Networking in the area of AIDS is increasingly recognized as an essential component of a more effective response to the challenges of HIV/AIDS. Unfortunately, however, little has been written about the lessons learned in building and sustaining a successful network. This is regrettable as networking in the area of AIDS could only be strengthened if networks reflected more on their successes, failures, capacities and weaknesses and shared this information with others.

This chapter presents three articles which examine lessons learned about networking. The first article looks at factors and conditions which influence networking dynamics. The second piece is a summary of an evaluation of an unsuccessful network of indigenous people in Asia. It is included here as the lessons learned from this experience are also applicable to AIDS networks. The final article, written specifically for the Guide, is a reflection on the major challenges that must be addressed in the development of a network.

The articles in this chapter look at:

Factors and Conditions Influencing Networking Dynamics;
Why Networks Fail; and