations, I became interested. They asked a question: Is your non-profit organization an open and transparent network organization or is it a fortress?
Of course being good authors and speakers they explained what they meant. An open and transparent organization depends and relies on each member getting in touch with their own network of friends and beyond to expand their outreach and inclusion of others.
In contrast, a fortress, has the big facade, surrounded by thick firewalls, high fences, and a posture that towers above, commanding the entire landscape. The fortress views itself as the only organization in existence, where rules are conceptualized, originated and become fulfilled, where information is disseminated and the non-observance penalties are meted out. The fortress monopolizes the entire landscape and commands feigned respect and obedience.
The network organization moves lighter on their collective corporate feet. They use free agents - these are individuals or groups who are very passionate about an idea or a cause and who can use modern day technology to extend their reach. Imagine them using Facebook, Twitter, the Internet, electronic mail, vertical marketing postcards, YouTube and Outlook - all the real time methodologies of communications to stay in touch.
The fortress languishes in the ash heap of anachronism relying mostly on their old donors, their faithful followers who are aging, dying and going away. They usually do not increase their memberships. Since the fortress is the self-established standard for the particular cause, they demand that every new and upstart group go through them for permission to operate so as not to compete, that the new organization be validated, and sanctioned by them for a fee (of course) before they could even think of putting up any of their banners.
It became clear to me just where SAS Ai stands as of this writing. SAS Ai is not a fortress. Far from it. SAS Ai is a network, an open and transparent organization that reaches out to the world through the efforts of SAS Ai free agents. Being such a network non-profit, all our members are encouraged to reach out and communicate with their own personal networks using today's technology in order to spread the word about the mission and vision of SAS Ai.
Our goals are plainly stated. Our efforts are inclusive. Our members are professionals and passionate about helping our young and bright students from needy families get a good education at SAS through scholarships.
Of course being good authors and speakers they explained what they meant. An open and transparent organization depends and relies on each member getting in touch with their own network of friends and beyond to expand their outreach and inclusion of others.
In contrast, a fortress, has the big facade, surrounded by thick firewalls, high fences, and a posture that towers above, commanding the entire landscape. The fortress views itself as the only organization in existence, where rules are conceptualized, originated and become fulfilled, where information is disseminated and the non-observance penalties are meted out. The fortress monopolizes the entire landscape and commands feigned respect and obedience.
The network organization moves lighter on their collective corporate feet. They use free agents - these are individuals or groups who are very passionate about an idea or a cause and who can use modern day technology to extend their reach. Imagine them using Facebook, Twitter, the Internet, electronic mail, vertical marketing postcards, YouTube and Outlook - all the real time methodologies of communications to stay in touch.
The fortress languishes in the ash heap of anachronism relying mostly on their old donors, their faithful followers who are aging, dying and going away. They usually do not increase their memberships. Since the fortress is the self-established standard for the particular cause, they demand that every new and upstart group go through them for permission to operate so as not to compete, that the new organization be validated, and sanctioned by them for a fee (of course) before they could even think of putting up any of their banners.
It became clear to me just where SAS Ai stands as of this writing. SAS Ai is not a fortress. Far from it. SAS Ai is a network, an open and transparent organization that reaches out to the world through the efforts of SAS Ai free agents. Being such a network non-profit, all our members are encouraged to reach out and communicate with their own personal networks using today's technology in order to spread the word about the mission and vision of SAS Ai.
Our goals are plainly stated. Our efforts are inclusive. Our members are professionals and passionate about helping our young and bright students from needy families get a good education at SAS through scholarships.
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