Networks

A network is an interconnected system of things or people.
The Dutch settlers came to the New World in the years after 1609 and their solid social capital made many Dutch immigrant communities rather flourishing. They were good at bonding, bridging, and believing, the foundation of the social capital of Dutch-American Reformed communities then and still now.
In the American society of today, religion and the church are very important as social networks. Strong community ties, a basic sense of a shared past, present, and destiny, strict religious self-perceptions and in-group/out-group attitudes, firm socialization practices and physical proximity are key factors to find spiritual and human support and even work.
This existing long-term relationship also shows in the Amsterdam American Business Club. AABC is a professional networking organization whose main purpose is to improve business to business contacts between Dutch and American businesses. The club consists primarily of American and Dutch professional people, but also includes a broad variety of nationalities and professional backgrounds. Examples of their events are their Labor Day picnic and the Thanksgiving dinner.
Another network is The Netherland-America Foundation (NAF), building on the enduring heritage and values shared, between the peoples of the Netherlands and the United States. They seek to further strengthen the bonds between the two countries through exchange in the arts, sciences, education, business and public affairs. NAF activities provide donors and recipients with access to a broad network of educational, cultural and business organizations that exemplify Dutch and U.S. excellence in a number of disciplines.
Also in science too networks are important. Sanaria Inc., an American biotechnology company, works together with the Dutch Medical Centers of Radboud University and Leiden University for the development of a malaria vaccine. This is a Top Institute Pharma project. Each year, malaria affects at least 300 million and kills at least 1 million people. So an efficacious vaccine is urgently needed.

What are the key factors for social capital and networking in your organization?
What network(s) are you or would you like to be part of?