In the know: PKS & BYNTK closure | USAID Knowledge Rescue | Peer Mentoring underway | SIKM 20 years
In the know is a regular roundup of knowledge management (KM) topics of discussion and the articles, events, videos, and podcasts that are grabbing the attention of KM experts across our community.
Closure of Pioneer Knowledge Services and Because You Need to Know
In a LinkedIn post, Edwin K. Morris has made the very sad announcement of the closure of Pioneer Knowledge Services, publisher of the very insightful and inspirational Because You Need to Know podcast series. RealKM Cooperative is honored to have been able to help communicate these great gems of knowledge to the knowledge management (KM) and wider community, and wishes Edwin and his Pioneer Knowledge Services colleagues the very best in their future endeavors. Legacy arrangements for the podcasts are currently being advanced.
USAID Knowledge Rescue launched
KM4Dev Knowledge Café 39 had the theme “Responding to current crises to protect and retain knowledge,” with these crises including the sudden shutdown of USAID as discussed in the RealKM Magazine article “USAID and the new burning of the books in digital and ideological epistemicide. A call to action.” A large number of KM4Dev members and aid agency staff participated in the Knowledge Café, where plans of action were developed. A key action has been Stacey Young and Nancy White’s establishment of the USAID Knowledge Rescue LinkedIn group, which has so far attracted more than 1,400 members, highlighting the high level of concern in regard to the USAID knowledge crisis.
Peer Mentoring underway
In a LinkedIn post, Ninez Piezas-Jerbi has announced that the KM Peer Mentoring Program 2025-26 has attracted 50 Mentors and nearly 80 Mentees. The KM Peer Mentoring Program is a collaboration of the KM4Dev and SIKM Leaders communities of KM practitioners. About 40% of the Mentors this year are based in Africa and Asia, a higher representation than last year. Thank you to Ninez for her great work in leading the Program!
SIKM 20 years
In a post in the SIKM Leaders community, Stan Garfield has marked the 20th Anniversary of the creation of the community. His 10th Anniversary post mentioned 561 members and 119 monthly calls. The current numbers are 1,275 members and 236 calls. Congratulations Stan!
