ICASO’s working definition of “networking” is: a process by which two or more organizations and/or individuals collaborate to achieve common goals. The term “network” is used to refer to the set of organizations and/or individuals that join in collaboration.

Networks have many characteristics, these may include:

• A group of organizations and/or individuals who come together to pursue joint goals or common interests;
• Venues for social action through exchange and mutual learning;
• Sustained through some form of communication;
• Committed to a jointly developed structure and shared responsibility; and
• They are based on member-ownership and commitment to sheared objectives and means of action.

Networking has benefits since it provides a basis for collaboration between organizations and therefore creates a “synergy effect”. “Synergy” means that the total effect of activities done together is greater than the sum of individual activities. Thus, HIV/AIDS organizations can reach higher achievements when they come together and jointly work towards their goals and objectives.

Read more about networks and networking :

ICASO (2002). HIV/AIDS Networking Guide. A comprehensive resource for individuals and organizations who wish to build, strengthen or sustain a network.