Social Networking with Model Schools

Today our Model School meeting closed with a round table discussion on the possibility of social networking among the National Model schools. We are trying to develop a forum online for connecting to be able to easily see: model lessons, student work, professional book recommendations, team building ideas, virtual school tours, new products available, school website and blog links, technology ideas, videoclips of rituals/routines and assessments. We want something that provides a RSS feed to notify us of changes and an easy to navigate, visual platform.
We're hoping to access some new features to Blackboard or develop something new. The main thing being --- let's strike while the iron's hot! We'd love to hear your thoughts about using Blackboard as a social network and what you would like to see accessible on the site.