The WISENET network, or parts of it, is activated when there is special wvrk to be done. On a small scale, when an issue of the Journal is due from the printer, phone calls and e-mails fly and a congenial group assembles at someone's house for the cooperative job of stuffing envelopes, sticking on labels and sorting into bulk post bundles. Apparent chaos reigns, but the work proceeds efficiently. This job is slotted into busy lives, after work, but is quite enjoyable.
The WISENET network functioned brilliantly early last year when we heard of the success of our application to the Science and Technology Awareness Program for a special project grant (see article in this issue of the Journal). An e-mail and fax appeal for help, advice and suggestions flashed around the country to link people in each state and to other likely advisors. Heaps of suggestions arrived about suitable topics, possible writers, and management options -- not all used in the end, but very welcome.
More recently, in December, WISENET decided to apply for a further grant to enable us to undertake a new project in 1998-99. A grant application involves a lot of work. A first draft was produced, a few netvwrkers were consulted, then second and third drafts were sent to ten WISENET members in several states and one on overseas leave. While useful comments and suggestions were being returned and the document being modified by the central scribe, calamity struck. The scribe broke a femur. Hospital. No word processor. Deadline approaching. Message to another ever-busy member of WISENET's small executive group: "Please go to my house and take over the grant application from my computer." The application was completed, with input from several others, and reached its destination by the deadline -- a truly cooperative effort.
Elizabeth Heij, in her article, writes of women's usually consultative management style, and of some exceptions. I believe the consultative, networking style should prevail, and that WISENET provides a great example.
-- Diana Temple
Many will be shocked to find when the day of judgement nears,
That there's a special place in heaven set aside for volunteers
furnished with big recliners, satin couches and footstools;
where there's no committee chairman, no group leaders or car pools;
no eager team that needs a coach, no bazaar and no bake sale;
there will be nothing to staple, not one thing to fold or mail;
telephone lists will be outlawed, but.... a finger-snap will bring
cool drinks and gourmet dinners and rare treats fit for a king or queen.
You ask, who'll serve those privileged few and work for all they're worth?
Why, all those who reaped the benefits and not once voluteered on earth.
Author Unknown