About

In his book, The Tipping Point, Malcolm Gladwell identifies a “Connector” as those individuals who “link us up with the world ... people with a special gift for bringing the world together.”

Our project defines Connectors as those people who get things done, demonstrate concern for the “common good” in actions and attitudes and are trusted by their fellow citizens, though they may not already be in the public eye. 

Our project proposes to identify these individuals, and learn what makes them “Connectors.” The goal is to start a conversation that will unleash an epidemic of connection that will cut across our region.

Are you a Connector?

Overview

The Connector Project seeks a better understanding of greater Portland's four-county metropolitan area by conducting a simple survey and using an innovative and powerful software program to analyze the results. The project is based on a similar study undertaken in Philadelphia, PA in 2006 by Leadership Philadelphia, and is supported by the Oregon Community Foundation and many other community partners.

To conduct the study, the Connector Project has retained the services of Dr. Karen Stephenson, a professor at Harvard, MIT and UCLA, and president of NetForm, Inc.

The basis of the study is a simple seven question survey. Click here to take it.

Following the conclusion of the survey, Dr. Stephenson and Netform will direct in-depth analysis, cleaning, and culling of the data. Based on this process, the Project will identify Connector candidates and conduct follow-up interviews. 

Based upon the data and interviews, the Project and Dr. Stephenson will publish and a map and a whitepaper that will identify the Connectors. The number of connections will be analyzed across our region's geographic boundaries (city, county, state) and across four key sectors:

1. Business
2. Non-profit
3. Education
4. Government

With the help of its project Partners, the project will come alongside Connectors, encourage their collaboration, and augment the work of groups that are already on the ground working to change our region. The intent is make the good work that is already occurring here in our region even more effective.

The animation below tells the story...

Are you a Connector?

As identified in an earlier connector study by Leadership Philadelphia, connectors have several notable traits. They:

1. Follow through on commitments to others and can be counted on to deliver again and again.
2. Treat the people they meet with respect, not simply as a means to get something done.
3. Demonstrate a high level of energy that is contagious to those around them.
4. Expect the best in others and inspire them to achieve more than they thought possible.
5. Grow their networks by sharing information and access.
6. Are trusting and trustworthy.
7. Have an appetite for continuous learning and are curious about many subjects and people.
8. Are comfortable across a wide range of social and organizational settings, and value variety over sameness.
9. Understand how things get done in our region.
10. Factor the common good into their decisions.

Our Organization:

The Connector Project is a component fund of The Oregon Community Foundation (OCF), a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Donations to the Connector Project Fund at OCF support our work and are fully tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

About OCF

The mission of The Oregon Community Foundation is to improve life in Oregon and promote effective philanthropy. OCF works with individuals, families, businesses and organizations to create charitable funds to support the community causes they care about. OCF is committed to effective stewardship, strong leadership and strategic partnership.

The Connector Project Steering Committee:
The Connector Project is overseen by an independent all-volunteer steering committee.

1. Peter Andrews – Broker, Melvin Mark Brokerage
2. Tyler Blitz 
3. Kristin Bryant – Special Projects Coordinator, University of Portland
4. Charles McGee – Executive Director, The Black Parent Initiative
5. Ben McKinley - President, Cascade Web Development
6. Shawn Menashe – Associate Attorney, Gevurtz Menashe
7. Matt Reed – Associate Developer, enXco
8. Jeremy Solly - MadAboutGardening.com
9. David Thompson (Chairman) – Attorney, Bullard Smith Jernstedt Wilson