Our Story
Originally, the idea for what would become the Collaborative Anthropology Network was to rebuild the Open Anthropology Cooperative when it was announced that they were shutting down their existing platform in 2019. We approached the OAC about replacing the aging, proprietary Ning platform that it was built on with a new bespoke platform that strategically implemented open source software supplemented with custom work to build something that is manageable, self-hosted, and extendible. They were very open to the idea of rebuilding the OAC on a new platform but did not have any funding available for the project.
Around the same time, the findings of “The Face of Anthropology One Decade Later,” a replication of the 2009 AAA/CoPAPIA Anthropology MA Career survey, underscored the need for a new kind of platform for the anthropology community. Conducted by graduate students at the University of North Texas and sponsored by the National Association for the Practice of Anthropology, the research concluded:
“Despite the general feelings of discontent among applied anthropologists with current anthropological professional organizations, respondents tended to agree that networking was one of the greatest benefits that would lead participants to join a professional organization. This was followed by continuing education and professional development opportunities. This indicates that these areas may be important for organizations to focus on and expand in the future” – Hawvermale et al., 45 practicinganthropology.org; see our user insights page for more information
Since then, the proposed platform has been pitched to a number of prominent anthropology organizations and foundations to address the long-standing gaps in anthropology resources outlined in publications like the survey and our own research. However, when these partnerships didn’t take shape, the development forged ahead as a personal project of its founder, Brandon Meyer. It has been nearly 4 years in the making and the project has since been re-imagined to go beyond a basic social network to include services and features that facilitate education, research, and collaboration in anthropology. Providing a dedicated space for anthropologists to connect, grow, and contribute to the field.
Our Vision
Our vision is to create a dynamic, inclusive space where anthropologists and related professionals can connect, share insights, and grow collectively.
We believe that anthropology should extend beyond traditional academic boundaries and reach wider audiences. The CollabAnthNetwork seeks to enrich anthropological discourse and extend its impact by revolutionizing how anthropological knowledge is created, shared, and utilized through innovation and collaboration. We are also committed to operationalizing anthropological research, such as in the subfield of digital anthropology that implicates internet and social media technologies more broadly, and leverage technology in meaningful, informed, ways.
Our Mission
Conceived as a field-specific, collaborative, and proactive hub for anthropological discourse, our mission is to promote the full diversity of anthropology as a field, as a practice, and as an agent of cultural advocacy. We strive to break down barriers in order to create a space where diverse perspectives in anthropology are celebrated, shared, and amplified, enhancing the field’s relevance in the modern world.
Key Features
- Networking and Collaboration: Connect with peers, join groups, and participate in discussions that matter to your work.
- Research Tools: Annotate, tag, and analyze research with tools designed to streamline and enhance your work.
- Learning and Development: Access courses, share knowledge, and grow professionally with our integrated learning platform.
- Professional Visibility: Create a profile, publish your work, and connect with opportunities that advance your career.
Our Services
A multi-service platform for anthropology
A proactive site for anthropological discourse with a commitment to promote the full diversity of anthropology as a field, as a practice, and as an agent of cultural advocacy
Works Cited
Hawvermale, Erica M, Shannon Cronin, Kayla Davis, Janice Byth, Brynn Torres, Gi Giamarqo, Sarah Stutts, Leyla Koyuncuoglu, and Ky Burke. 2021. “The Face of Anthropology One Decade Later: Anthropology Master’s Reflections on Education, Careers, and Professional Organizations Then and Now. 2019 American Anthropology Master’s Career Survey.” Arlington, VA: American Anthropological Association. https://practicinganthropology.org/practice/the-2019-american-anthropology-masters-career-survey/ (accessed May 9, 2021).