Mutuality: the Ecology of Third Sector Organisations
If we do not understand our organisations, how can we determine the purpose of their websites or structure their content?
Not all third sector organisations are mutuals but mutuality might help us understand nature of third sector organisations.
Typology
Third sector means various things to various people. Politically it has been re-named as the Big Society in recent years. Sometimes the sector is called not-for-profit or the community or voluntary sector. None of these are satisfactory but may be important for determining the purpose of websites. The words we choose have implications for search engine optimisation, for example.
Various organisations may be part of the third sector. How does each type, eg community groups, voluntary organisations, charities, social enterprises, mutuals, faith groups; relate to the sector and what is its socio-economic position? In time this will be a resource organisations can use to define their role and work out the purpose of their websites.
Position
Third sector implies there are at least two other sectors and their relationships need to be understood. Their overlaps and boundaries are particularly interesting. For example, is a self-employed web designer, specialising in the third sector, a part of the third sector or in the private sector? What’s going on when a local authority applies for a grant to start a social enterprise? These sectors are a model that helps us understand our society, the better we understand them, the better able we are to develop our websites.
Partnerships
For many third sector organisations, an up-to-date, relevant website is a big ask. Is it possible for organisations to collaborate, especially where their vision for a local area is complementary? Pooled resources might not only enhance online presence but also open up other opportunities for collaboration in real life.
Methods
Why mutuality? How is or could mutuality be expressed in various types of organisation? What mutual methods might be possible online? These will cover a range of activities including participative methodologies, community development and non-directive consultancy.