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The essential structure and operating model of associations has remained virtually unchanged for more than three centuries. When the first learned societies emerged in the mid 1600s, they sought to collect, create and share knowledge and information[1]. The most effective and efficient means available was to bring people together on boards, committees and face-to-face meetings. As travel and communication improved in the mid 20^th century, the model proved even more successful. Associations became a highly organized and widely accepted “platform” to enable the rapid accumulation, expansion and dissemination of learning.

 

Today that model faces a significant test. An emerging array of tools collectively known as “Web 2.0” may offer more efficient and effective means for people to collaborate, create and share knowledge and information.

 

Web 2.0 tools, such as wikis, blogs and social networking, offer “differing but complementary approaches [to] information-storage, creation, and dissemination…that go beyond what the public formerly expected of web-sites,” according Wikipedia, which is one of the exemplars of the trend. Those who desire to collect, create and share knowledge and information can do so easily, cheaply and efficiently without the need of an “association platform.” The web is their platform. They live in an “open-source” world, where knowledge flows without regard to formalized institutions, revolutionizing how, where and when people collaborate.

Boards, committees and face-to-face meetings were – and are – an effective means of production. But Web 2.0 tools may prove to be just as effective – and perhaps more efficient – tools to produce and disseminate knowledge.

Associations, of course, can utilize Web 2.0 tools to extend and enhance their traditional means of creation, collaboration and production. But use of the tools alone won’t be enough. A new culture is required, one that values co-creation and openness to collaboration outside of centralized structures and processes. An example can be found in the open source technology movement, which enabled legions of developers to create and revise software without restriction or fear. The combination of Web 2.0 tools and an open source culture will create “Open Source Associations.” Open Source Associations will pioneer a significant advancement on the 350-year old association model.

 

 

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