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Colleges, Universities and CommuniShare:
Colleges and Universities represent a very special sort of community. While students, faculty and staff play very specific roles within the educational environment of the institution, their lives are much more varied and than these roles alone. Alumni are commonly considered to be a part of the community (especially by the fundraising/development staff), but the only connection many alumni have with their alma mater is an annual appeal letter. Local neighborhood residents often have an ambivalent relationship with the school community, feeling both part of it and alienated from it. And sometimes the college/university community could be considered to include parents or families of students (who are often providing financial support) and other benefactors. There are a number of ways that CommuniShare can benefit colleges and universities, and their constituents...
- Colleges and universities are often regarded as havens of intellectual freedom, and CommuniShare provides a participatory experience of a vehicle for free self-expression.
- CommuniShare offers students an abundant collection of personal learning resources, offered by people who have a vested interest in their academic success.
- Alumni can experience meaningful and practical new connections with their alma mater (for instance, being contacted by students for information or opinions on a school project.) The next time the annual fundraising letter comes around, those additional connections may translate into increased donations.
- Students and faculty both can use CommuniShare to access others (notably alumni and local residents) with expertise or experience in various fields, and to get input, feedback and opinions on research or other projects.
- Students can benefit by being able to connect with alumni in “the real world”, whether relevant to their studies, their career ambitions or their personal interests.
- CommuniShare could be used to enhance the relationship building that occurs around reunions or other gatherings
- before the event (perhaps encouraged during the registration process), CommuniShare can help “introduce” members to one another, and can facilitate arrangements for social activities at the event (e.g., going to a ballgame or to a special restaurant).
- during the event, printouts of Entries could be used as a networking tool and ice breaker.
- after the event, CommuniShare can help continue and reinforce relationships.
- Staff members at any level—from janitor to president—can fully participate in this egalitarian medium of community sharing, which can have a positive effect on employee loyalty and retention.
- Local area residents could be invited to participate in CommuniShare (including to offer their products or services to the core college/university community). In situations where there is tension between the “town” and “gown” communities, this participation could help to bridge distances on a personal level one relationship at a time.
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Neighborhoods and Towns
Public Libraries
Colleges and Universities
Corporations
Dues-Paying Membership Organizations
Communities of Faith
Business and Professional Organizations
Schools
Residential Communities
Specialized Retail Environments
Other Types of Communities |
