The world is a global village where small organizations can feel increasingly insignificant. Loca... more The world is a global village where small organizations can feel increasingly insignificant. Local communities are connected to a globalized economy that is driven by global flows of goods, services, capital, workers and knowledge. Within this global order, states, citizens, flora and fauna are impacted by the actions of international organizations, multinational corporations and global finance. To tackle local problems, local and national communities need networks to share knowledge, share resources and amplify their voice. When united in networks, Civil Society Organizations are better able to increase their influence, take a stand, find solutions and shape policy. Formal and informal networks of like-minded people and organizations provide civil society with the resources needed to overcome the status quo and advocate for positive change in the global economy. There is no single path to develop a networked mindset -we need to learn from our experiences, failures, dilemmas and solutions. The cases in this publication provide insights into strategies to establish (start-up) networks, coalitions and alliances. We also emphasize the importance of defining clear common goals as well as identifying the achievements of the networks (and the organizations within them) and the short-and long-term benefits for the cause. The cases stress the importance of ensuring effective communication within networks as well as acknowledging differences among members. These differences represent assets that require the network to allocate specialist roles to the participants. These cases provide insight into how to mobilize communities, citizens and actors and ensure coordinated action. Effective coordination and communication are key to network success. The cases show that technology plays a key role in coordination and communication, both inside and outside networks. Furthermore, networks can have a transformative effect on their members. Network growth requires adjustments by members, for example, in terms of targeting, collaboration, learning and the degree of formalization. The collection of stories presented in this publication shows hope for citizens' power and action, especially when combined across the globe in networks, regardless of whether these are global, northern, southern or other types of networks. Of course, how a network is portrayed is highly dependent upon the writer's perspective. Most cases in this publication are written from the perspective of the initiator, coordinator, co-convener or funder. This may result in some bias. However, as you can read, the authors succeeded in providing us with a glimpse behind the scenes, allowing us to reflect upon their work. The great value of this publication lies in the fact that these networks not only provide insight into their functioning but also their thinking, and the dilemmas they face. These insights into the dilemmas make this publication essential reading for influencing practitioners around the globe.
In Vietnam, agricultural practices such as fertilizer and pesticide use affect the landscape as w... more In Vietnam, agricultural practices such as fertilizer and pesticide use affect the landscape as well as the availability and safety of food. For instance, pesticides and fertilizer end up in surface water used for drinking water, crop irrigation, and in fish tanks. However, the link to actual food consumption and health is complex and information is lacking. This study considers potential water-related exposure to toxic hazards in northern Vietnam food systems, through the consumption of food commodities and of water. Water pollution is operationalized by considering the following two channels: (i) pesticide and nutrient leaching to surface water (share of surface water) and (ii) industrial runoff from facilities located in urban areas (share of urban areas). We explore how potential exposure to toxic hazard is related to food consumption choices. Using a sample of the Vietnam Household Living Standard Survey (VHLSS) for 2014, we estimate how shares of food consumption categories in...
The world is a global village where small organizations can feel increasingly insignificant. Loca... more The world is a global village where small organizations can feel increasingly insignificant. Local communities are connected to a globalized economy that is driven by global flows of goods, services, capital, workers and knowledge. Within this global order, states, citizens, flora and fauna are impacted by the actions of international organizations, multinational corporations and global finance. To tackle local problems, local and national communities need networks to share knowledge, share resources and amplify their voice. When united in networks, Civil Society Organizations are better able to increase their influence, take a stand, find solutions and shape policy. Formal and informal networks of like-minded people and organizations provide civil society with the resources needed to overcome the status quo and advocate for positive change in the global economy. There is no single path to develop a networked mindset -we need to learn from our experiences, failures, dilemmas and solutions. The cases in this publication provide insights into strategies to establish (start-up) networks, coalitions and alliances. We also emphasize the importance of defining clear common goals as well as identifying the achievements of the networks (and the organizations within them) and the short-and long-term benefits for the cause. The cases stress the importance of ensuring effective communication within networks as well as acknowledging differences among members. These differences represent assets that require the network to allocate specialist roles to the participants. These cases provide insight into how to mobilize communities, citizens and actors and ensure coordinated action. Effective coordination and communication are key to network success. The cases show that technology plays a key role in coordination and communication, both inside and outside networks. Furthermore, networks can have a transformative effect on their members. Network growth requires adjustments by members, for example, in terms of targeting, collaboration, learning and the degree of formalization. The collection of stories presented in this publication shows hope for citizens' power and action, especially when combined across the globe in networks, regardless of whether these are global, northern, southern or other types of networks. Of course, how a network is portrayed is highly dependent upon the writer's perspective. Most cases in this publication are written from the perspective of the initiator, coordinator, co-convener or funder. This may result in some bias. However, as you can read, the authors succeeded in providing us with a glimpse behind the scenes, allowing us to reflect upon their work. The great value of this publication lies in the fact that these networks not only provide insight into their functioning but also their thinking, and the dilemmas they face. These insights into the dilemmas make this publication essential reading for influencing practitioners around the globe.
In Vietnam, agricultural practices such as fertilizer and pesticide use affect the landscape as w... more In Vietnam, agricultural practices such as fertilizer and pesticide use affect the landscape as well as the availability and safety of food. For instance, pesticides and fertilizer end up in surface water used for drinking water, crop irrigation, and in fish tanks. However, the link to actual food consumption and health is complex and information is lacking. This study considers potential water-related exposure to toxic hazards in northern Vietnam food systems, through the consumption of food commodities and of water. Water pollution is operationalized by considering the following two channels: (i) pesticide and nutrient leaching to surface water (share of surface water) and (ii) industrial runoff from facilities located in urban areas (share of urban areas). We explore how potential exposure to toxic hazard is related to food consumption choices. Using a sample of the Vietnam Household Living Standard Survey (VHLSS) for 2014, we estimate how shares of food consumption categories in...
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Papers by Marieke Meeske