The Starfish and the SpiderThe Starfish and the Spider is paradigm-shifting book because it explains how "leaderless" organizations, like Craigslist, Apache computer software, and Alcoholics Anonymous have become effective and autonomous forces in a world that is catered to top-down, chain of command-style companies.
The name comes from the difference between a spider, which needs a head to survive, and a starfish, which has no head or central nervous system, but survives because all of the individual cells are working together. Ori Brafman, one of the co-authors, has expressed how pleased he is that the book is serving communities around the world through HISG's participation in the Starfish Community. HISG uses the ideas in this book to promote cooperation, shared resources, and shared opportunities in the humanitarian arena. |
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The True BelieverThe True Believer examines in detail some of the mass movements that have occurred throughout history. Eric Hoffer identifies the common characteristics and discusses what it would take to launch a mass movement in today's world.HISG uses this book to encourage people to join a cause bigger than themselves, and to participate with us in a "mass movement" of rebuilding broken communities. We are absolutely convinced that as people work together to change the world, the Starfish Community can reach a critical mass. | |
TribesThe key premise in Tribes is that there are people who share common interests and passions, and that when people are connected around a shared passion, a "tribe" is formed. With the technology and communication tools available, these virtual tribes cross geographic and cultural boundaries, and allow each tribe to function as a collective whole, instead of just individual parts.HISG uses Tribes as one of the key guidelines for which organizations we choose to work with. Finding other people who share our passion for transforming communities is paramount. Once the relationship exists, the processes fall into place. | |
The World is FlatThe World is Flat is a fascinating look at how internet technology, telecommunication, transportation and information sharing have leveled the playing field for companies and innovators. For example, a workforce in India can compete with call centers in North America. Two programmers at Mozilla can create a web browser to compete head to head with software giant Microsoft. Local products can reach global markets through online sellers like eBay and Amazon.com, and good ideas are copied, improved upon, re-engineered and repackaged, sometimes in a matter of weeks.
HISG uses the principles in this book to illustrate how interconnected our world has become, specifically as it relates to relief and development. Ideas that work in West Africa can be shared thousands of miles away in East Africa in a just a few minutes. Medical teams can travel almost anywhere in the world in a 24 hour span. We are positioned like never before to serve more people more effectively. |
Humanitarian International Services Group | 870 Commercial Lane, Palmer Lake, CO 80133 Phone:(303) 662-0845 | HISG is a non-profit 501(c)3 tax exempt organization