Inclusive Iterative Assessment

Pattern number within this pattern set: 
635
Justin Smith
The Public Sphere Project & St. Mary's University
Problem: 

Activist networks that work to support a particular cause or campaign are not always representative of the full range of interests and opinions of the participants involved. This can often alienate various groups from full participation and lead to lower levels of cooperation, thus encouraging dissent, factionalism and a confused identity on a whole. This dilutes the collective and cooperative capacity of the network to effectively pursue its mission and achieve the goals that brought the participants together in the first place. Similarly, it hinders the ability of the network to evolve and re-define itself as outside pressures attempt to counter the network's mission with its own competing campaigns.

Context: 

When networks are forming their campaigns, including the development of their orientations, objectives and various tactics for engagement it

Discussion: 

(to be further developed:

Flows of information from the ground -level distributed out through the network can often get bottle-necked with only select frames, identities and purposes shaping and defining the whole of the network.

The element of inclusion is to be supported throughout the life of an activist network, without the active voice of its participants objectives and outcomes can be skewed and mislead. Iteration is meant to regularly ensure that voice is representative of the changing views of the participants. Assessment is to be pursued to ensure that the tactics, orientations and objectives match the nature of the network engaged.

Solution: 

When various groups of peoples are engaged in pursuing a common goal through networked coordination it is often necessary that an open process of communication be engendered. Similarly, this process must be iterative and self-reflective. This can take place when various groups come together virtually or in the flesh to discuss tactics, form identities and frame issues of mutual concern. This process also has the effect of supporting the ability of networks to redefine objectives in the face of adversity from outside pressures.

Pattern status: 
Released