I had an exchange with the author concerning a post he did, 4 Rules of Networking

I posted it here because it says so much about how community collaboration is NOT a new thing. We just have new ways of achieving collaboration.

From me to James: “I hope it’s okay that I copy this and post it on my blog. With credit of course.

I have been championing this aspect of the value of networks within the Human Services sphere where I serve. You have stated it eloquently.

I hope we all recognize though that the language of social networking we are now developing has always been a reality in local dynamics. If I think of government and community collaboration, non-profit boards, United Way, the Chamber of Commerce, Chamber led “Leadership” programs, and a wide variety of activity, I recognize that this has all been going on forever. See Leadership Santa Rosa and LSR Alumni Association

James Schmeling replied: “Excellent post, shared with my online networks. It articulated how we focus on expanding our work and benefiting the work of others through new connections and collaborations.

There’s something not quite captured by these which includes willingness to expend effort for repeated efforts at connecting with people who aren’t quite ready to learn, but where the network effect would be worth the effort. Sometimes people aren’t ready to learn something or see how it applies, and it may take three or four introductions, or follow-ups, until a light goes on.

I recently met with someone four times before I could connect with what they wanted to do. We knew we wanted to work together, but it took some time to understand the best points of connection. ”

So… “What Networking Means” is this, among other things… I appreciate this sense of repeatedly bringing this to the attention of people. I have been doing this for some time and plan to continue championing this idea until we have some positive results.

Turkeys gobbling
While crows are cawing nearby
Morning at my house.
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We encounter things
So strange yet still so common
Children’s services
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Haiku for you.

Sky in the water
Clouds turn blue on a river
like boats lingering.
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I love the shadows
They reach across my life and
warm my weary bones

Photo of creosote bush in Cathedral City, California by Orin Zebest

<><><><><><><><><><><><><> 01/27/10

Three shades of color
Across an open landscape
Depicting life’s blend

Photo taken in South Africa by Lynae Straw

<><><><><><><><><><><><><> 02/07/10

Idling bus riders
Their time means less than schedules
Here next to the road
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Ecological
Translates to inconvenience
For the bus rider

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I’m not prolific
Haiku just happens because
I have a notebook
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My wife told me how little time the football is actually in play (based on what she heard on KZST). I timed it today and she was absolutely correct

Superbowl The game lasted 3 hours and 14 minutes. The time the ball was actually in play was 13.43 minutes

February 7,2010 New Orleans Saints = 31 Baltimore Colts = 17

Start time 3:31:00 PM Stop time 6:45:00 PM

Duration 194 minutes or 3 hours and 14 minutes
Number of plays 140
1.39 minutes per play

Average time the ball was in play was an average 5.80 seconds per play
Minutes actually played 13.43
Number of plays counted = 115
Number of plays estimated total = 140

I have a very high opinion of the people who lead the California Courts, starting with Hon. Ronald M. George, Chief Justice of California Supreme Court and William C. Vickrey, the Administrative Director of the Courts. I was privileged from 2000 through 2005 to be a Court staff member and saw from the inside many thoughtful and conscientious public servants.

The North Bay has become aware of the Court construction process on 02/06/2010 by new announcements. I pulled together a few links as reference.

I would encourage anyone who would like, to contact the leaders of the local court and the state office to respectfully share a perspective. I believe that it will be graciously received and sincerely considered. See these websites for information.

Lake: Judge Richard C. Martin is the Presiding Judge Court Executive Officer:Mary E. Smith

Mendocino: Judge Cindee Mayfield is the Presiding Judge for calendar year 2009. The Court Executive Officer is Benjamin Stough.

Sonoma: Judge Gary Nadler is the Presiding Judge Executive Officer: José Octavio Guillén

The California Superior Court has developed a useful and informative process for moving forward. Their current plans are here. The facilities component can be found on page 48 of “The Operational Plan for California’s Judicial Branch, 2008–2011.” The Office of Court Construction and Management can be found here.

Here is the process that Sonoma, Mendocino & Lake Counties are going through.

I have this picture on my office wall.