Back to RSA networks and engagement
The page below was written in May 2012, when there were plans relaunch OpenRSA. These were put on hold when it seemed that RSA staff would be developing a new online system as part of redesign of the RSA main site. This didn't happen, but there have been more recent developments. See:
David Wilcox david@socialreporter.com
OpenRSA was started by a group of Fellows in 2007 to support the vision of the new chief executive Matthew Taylor, who saw the 27,000-strong RSA Fellowship as an outward-looking force for social innovation. A great deal has been achieved since then, through local and special interest networks, Catalyst grants for Fellow-led projects, a dedicated staff team, and a Fellowship Council.
The Fellowship Charter of 2010 (archive link) confirms the vision, saying: “We form a unique combination of committed people and diverse ways of working in our efforts to find innovative practical solutions to pressing social problems” and “We support each other by working collaboratively and creating an enlightened space in which to tackle the challenges of the 21st century”.
OpenRSA is planning a relaunch to help create that “enlightened space”, and stronger networks for Fellows, because:
Over the past three years the RSA digital engagement group (archive link) has acted as a focus for collaboration between Fellows and staff to explore and develop new ways forward. In May 2012 the group launched a network for Regional Digital Champions (archive link), and also supported an initial exploration into how Fellows could collaborate to create a more fully networked RSA (archive link)
This led to two initiatives:
Resources
This page written by David Wilcox as a draft for discussion with others in the group, so it is likely to change.