What are we learning from lockdown?

Fanfare! Hot off the press, click here to see the ‘Caplor Boat of Learning’. It provides a new way of considering the ‘5Cs’ of learning: critical curiosity, creativity, consciousness, commitment, collaboration. These five elements are derived from international research originally carried out by Bristol University. Huge thanks to Simon and Ben (Oldroyd) for their inspiration. And we very much appreciate other Advisors who have broken ground on this previously, notably Ann (Alder), Geoff (Cox) and Vicki (Howe).  
 
What are we learning from lockdown? Some of our Advisors are meeting online to discuss this on Friday. Against the backdrop of the acute issues surrounding the ‘digital divide’, a practical focus point is about the power of Zoom and other such tools. Technology can enable us to maintain long-distance relationships, connect remotely, and foster some sense of togetherness during a pandemic. We have thankfully been able to take advantage of the possibilities (click here to read about ‘Caplor Horizons online’).
 
However, we all need to be wary of escalating usage of video communications! As Julia Skylar reasons in a National Geographic article, ‘virtual working can be extremely hard on the brain’. Steps can be taken to maximise the benefits whilst taking care of the downsides. Click here to read more.   
 
Would you like to join a webinar? This will be on Tues 9th June (12pm-1.30pm UK time). It’s called: ‘Are we in danger of alienating our female talent?’. Click here to see the agenda. And here to register. There is growing cause for concern that the Covid-19 emergency has had negative implications. We all need to see what we can do to contribute positively to addressing the situation. For instance, click here to read UN Policy Brief. This describes some of the implications, including increasing gender-based violence across the world.  
 
Advocacy and the UN. We’re very pleased to be working with the International Presentation Association (IPA). This has involved capacity development, including strategy renewal. Click here to read the strategy that has emerged. In recent days we’ve facilitated discussions with IPA ‘Justice Contacts’ from multiple countries about a specific advocacy focus – within the wider theme of women and children – for their work at the UN. This covered issues around human trafficking, gender based violence, access to formal and informal education and so on. It included the context of the digital divide. One significant point that arose was the commitment to provide compelling evidence. Notably positive stories from the ‘bottom up’, in a variety of mediums, that would enable even greater effectiveness at the UN
 
More news! We’re delighted to announce that Faaria (Hussain) has become our Deputy Chair. Faaria has focused her career on international development. She has already contributed to Caplor Horizons in many ways. We are excited about this next step. Here is a picture of Faaria 

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What can raise our spirits in lockdown? With thanks to Georgina (Treasure-Evans) who has run some early morning online yoga sessions for us during lockdown. If you visit her website here then you can access a range of exercises.
 
Chimamanda Adiche quote: "many stories matter. Stories have been used to dispossess and malign. But stories can also be used to empower and to humanise. Stories can break the dignity of a people. But stories can also repair that broken dignity."

Have a great day!

Rosie, Lorna and Ia