SEAPCP community organising network conducted its 2011 strategic planning and review meeting in Bali Indonesia from may 11-15, 2011. The participants represented 9 countries and 14 organisational partners.
The event was intesive and of course fun as the participants update each other and also exchanges stories, success stories and also challenges in the world of community organising. Most important of all the network decided some simple but effective approaches to continue to strengthen the network!
Photos: Nani speaks, Fitri explains, group work, Jo Hann presents SEAPCP gifts to local Bali Government officials, "fight to the end" participants in group dynamics.
Some of the immediate steps were to set up a special facebook group exclusively for members of the network! This has been done by Mr Son of AIDS Programme of Vietnasm and is already up and running with 23 members and constantly increasing. A system of file sharing on line will also be set up by KOMAS Malaysia represented by Prakkash.
A mapping of possible regional sharing of resources was also mapped out to track the movements of the members across the Asian region for the purposes of maximising these trips to benifit the local partner in each country. For instance, when Jo Hann gost to Vietnam in July, he will also hold sessions with the AIDS Programme, this way there will be minimal expenses used for the activity which is attributed as a SEAPCP effort working with local Vietnam partner.
Another interesting development was also the agreement to delegate Timorese Partner HABURAS and Bali partner Wisnu Bali Foundation to develop a proposal for "climate change and environmental impact on communities". This proposal will involve partners on a regional level and the activities will be closely coordinated by these 2 partners of course with SEAPCP guidance and support.
Photos: drawing the context of community organising, welcome dinner, Jo Hann draws a point, Zola shows a face, deep in discussion, making a point, singing in celebration, music of the heart
It looks like the partners of SEAPCP has once again taken the reigns and moving hard and fast towards to promotion and enhancement of community organising approaches in the region. Watch out Asia, the fire of community organising is sweeping across Asia to organise and empower the poor and the marginalised to rise up and change their situations!
