Why an Action Learning Set focused on INGO Transformation?
It is clear that the 'international development' sector needs to change, that our role needs to shift, that we must build institutions that are truly anti-racist and anti- oppressive, let go of the story that 'we' know best and re-imagine what we do rooted in a solidarity that heals, rather than perpetuates injustice.
But it can be really challenging to be leading change within institutions and the route towards that change can easily get stuck in perfectionism, resistance or paralysis. Too often we stumble when change feels hard, resistance feels insurmountable, or we are triggered by the way others respond. We also cannot hope to change our institutions by exhausting and extracting from ourselves and our teams and so there is also the on-going challenge of balancing the impetus for change with the available time and resources. In this action learning set I will facilitate a group of leaders leading change in INGOs to work in an action learning set to learn and grow together as leaders of change in our institutions who are able to overcome these obstacles so that they can demonstrate the change that is possible.
We created a space to slow down and reflect based on open questions from fellow travellers. I gained so much through it. It never disappointed. Mary Ann created and held open that space for deeper learning. I valued every bit of it and gained insight that would have not come to me otherwise.
Bert Maerten, Head of Transformation, HelpAge International
Who can join this Action Learning Set?
Participants will all be people working in INGOs leading transformational change in how their organisation works and either CEOs or Senior Leaders with responsibility for leading a significant aspect of transformation. This group will be a place for being honest about and developing strategies for overcoming the day-to-day challenges and obstacles faced in transforming our organisations. The intention is that the group will have between 6 & 8 participants.
How will the group be run?
This will be online facilitated action learning. I trained in action learning facilitation including virtual action learning facilitation with Action Learning Associates in 2009 and have been running learning sets in the INGO sector ever since. We will meet once a month for October 2024 to March 2025 six months. This will deliberately be a place to explore the work of transformation within INGOs and so in our first meeting each member of the group will share about the transformation they are working on and together the group will build shared commitments for how we will work to together over the coming months. Action Learning has a focus on creating space and time to reflect and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities that you are working with so that you can move forward more effectively. It’s a great place to bring the complex challenges of transformation in our sector at this time, in confidence, amongst a group of peers. The time commitment of a day a month is deliberate. We need to carve out time and space to reflect if we want to lead change effectively. In addition each group participant will get an hours support call with me bookable at anytime during the 6 month period. This gives an opportunity to either clarify what you want from the group sessions or get my help in working through an challenge you are facing.
This was a unique and safe space that Mary Ann created where we could individually share dilemmas and challenges faced in our roles with knowledgeable peers. A worthwhile pause for deeper reflection in the midst of busy schedules.
David Bainbridge, Executive Director CBM Global
What will it Cost?
We will meet monthly as an group for six months and you will also get an hour long call with me. The cost is £890 per person. Payment in instalments is possible on request. When you sign up you are committing to participating for these 6 months. In the final session in March the group will have the opportunity to review whether it would like to continue working together in this way and any additional sessions thereafter will be optional and by mutual agreement.
When will the group meet?
Virtual Meetings will happen once a month on a Friday for six months starting October 2023. The dates for the meetings will be 4th October, 8th November, 6th December, 10th January, 7th February and 7th March. Virtual sessions will last 4 hours with opportunities to turn off your camera, take breaks and have space as much as is needed. Each monthly session will include a chance for at some group members to work on a challenge or opportunity in depth as well as a chance for everyone in the group to reflect in each session on the change they are leading and how it is going. It will also include space for adequate breaks. The initial commitment will be for 6 months after which the group will agree whether participants want to continue working together in this way.
Where will we meet?
They will be held online on Zoom. We will discuss strategies for working online together in this way and preventing ‘Zoom fatigue’ during our first session. If Zoom fatigue is a problem for you, there will be the opportunity to turn off your video sometimes. We will also talk about taking care of yourself and one another in virtual learning sessions in depth during our first session. In addition please let me know if you have an additional accessibility needs so that they can be supported.
Why join a set facilitated by me?
Over the past decade I have worked with many organisations who are on a pathway to change as a consultant, coach and facilitator, as well as instigator and Co-Director of Healing Solidarity and I currently work part-time at ADD International as a Co-CEO with a remit to co-lead transformational change and so I also bring a deep commitment to the change our sector needs to my work as a facilitator of this space. You can read more about me here.
How do I sign up?
Please contact me if you would like to join this group via maryann@maryannclements.com.