Knowledge Management has a New Definition
Last Tuesday, Portland, Oregon saw the launch of a new wiki by Meyer Memorial Trust.
Marie Deathridge, Director of Communications and Learning, explained that MMT wanted to share resources within the foundation but was questioned why this information should be kept within the organization's walls. The goal became to help other organizations openly share knowledge.
What was created is more than just a wiki: it is an integrated non-linear tool for foundations, nonprofits, and citizens to share information and connect around People, Places, and Things. It goes by the name of connec+ipedia. As Amy Sample Ward, NTEN Member, fellow Portland cohort, and MMT Communications & Learning Associate says, "connec+ipedia is, in my opinion, an awesome new tool that will change the way many people think of wikis."
connec+ipedia is built on the open source software application Wagn. Wagn allows for individual 'cards' to be created and tagged with different topics. These cards can then be shuffled around and brought up under sub-categories within the three major ones: People, Place, and Things.
Ward Cunningham, developer of the first wiki, says it's the first fresh contribution to wiki since he created it 13 years ago.
The other feature that makes connec+ipedia special is its integration with DataPlace.org, a website that provides easy access to housing, demographic, and other data at geographic scales from neighborhood to the nation. Individual cards have been created to bring up relevant demographic, social, and economic data for the area that interests you.
All in all, connec+ipedia has incredible potential for collaboration, and as with all wikis, it will grow with its community. It is focused on Oregon right now, but because it is a wiki, you can help build it out!
connec+ipedia is a free, open source tool, so the possibilities await you. Meyer Memorial Trust is really walking the walk by putting value and strength back into the community they serve. Check it out.
