By Tinsley Goad, CEO, GuideStar International and Senior Technical Director, TechSoup Global
During the week of 14 February it seemed as if our entire world came to San Francisco. The TechSoup Global Contributors Summit offered TSG staff the opportunity to interact with the members of TechSoup Global Network over the course of 3 days and 4 nights. Unlike most “conferences”, the TSG Summit was very much a “user” driven event, with the entire second day’s agenda determined by participant suggestions following the first day. Throughout the week, partners were able to interact with TSG staff, potential collaborators, each other, and a wide array of third parties to delve into some of the most pressing issues faced by the collective group.
Several key theme emerged over the course of the week. Clearly the power and potential of the network itself was a focal point for the group. Our reach now spans more than 35 countries, and the collective wisdom, experience, and entrepreneurial spirit in this group is extensive; and if leveraged properly can lead to amazing outcomes across the world. For the first time a Partner Advisory Council was seated and the members are clearly very excited about the opportunity to formally influence the strategic direction of our global programs and their tactical implementation throughout the network.
Another topic of vigorous discussion was cloud computing. As many have said, “nothing is certain save for change”, and the group seemed unanimous in accepting that the move to the cloud is both inevitable and will have a profound impact over the long term. But, in line with the spirit of this group, many conversations involved the opportunities that cloud computing could offer.
Not surprisingly, the greatest value of the Summit was in providing our network partners and other contributors ample opportunity to connect with old friends and make many new ones. The nature of our global reach dictates that face time is rare, and as such is ever more valuable when we do have it. The many side-bars during the course of the day; along with more relaxed discussions over breakfast, lunch, dinner…and afterwards, were absolutely invaluable in establishing and strengthening the relationships that are not only critical to our collective success, but in fact define our lives in so many ways.
While we all came away weary from these intensive days, I know that we also arrived at our homes with renewed energy and dedication to our critical work around the world.
For 23 years, TechSoup Global has been working to build networks — networks of organizations that need technology support, networks of corporations that are willing to donate their products, networks of funders interested in building the capacity of civil society, and networks of technical volunteers.
