Networking & Linkages

Creation of networks and linkages are an essential component of any

development program and provide synergies for the program to build
upon from a point of advantage to a point of strength. It is also a key
area on which the performance of the SGP-India will be rated vis--vis
other SGP country programs. Given the importance of the activity, it is
pertinent to develop a vision and laid-down modalities for taking it
forward in a manner that it builds into and converges with the greater
SGP-India vision.
Why are Networking & Linkages important?
Networking and Linkages basically means forming formal and informal
partnerships and ties with other organizations in different areas of
mutual interest and/or benefits. In case of the SGP the most obvious
partnerships that we have is with the Government, our grantee
partners and co-financing agencies. Other then these, SGP also forges
active partnerships with academic institutions, research organizations,
other donor agencies and advocacy groups.
Networking and linkages are important for the following reasons:
The program outreach and visibility can be greatly increased.
Technology transfer, share and dissemination can be facilitated
between SGP and the networked organization and among the
respective partners
Sharing of knowledge, skill, expertise and experiences helps in
improving the effectiveness and efficiency
Co-financing links can be forged
Partnerships aid in replication and scaling-up of SGP project ideas
and concepts
Replication of funding can be avoided and the grants can be used
in a better managed and meaningful fashion
What kind of Partnerships can be forged?
The partnerships that are forged might be directly linked to the
program, as
Grantee partnerships
Co-financing links
Partnerships can be forged on technical grounds, as
For providing technical know-how

Skill sharing for monitoring & evaluation, proposal development,

impact assessment etc

Partnerships can be forged on general grounds, as

Cross sharing of experiences
Exchange of grass root level learnings, concepts and knowledge
Sharing of trained manpower
Taking forward and strengthening advocacy initiatives
Whom to form Networks and Linkages with?
Networks and Linkages can be formed with multifarious organizations
that share the common vision and values for social development for
any of the above-mentioned purposes. The organizations can be

Government at the National, State and Regional level

Various departments under the aegis of the government
National and International donor agencies
Non-government organizations (NGO)
Community based organizations (CBO)
Academic institutes
Advocacy and knowledge sharing consortium and networks

What Is Social Networking?

Social networking is the grouping of individuals into specific groups, like small
rural communities or a neighborhood subdivision, if you will. Although social
networking is possible in person, especially in the workplace, universities, and
high schools, it is most popular online.
This is because unlike most high schools, colleges, or workplaces, the internet
is filled with millions of individuals who are looking to meet other people, to
gather and share first-hand information and experiences about cooking,
golfing, gardening, developing friendships professional alliances, finding
employment, business-to-business marketing and even groups sharing
information about baking cookies to the Thrive Movement. The topics and
interests are as varied and rich as the story of our universe.
When it comes to online social networking, websites are commonly used. These
websites are known as social sites. Social networking websites function like an
online community of internet users. Depending on the website in question,
many of these online community members share common interests in hobbies,
religion, politics and alternative lifestyles. Once you are granted access to a
social networking website you can begin to socialize. This socialization may

include reading the profile pages of other members and possibly even
contacting them.
The friends that you can make are just one of the many benefits of social
networking online. Another of those benefits includes diversity because of the
internet gives individual from all around the world access to social networking
sites. This means although even you are in the United States, you could develop
an online friendship with someone in Denmark or India. Not only will you make
a new friend, but you just might learn a thing or two about new cultures or
new languages and learning in always a good thing.
As mentioned, social networking often involves grouping specific individuals or
organizations together. While there are a number of social networking websites
that focus on particular interests, there are others that do not. The websites
without a main focus are often referred to as "traditional" social networking
websites and usually have open memberships. This means that anyone can
become a member, no matter what their hobbies, beliefs, or views are.
However, once you are inside this online community, you can begin to create
your own network of friends and eliminate members that do not share common
interests or goals.
As I'm sure you're aware, there are dangers associated with social networking
including data theft and viruses, which are on the rise. The most prevalent
danger though often involves online predators or individuals who claim to be
someone that they are not. Although danger does exist with networking online,
it also exists in the real world, too. Just like you're advised when meeting
strangers at clubs and bars, school, or work -- you are also advised to proceed
with caution online.
By being aware of your cyber-surroundings and who you are talking to, you
should be able to safely enjoy social networking online. It will take many phone
conversations to get to know someone, but you really won't be able to make a
clear judgment until you can meet each other in person. Just use common
sense and listen to your inner voice; it will tell you when something doesn't feel
right about the online conversations taking place.
Once you are well informed and comfortable with your findings, you can begin
your search from hundreds of networking communities to join. This can easily
be done by performing a standard internet search. Your search will likely return
a number of results, including MySpace, FriendWise, FriendFinder, Yahoo! 360,
Facebook, Orkut, and Classmates.
What is linkaging?
Relationships and interactions between tasks, functions, departments, and organizations,
that promote flow of information, ideas, and integration in achievement of shared
objectives.

Read more:
http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/linkages.html#ixzz2bWeFbpXZ
The act of linking; state or manner of being linked.
a system of links.
Genetics. an association between two or more genes on a chromosome that tends to
cause the characteristics determined by these genes to be inherited as an inseparable unit.
Machinery. an assembly of four or more rods for transmitting motion, usually in the same
plane or in parallel planes.
a factor or relationship that connects or ties one thing to another; link: Administration
officials sought to establish linkage between grain sales and relaxed immigration laws.
According to biology.
(Science: genetics) tendency for two or more non-allelic genes to be inherited together,
because they are located more or less closely on the same chromosome.
thus parental combinations of characters are found more frequently in offspring than
nonparental. Linkage is measured by the percentage recombination between loci(singular
form)