As a result of a conference earlier in the week many new relationships are forming. It is both a huge positive and a time management exercise. With each conversation and presentation of materials there is a need to read. I've been doing a lot of research on new messaging models, organizations and events that are taking place soon.
The same is true when meeting individuals who are activists in the community. It's important for me to do a brief skim of the internet and discover their past involvement. Some have co founded their own organizations or participated in much larger activists meetings such as the Social Forum. This is important to know because information, such as from the People's Movement Assembly, will inform strategy to move messaging to a broad audience.
At the end of the day, it all boils down to a question of capacity. The function of networking and meeting new contacts is to create the ability to move an idea forward or put an idea into practice. Without the proper information on how an individual may be able to help this may be futile. Also, there is a flash point when meeting "too many" individuals does a disservice. There are phone calls, meetings and readings to be done. In addition, the most beneficial is when these networks form their own connections that qualify relationships.
Example:
One advocate I met who is an advocate in D.C. happens to be the boyfriend of a woman whose father co founded two major movements with whom I now have a relationship. (The father was introduced in a manner totally unrelated to the first contact).
