What do we mean by “Communities of Practice”?

The most widely used definition of a COP is: “a group of people who share a concern or passion for something they do and learn how to do it better as they interact regularly”. While acknowledging that there are significant differences between COPs across organizations and needs, all COPs include three common characteristics:

• A domain, which is the thematic area or key issues of focus;
• A community, or COP-members, that creates the social fabric necessary for learning;
• A practice space, that consists of shared tools, frameworks, language, stories etc.

Guiding Principles for the COPs

• Ensure knowledge is available and preserved, promoting shared learning;
• Deepen engagement and allow community members to discuss areas of mutual interest;
• Foster non-siloed ways of working and facilitate increased collaboration;
• Provide a safe space for brainstorming and experimentation

Why join a COP?

• Share your expertise and exchange views with peers in the open data and transparency fields on issues you care about most;
• Expand your professional network with other data publishers and users, transparency advocates, open data experts and technical specialists;
• Help shape the future of IATI, by participating in online consultations and/or in IATI’s Annual Community Event where the results of each COP will be showcased to a wider open data / transparency audience