Regional groupings often use the term "Greater" to identify their area. It may be a geographic area - Greater Shenandoah Valley, or city - Greater Birmingham. The terms region or region may be used, Shenandoah Valley Region or Regional Birmingham, but these terms are a little flat by comparison. While an effort may begin looking for regional partners, the outcome is “community motive” intended to have "greater" relationships in order to creatively meet a need and/or solve some problem. In recognition of this I'm adding "Greater" to the description, as of 2/10/12, to reflect this. Henceforth, we are Regional/Greater Community Networkers.

The newsletter was begun November 11, 2003 to make visible the existence of, and good work being accomplished by, "regional councils" in the U.S. "Regional Council" is a generic term for organizations created to facilitate intergovernmental communication, cooperation, policy and action on a long term basis. It is from these geographic areas that "regional/greater communities of communities" were emerging.

As the news alerts brought more reports about "regional cooperation," the scope of this process expanded to the multi-state and multi-national levels. The learning that has surfaced in this process had led to the perspective that this is happening all over our local planet. The nature and extent of emerging regional communities is wide and asymmetric based on issues and geography and "regional intelligence."

It is geo-politics at many scales. So much so that alignment and integration of regional communities is now a great challenge. People who appreciate this perspective and find it useful use come from many walks of life and disciplines beyond planning, regional studies and geography. They are citizens, business people, academics and professionals - Regional/Greater Community Networkers using diplomatic skills to work across boundaries.

Please consider joining the Regional/Greater Community Networkers Group.