Be a better peacebuilder
From Never Again
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Be an effective peacebuilder!
The world is more connected than ever before and we have an exciting range of free tools at our disposal. NA Communications Coordinator Clare-Marie White gives some tips to make sure you don't get lost in Cyberspace.
- organise your email
Make sure have systems to ensure you see all the important email, filter out as much spam as you can and know the emails you have to respond to before they disappear out of sight. Try not to let new emails distract you from finishing tasks. If you really need to concentrate, quit your email. Gmail now has one of the best free packages for email with stars and labels as well as Google's search capacity to find what you want quickly - and one of the best spam filters around.
- ... And your computer
Don't waste time looking for files and remember that even your computer can be slowed down by badly organised files. As Linda Melvern says, you need a system that allows you to put your hands on what you want immediately. Take some time to find your system - you'll get it back in the long run.
- find shortcuts
One of the ways you can claw back more time is to find internet tools that act as shortcuts. An example is del.icio.us. It starts out as a convenient place to save bookmarks and access them on any computer. But it has even more powerful functions like being able to add your friends and tag links so that they see them - so no more cutting and pasting links. You can also use tags to create easily updated lists of links, for example the Never Again blog lets members instantly share the pages they find interesting just by tagging them.
- remember real conversations
Email may be quick and simple, but sometimes a conversation is better. Skype is now available in nearly every country on computers with broadband, download it to make the most of free chat.
- think of the recipient
When working in a team, it is useful to CC your emails to everybody so that they can keep track of what is going on. But that can add up to a lot of reading material. Always be aware that the recipient of your email might be in the middle of a lot of work or might be paying for their time in an internet cafe. Keep your points as snappy as you can and be sure to be clear about what you need from the recipient. Burying a question at the bottom of a long email is not the way to get the answers you need. Incidentally, your author has learnt this from hard experience and still isn't very good at it.
- don't overburden yourself
Email and CCd email are essential for keeping informed but they can also contribute to a sense that you should be involved in every project and every discussion. Stick to what you're good at, respond to what really is important quickly and ask yourself 'do I really need to be a part of this?' If you don't, resist writing that email. Equally, consensus can often be blocked because people are naturally more likely to speak out if they feel negative than positive. So if you think a project is going well or agree with a proposal, send a quick note to the team to say so. Supporting your team members is just as important as taking action yourself.
- communicate, communicate, communicate!
Don't operate in a bubble. Always be sure to keep records and stay in touch with other people. Often that will keep momentum on a project going and if your time becomes limited, other people can help out. Don't try and stay in touch with everybody (it's a big world), but have a little trusted network that you gradually develop. If there's a group that you want to be involved in, ask to be included in the email list and start contributing. Your connections will connect with other networks and in the end, a world of friendship will be a peaceful world.
