During our recent ‘Strategic Change and Development Group’ (SCDG), conversations focused on the role of the NGO sector. In this context, how can all of us involved do better? And are usual ‘sector’ definitions still relevant?
What is the SCDG? We want to move forward in a dynamic, open, inclusive and participatory way. Part of this involves ‘experts by experience’ forming our SCDG. This group was instrumental in forming our strategy. It now gathers every six months to help us ensure different voices inform what we do and how we do it. It makes our governance more innovative and reflective of the work we do (for more insights click here).
The gathering was focused on three questions: (1) should NGOs be advocating for change differently and in a much bigger way; (2) how are NGOs affecting systemic change; (3) how can all of us do better? Click here to read a short report. We had two presentations: one by Rita Chanda, Interim Co-Director at Ella's; the other by Steve Rocha, Executive Director of PRATYeK.
A key message from the event can be summed up by a quote: “what’s got us here won’t get us there”: the discussions prompted everyone involved to learn, think and act differently to meet future challenges and opportunities. This includes collaborating more boldly between sectors.
We need to have the courage to embark on a ‘second curve’. The NGO sector is in danger of becoming set in old-fashioned mindsets and relying on tools and models that have worked in the past, rather than considering what is new, what can be unlearnt and how it can collaborate better across sectors. The idea of the “second curve” (below) was mentioned and the importance of having the courage to consider changing the “winning formula” while it’s still winning and before it’s too late. To find out more about the second curve and the importance of being connected, please read Chapter 6 in our book.
Change maker of the week:
Click here to watch a video about Huda's work.
Quote of the week
“Change depends on ordinary people who have the courage to say, 'Enough is enough and no more'." Kumi Naidoo
Best wishes
Rosie, Lorna and Ian