Ignited Word's June Newsletter: Visualizing Networks in Atlanta's Food System and Beyond

Everybody knows human networks are important, but they can often seem abstract and hidden from view. Imagine the potential of a comprehensive network map–something that makes visible all the relationships between individuals and organizations in a given domain. While some actors compile lists to help keep track of partners and allies, the real power lies in understanding how groups collaborate. Such a map could reveal hidden connections and common interests (e.g. geographic or thematic) between organizations and individuals that weren’t currently in contact, making possible new relationships and idea-sharing, and tapping the creative potential of networks.

Don't miss the rest of the blog, Download that Mental Map!: Visualizing Networks in Atlanta's Food System and Beyond, by Abbie Cohen. For more on network mapping as a means of maximizing impact, see our Maximizing Impact services page.

Network Map: Food Systems Actors in Metro Atlanta

While a work in progress, this map of partnerships among?Food Systems Actors in Metro Atlanta uncovers a web of food system actors working on a diverse set of issues, including hunger relief, food access, sustainable agriculture, and nutrition education. Key actors and their relationships were identified using a snowball sampling methodology informed by internet search and website review.

Note to Atlanta food system actors: To?make this map more comprehensive and accurate, we’ll need your help. Whether you?are part of an organization already listed on the map or an organization not yet represented, please fill out this short form so we can include you and your team. If you would like to collaborate or discuss the map further, please reach out to us! [email protected]

Talk to the Bot: How Gen AI Can Enhance Your Ideation

Learning how to "talk" to your Gen AI ideation tool is one of the tips we discussed in our first podcast, (Fun)damentals @ Work: Talk to the Bot, where we discuss what we learned from months of developing and testing a workshop on applying Gen AI for ideation, rather than merely for making work more efficient. The resulting workshop is our Creative Sparks: Human + Gen AI Ideation workshop.

Creativity, Innovation and Imagination as a Space Odyssey

If "creativity," "innovation," and "imagination" are jangling around in your head like buzzwords, then try taking this visual odyssey into space through our new video, Creativity is the Ignition for the Rocket of Innovation. Inspired to do more? Check out our Creativity @ Work services.

In the hassle and clamor of just getting the necessities of social impact sector business done – applying for grants, running projects, finding good employees, etc. – the potential benefits of maintaining a creative culture may seem unimportant or obscure. However, as we note in our resource, 10 Reasons Why Creativity Matters in the Nonprofit Workplace, creative organizations have a greater ability to attract top talent. Check it out to see the other 9 reasons.