VeNews April 20, 2001

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ECUNET: TRAINING OF LEADERS WORKSHOP

Last month Vesper sponsored a workshop for online leaders from member networks of the ECUNET ecumenical online community. ECUNET is an ecumenical network that serves as an overall umbrella network for several denominational networks. For over 15 years ECUNET has been the system of choice for online discussions. ECUNET's main feature is meetings. There are approximately 4,000 meetings on ECUNET, of which approximately 1,000 are operating at any one time. Any ECUNET member may start a public or private discussion.

ECUNET recently upgraded its system, including hardware and software. As a result of the upgrades, there was a major need to train leaders in how to use the revamped ECUNET system. In addition, ECUNET realized that technological innovation introduces change, including changes in the nature of leadership and emerging leadership styles. Given these changes, the goals of the workshop were the following: (1) expand an understanding of online community; (2) understand ECUNET in more detail; and (3) define where ECUNET fits in denominational strategy.

Vesper's leadership projects are designed to strengthen the capacity of people of faith to be effective leaders in the world. In this project, Vesper was particularly interested in the types of leadership strategies that work when the group or community is an online community. Most of the research on leadership assumes that leaders work with a group in face-to-face settings. However, when no face-to-face communication occurs, such as in ECUNET meetings, do the same leadership strategies apply? Or are different strategies needed?

This workshop described online community as valuing decentralized leadership models. The leadership style that appears to be emerging stresses the importance of interpersonal communication, social equality, and the support and comfort level of participants, all leading to a more informal, horizontal exchange among peers.

In addition, the workshop provided a venue for conversation among major partners for ECUNET's decision-makers to discuss future ECUNET activities. Since ECUNET has updated its infrastructure, it is poised to grow and reach more users. For more information about ECUNET, check www.ecunet.org.For more information about the workshop including presentations and materials, contact us at .

Vesper Society is a private operating foundation with programs in leadership, health, and Central America. Our mission is to create opportunities for individuals, groups, and organizations to apply moral and ethical values in decision making on social and economic issues.