Are we losing our "social networks?"

According to researchers at Duke University and the University of Arizona, Miller McPherson, Lynn Smith-Lovin and Mathew E. Brashears, Americans are becoming more socially isolated than theywere two decades ago.

In their report “Social Isolation in America: Changes in Core Discussion Networks over Two Decades”, published in the June 2006 issue of the “American Sociological Review”, participants in the survey reported that their personal social networks are smaller - that they have fewer people they can discuss important issues with or turn to in times of stress or need. (You can read the complete report here: http://www.asanet.org/galleries/default-file/June06ASRFeature.pdf )

What about you? As a VISTA Volunteer, what do you do when you’re feeling isolated, disconnected or lonely? What about in terms of your project? Who are you connected to? Who do you turn to for help, advice or information?

What tools do you use to connect - either to other VISTA Volunteers, or, in terms of your project, to other nonprofit organizations, corporations, volunteers, supporters, etc.?

Why are social networks important, and what can they help you to accomplish?

• build a grassroots campaign
• discover a network of innovators in your own community or issue
• create your own support team
• create awareness of an issue or special event
• strengthen the support for your project
• create personal connections for after you leave VISTA

Want to know more? Here’s a great website that explains how social networking works and how you can make the most of yours… http://www.orgnet.com/sna.html

Here is a list of some great networking tools that can help keep you make new connections and keep connected. But please feel free to add others to this list!

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com

Plaxo: http://www.plaxo.com

Ryze: http://www.ryze.com

delicious: http://del.icio.us/

myspace: http://www.myspace.com

What social networks are you using? And by the way, if we’re not already connected through LinkedIn, you can find me here: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/0/7a3/b72 I’d love to join your network…