Community of Practice (CoP)
Definition: A CoP is a group of individuals who collectively come together for a common cause. This group can be specific to an organization (i.e., an association of professionals), specific to an issue (i.e., MCD boundaries) or specific to other items, like project funding (i.e., WROC). CoP’s can be permanent or temporary based on the needs of those creating the CoP.
Example: Water Resources CoP – A group of individuals interested in the enhancement, development and use of hydrography resources data in the state.
Why should I join or create a CoP? The reasoning behind a CoP is to collectively bring together the people, entities and resources associated with the specific issue/need. This organizes them into a group, thus creating a physical entity for communication, resourcing and networking. By registering for the CoP, participants can communicate through website usage, email and phone. A WIGICC representatitve is assigned to the CoP by the Coordination Team of WIGICC. This representative is assigned to follow up on this topic with the organizer/leader of the CoP. The WIGICC representative is responsible for communicating to WIGICC on behalf of the CoP.
Who can join or create a CoP? Anyone can join an existing CoP. Just email the listed WIGICC representative for the CoP and request to join the CoP. To create a new CoP, download the request form, fill it out, and submit it to a member of the WIGICC Coordination Team (click here for member information). Your request will be reviewed at the next scheduled Coordination Team meeting and if selected to move forward, will then be reviewed by the Council at the council meeting directly following the selection by the Coordination Team.
Current Operating CoP’s