What is the essence of the Constellation? - Community life competence2024-03-28T22:36:47Zhttps://aidscompetence.ning.com/forum/topics/what-is-the-essence-of-the-constellation?commentId=2028109%3AComment%3A114987&feed=yes&xn_auth=noIt is about life in community…tag:aidscompetence.ning.com,2013-09-07:2028109:Comment:1262612013-09-07T18:01:03.228ZJoao Arnaldo Vembanehttps://aidscompetence.ning.com/profile/JoaoArnaldoVembane
It is about life in community without borders! In fact, we work from different places, on different issues, for different goals, but sharing strengths, dreams, concerns and life experiences in true community. Life in community is more than important but the essence of humanity. In Africa we name it 'ubuntu' (being person): 'a muntu u muntu ka bantu'(true humanity is about being with humans). Therefore, for me the constellations is the essence of humanity.<br></br>
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i join the constellations as…
It is about life in community without borders! In fact, we work from different places, on different issues, for different goals, but sharing strengths, dreams, concerns and life experiences in true community. Life in community is more than important but the essence of humanity. In Africa we name it 'ubuntu' (being person): 'a muntu u muntu ka bantu'(true humanity is about being with humans). Therefore, for me the constellations is the essence of humanity.<br/>
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i join the constellations as I can feel more and more making sense of being human. I have a space to learn from community worldwide and thus share. SALT is tasty, no doubt - we all sick it. Can we imagine a world without SALT?<br/>
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Learning opportunities in which we meet to share thoughts, etc. are definitely increasing our desire to keep closer.<br/>
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Updates we receive on our news letter on developments worldwide, stories of community make us not only learn but also encourage us to do more and share. Hi Jean Louis,
The responses…tag:aidscompetence.ning.com,2013-04-02:2028109:Comment:1152362013-04-02T15:15:42.018ZRituu B. Nandahttps://aidscompetence.ning.com/profile/RituuBNanda94
<p>Hi Jean Louis,</p>
<p>The responses to your question have been beautiful from the lovely human beings I have met through the Constellation. Neither do I have such beautiful words nor a great style of writing but can share from my heart.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>As I answer I think of you sitting in front of me:-) For me getting to know the Constellation is like peeling a onion, layer by layer</p>
<p>I came across the Constellation Dec 2007. I loved the work but what strongly drew me was the practice…</p>
<p>Hi Jean Louis,</p>
<p>The responses to your question have been beautiful from the lovely human beings I have met through the Constellation. Neither do I have such beautiful words nor a great style of writing but can share from my heart.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>As I answer I think of you sitting in front of me:-) For me getting to know the Constellation is like peeling a onion, layer by layer</p>
<p>I came across the Constellation Dec 2007. I loved the work but what strongly drew me was the practice of SALT among Constellation Support Team. And then I learned that this was the best way to transfer SALT by applying it with others around. And then it automatically followed in one's life and one's work. I remember Geoff's input that each level in self assessment should use a strength-based language. Its always stuck me.</p>
<p>As I delved deeper into community life competence and other similar approaches, what struck me about the Constellation was the Learn in SA<strong>L</strong>T. Constellation does not claim it facilitates the perfect approach. As we are open to learn from the community, we are eager to learn from other like-minded organisations and approaches. And also within the Constellation the freedom to be oneself, to modify the approach in one's own context keeping the essence and the quality in mind- for me is its USP.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>At personal level, I always feel that I was meant to be here, its my home. there is a deep spiritual connection. I joined the Constellation at a juncture when i had started to ask questions about life and here I began to discover some answers.</p>
<p>In Community life competence process I struggled with the question we ask <em>'What is human'</em>. Then I modified it to <em>'what makes us human'</em> . I still could not fathom it. And then one day viola I was in a meeting in Belgium. We were about 20 of us belonging to different nationalities, we were sharing, very deep discussions about life, our experiences, our feeling- . And then I had this thought that here in this life we are like actors performing roles, our looks, language, culture is just we have taken on to play our role but in essence we are all the same, we have similar feelings, weaknesses, emotions, love, care. And then I had this huge surge of love for everyone present, there were tears in my eyes. I had found my answer, that's why we have a common humanity. So, Constellation has played a leading role in my spiritual journey.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>There are many more layers to discover and I hope to be back next year to share my other experiences.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Jean Louis, you asked me a question which no head of the organisations I had worked with had ever asked . <em>Hope you are meditating Rituu?</em> Can I be anywhere else but the Constellation!</p> The 'essence' of the Constell…tag:aidscompetence.ning.com,2013-03-22:2028109:Comment:1149922013-03-22T13:48:48.532ZAutry Hayneshttps://aidscompetence.ning.com/profile/AutryHaynes
<p>The 'essence' of the Constellation is the accumulative effect of the individual membership, their combined hearts of humans operating as one within the global space. Distance with respect to our homes does not affect us for who we are: stimulating local response and ownership wthin our communities. When we feel exhausted or burning out we embrace each other for being re-energized and the neccesssary support even from a kind word of motivation. I am far away from the greater part of the…</p>
<p>The 'essence' of the Constellation is the accumulative effect of the individual membership, their combined hearts of humans operating as one within the global space. Distance with respect to our homes does not affect us for who we are: stimulating local response and ownership wthin our communities. When we feel exhausted or burning out we embrace each other for being re-energized and the neccesssary support even from a kind word of motivation. I am far away from the greater part of the membership but honestly I feel wholly apart of the TEAM (^_^). I am inspired by connection via this medium. CLCP and SALT have become integral of my life and I seek out opportunities to sprinkle SALT to spice up and preserve lives. </p> Hi friends,
Your responses so…tag:aidscompetence.ning.com,2013-03-22:2028109:Comment:1146782013-03-22T09:59:53.329ZLaurence Gilliothttps://aidscompetence.ning.com/profile/LaurenceGilliot
<p>Hi friends,</p>
<p>Your responses so far are inspiring. I can almost see the stars in your eyes as you write :-)</p>
<p></p>
<p>Hummm... My connection to the Constellation has evolved a lot over the years. I have such good memories with all of you, strong moments of sharing, new insights, tears, laughter, adventures in the bush (in the real 'bush' or in the urban jungle)... What makes me feel connected to the Constellation is the human connection. Friendships I build over the years. With…</p>
<p>Hi friends,</p>
<p>Your responses so far are inspiring. I can almost see the stars in your eyes as you write :-)</p>
<p></p>
<p>Hummm... My connection to the Constellation has evolved a lot over the years. I have such good memories with all of you, strong moments of sharing, new insights, tears, laughter, adventures in the bush (in the real 'bush' or in the urban jungle)... What makes me feel connected to the Constellation is the human connection. Friendships I build over the years. With some I spent days, weeks, months, years. With some others I spend a few hours. And even in the few hours, a depth of connection can be there. (4 years since my last trip in PNG and i still get emails from community members there). What I absolutely love is the mindset. Our starting point is that we are all equal.</p>
<p>Also I think the Constellation is helping this world to strengthen the sense of community. </p>
<p>Thank you all for this shared journey :-)</p>
<p>Laurence</p> Good times together Rafique.…tag:aidscompetence.ning.com,2013-03-22:2028109:Comment:1147872013-03-22T09:50:27.805ZLaurence Gilliothttps://aidscompetence.ning.com/profile/LaurenceGilliot
<p>Good times together Rafique. I still treasure the memories in my heart :)</p>
<p>Good times together Rafique. I still treasure the memories in my heart :)</p> De Chers Amis, Quelle est l'…tag:aidscompetence.ning.com,2013-03-22:2028109:Comment:1149872013-03-22T08:52:55.296ZAlfousseyni Sangaréhttps://aidscompetence.ning.com/profile/AlfousseyniSangare
<p>De Chers Amis, <br></br> Quelle est l'essence de la Constellation ? Qu'est-ce qui vous a vraiment attirés à notre communauté ? </p>
<p>La Constellation, c’est une nouvelle façon d’appréhender le monde avec tous ses fils égaux dans le développement de l’humanité, personne ne doit être mis de côté (individus, organisations…)</p>
<p>Ce mouvement participe à la stabilité et à l’essor du monde, puisque personne n’est mis de côté</p>
<p><br></br> Au cours des ans nous avons continué à explorer qui nous…</p>
<p>De Chers Amis, <br/> Quelle est l'essence de la Constellation ? Qu'est-ce qui vous a vraiment attirés à notre communauté ? </p>
<p>La Constellation, c’est une nouvelle façon d’appréhender le monde avec tous ses fils égaux dans le développement de l’humanité, personne ne doit être mis de côté (individus, organisations…)</p>
<p>Ce mouvement participe à la stabilité et à l’essor du monde, puisque personne n’est mis de côté</p>
<p><br/> Au cours des ans nous avons continué à explorer qui nous sommes vraiment, et j'ai le sentiment qu'ensemble nous pourrions être capables de détacher d'une autre couche de l'enveloppe</p>
<p>Oui cela est bien possible, il s’agit d’entrer dans le cœur des organisations pour opérer ce changement. Il est nécessaire le plaidoyer à tous les niveaux, notamment décisionnel pour arriver au changement souhaité.</p> The essence of the Constellat…tag:aidscompetence.ning.com,2013-03-21:2028109:Comment:1147812013-03-21T16:57:07.608ZIbrahim Kamarahttps://aidscompetence.ning.com/profile/IbrahimKamara
<p><strong><i>The essence of the Constellation and what attracted me to the Life Competence community is the reason for which the Constellation was formed and has continued to grow i.e. the shared interest and vision in social transformation through a change of mindset from expert mentality to that of the believe that every individual has a contribution to make towards his/her own development once given the confidence and necessary support by means of good…</i></strong></p>
<p><strong><i>The essence of the Constellation and what attracted me to the Life Competence community is the reason for which the Constellation was formed and has continued to grow i.e. the shared interest and vision in social transformation through a change of mindset from expert mentality to that of the believe that every individual has a contribution to make towards his/her own development once given the confidence and necessary support by means of good facilitation.</i></strong></p>
<p><strong><i>The turning point in my life as a member of the Life Competence community was that eve of the Mombasa Workshop in Kenya (July 2005) when I was invited to join the team of facilitators to facilitate the workshop to which I went considering myself as a participant going to learn from others. The confidence and support I received enabled me co-facilitate and turned me into national and international facilitator that has as of now in similar way helped to change the lives of several individuals, communities, countries, and regions. That spirit had kept me within the Life Competence community and that spirit is the essence of the Constellation.</i></strong></p>
<p></p>
<p><strong>I know that spirit is flowing well and please help the spirt to continue flowing across the world for a better environment for all.</strong></p> I recount what I had written…tag:aidscompetence.ning.com,2013-03-21:2028109:Comment:1149092013-03-21T11:14:30.916ZDr. E. Mohamed Rafiquehttps://aidscompetence.ning.com/profile/DrEMohamedRafique
<p>I recount what I had written down as my first impressions:</p>
<p align="center"><b><font face="Tahoma" size="2">Some Impressions from the SALT Visits to Northern Thailand in December 2007</font></b></p>
<p><font face="Tahoma" size="2"> </font></p>
<p><b><font face="Tahoma" size="2">The start of the Journey</font></b></p>
<p><font face="Tahoma" size="2">‘First impression is the best impression’, I felt as Laurence introduced us, a team of eager beavers, to the nuances of the AIDS…</font></p>
<p>I recount what I had written down as my first impressions:</p>
<p align="center"><b><font size="2" face="Tahoma">Some Impressions from the SALT Visits to Northern Thailand in December 2007</font></b></p>
<p><font size="2" face="Tahoma"> </font></p>
<p><b><font size="2" face="Tahoma">The start of the Journey</font></b></p>
<p><font size="2" face="Tahoma">‘First impression is the best impression’, I felt as Laurence introduced us, a team of eager beavers, to the nuances of the AIDS Competence Process (ACP). She had asked us a very introspective question that was both best, as well as impressive by its central and profound nature correspondingly. That query, which took us on an exploration of our innate nature was, ‘Are we human?’</font></p>
<p><font size="2" face="Tahoma"> </font></p>
<p><font size="2" face="Tahoma">I replied instinctively and truthfully, ‘At times, we are human!’ Jean Louis beside me burst into peals of laughter, pushing us on with, ‘What are the times we are not?’</font></p>
<p><font size="2" face="Tahoma"> </font></p>
<p><font size="2" face="Tahoma">‘Well. We do slip up; After all we are all human!’ I muttered slowly to him, setting him into another bout of amusement.</font></p>
<p><font size="2" face="Tahoma"> </font></p>
<p><font size="2" face="Tahoma">Soon we had a list of the inhuman traits: Selfishness, anger, power, cruelty and so on. Similar was the assumptions that we have more experience, know more, and are better than people in communities are. Other such traits include, not caring or sharing, as well as operating automatically and not consciously. The group’s contributions were fast filling up spaces on a chart. </font></p>
<p><font size="2" face="Tahoma"> </font></p>
<p><font size="2" face="Tahoma">On the other hand, being aware that everyone else is an equal human being was a display of the least iota of human behaviour that we have. Communicating appreciation, support, care and the like were humane. We share our fears, reflecting on what we do, looking into ourselves. We also consciously try to connect with others, look beyond ourselves, and see despite the differences our similarities and respect them. Therefore, it was for us to constantly rediscover, recognize, resolve and remind ourselves that we must vigorously exhibit such humanitarian qualities to our fellow men. So essential was this requirement as it was elementary. The perfect logic of its simple and natural spirit had won me. This was the staring point of the journey, on the road of ACP.</font></p>
<p><font size="2" face="Tahoma"> </font></p>
<p><font size="2" face="Tahoma">‘We are sexual, we are human’, stated members from the group, much after this session. Animals are sexual too. However, exhibiting our sexuality and strengthening it through love and bonding are its human qualities.</font></p>
<p><font size="2" face="Tahoma"> </font></p>
<p><b><font size="2" face="Tahoma">On the Road</font></b></p>
<p><font size="2" face="Tahoma">Once we accept human equality, the next and the rest of the logic follow its due course. We then see the people of the community through a humane lens. This lens focuses on us learning from their experiential knowledge, rather than teaching them our pre-defined solutions.</font></p>
<p><font size="2" face="Tahoma"> </font></p>
<p><font size="2" face="Tahoma">If we, the visitors found the community members confronted with an issue our contribution to solution seeking of the community members, could be by posing challenging questions. These questions dare people to further action. Here again, as the responses to the queries posed were sought and found by the community members, they would be most active in testing and implementing them, than it were had we imposed the same solutions on the community members.</font></p>
<p><font size="2" face="Tahoma"> </font></p>
<p><b><font size="2" face="Tahoma">Counselling a Community</font></b></p>
<p><font size="2" face="Tahoma">I remember as a child, I would rebel against orders. The same activity I would willingly complete if it came in as a request. Probably this could be because a request respects the requested one’s decision. Conversely, an order belittles it. Moreover, the counsellors amongst us will remember that in order to make a client pursue a decision, we help the client to make the decision by providing the complete range of options. In addition, based on experiences we provide an awareness of the consequences of following each of the options. Subsequently, we leave it to the client to decide or choose from among these options. Clearly, decision-making is the client’s responsibility. Similarly, ACP extrapolates this logic from an individual level to that of a community’s. After all, the community is only a collection of individuals. </font></p>
<p><b><font size="2" face="Tahoma"> </font></b></p>
<p><b><font size="2" face="Tahoma">Effect of Decision-making on Motivation, Enthusiasm and Implementing</font></b></p>
<p><font size="2" face="Tahoma">As in counselling where we see clients practicing only the decisions they made, so also in ACP it became increasingly clear to me that communities execute those decisions that they made. Subsequently, the enthusiasm and motivation levels to accomplish the decisions are highest. This is because if an individual gives his word to his own community that he or she would undertake an activity for their own, then their integrity, and the community’s trust and confidence in their ability to implement it, is in question until they have completed it. Furthermore, all communities visited by us exhibited not only high levels of volunteering, but also high levels of decentralized planning and delegation of practice.</font></p>
<p><font size="2" face="Tahoma"> </font></p>
<p><b><font size="2" face="Tahoma">Other spin-offs</font></b></p>
<p><font size="2" face="Tahoma">We could compute the value of all the volunteering inputs of community members in terms of actual money. Then if we compare it as a ratio with the funds spent from donors during the same period, we would be able to develop tested index of sustainability</font></p>
<p><font size="2" face="Tahoma"> </font></p>
<p><b><font size="2" face="Tahoma">Awareness and Behaviour Change</font></b></p>
<p><font size="2" face="Tahoma">Sensitized Health Care Workers do realize that behaviour change is the key solution against the epidemic. The model of providing awareness and leading it to behaviour changes in only the sexual act, is fraught with failure. For awareness alone does not necessarily enforce behaviour change in decision-making or risk-taking. Currently, we know that the battle against HIV is won or lost, in the bedrooms by the millions of decisions made by people. Here, in their intimate moments, only their own determination to change behaviour is with them. If these resolutions are part of the collective declaration of a community, it has more chances of standing up to the test. Therefore, realization by a community is the easiest way to a stronger and <i>en masse</i> behaviour change.</font></p>
<p><font size="2" face="Tahoma"> </font></p>
<p><b><font size="2" face="Tahoma">Religion, Culture and Traditions</font></b></p>
<p><font size="2" face="Tahoma">Many communities are rooted in their religion and culture. We must sift through available data to find out whether following culture and traditions is leading to a remarkable reduction of HIV prevalence in some of these communities. Phayao has shown the world a reduction in prevalence from 18 to less than one. Suat of Phayao is placed best to analyze surveillance data that he as an epidemiologist has collected over the years. His depth in academic analysis is matched by an equal strength of his devotion as a Buddhist. Selflessness helped him to build three temples in his village, where he is called, ‘Professor’. None can dispute his philosophy that one must see People Living with HIV (PLHIV) holistically. For, PLHIV were part of a family, and the family a part of the community. </font></p>
<p><font size="2" face="Tahoma"> </font></p>
<p><b><font size="2" face="Tahoma">Flexibility of response</font></b></p>
<p><font size="2" face="Tahoma">This is the hallmark of ACP making it prepared at all times. Thereby the community responds best to emerging issues or changing environment than the one it had planned for earlier.</font></p>
<p><font size="2" face="Tahoma"> </font></p>
<p><b><font size="2" face="Tahoma">Sustainability</font></b></p>
<p><font size="2" face="Tahoma">The most appealing feature of ACP is the sustainable CBO model that evolves from its adherence. Ms. Pimaji stating that for the last two years their Community Health project did not have to access any Government or donor funding is ample proof of having attained sustainability.</font></p>
<p><font size="2" face="Tahoma"> </font></p>
<p><b><font size="2" face="Tahoma">Reflections on Pimjai’s challenge</font></b><font size="2" face="Tahoma">:</font></p>
<p><font size="2" face="Tahoma">Pimjai practiced selflessness. She had devolved responsibilities, developed peers to leaders, and a system, that made her dispensable. As for the reality of HIV in her life, she saw it as a immense opportunity to employ the human qualities. Her meditations on death, while sitting alone in the pre-dawn darkness in the Buddhist crematorium, were to focus on her very mortality. For being mortal is again a basic human trait. The remembrance of death before we begin life every day is the best way to be human, that Pimjai has taught me. Preparing for death humbles one with a remembrance of the stark fact that in death the great leveler, all human beings are equal. Her statements that she was ready to pass away made her my epitome. Her plea that the best service we could do to her was to transfer the concepts that we had learnt from her organization or life.</font></p>
<p><font size="2" face="Tahoma"> </font></p>
<p><font size="2" face="Tahoma">If we ought to be the change first, that we want to see in others, then we must measure how much ready we are now to pass away. Therefore, I must bury my selfishness that makes me cling to this material world. How I do it without betraying anyone is the challenge that I could solve by devolving my responsibilities. Over time, everything is possible. If the key is selflessness and if in death, I go away taking not anything from the world, then I must begin to give everything. How fast I do it, the better human being I will soon be.</font></p>
<p><font size="2" face="Tahoma"> </font></p>
<p><b><font size="2" face="Tahoma">Working in India</font></b></p>
<p><font size="2" face="Tahoma">A billion people, with a vast majority living in rural communities provide opportunities galore! Convincing the funding agencies to support a National Facilitation Team that coach detected champions, to start this bottoms-up response, is one way of scaling up the success tasted in the states of Karnataka and Mizoram. </font></p>
<p><font size="2" face="Tahoma"> </font></p>
<p><font size="2" face="Tahoma">Decentralization is the mantra of the current National AIDS Control Program (NACP). Therefore, mainstreaming community response to HIV is a prime area. In addition, the United Nations Country Team’s (UNCT) current support to transferring and transforming knowledge to action and implementation, gives ample scope within its ambit, for supporting community responses not only to HIV but also to most of the other themes in the Millennium Development Goals (MDG).</font></p> The essence of the constellat…tag:aidscompetence.ning.com,2013-03-21:2028109:Comment:1149062013-03-21T07:40:35.696ZJoseph Senesiehttps://aidscompetence.ning.com/profile/JosephSenesie
<p>The essence of the constellation is to contribute to bringing change in the universe. Changing the perceptions and mindset of how things are perceived and done around the world. Despsite significant contributions, Community Development processes continue to face challenging circumstances of making similar mistakes done by others in the past.</p>
<p>As a technocrate, I feel previleged to be involved in these enormous tasks of the Constellation. I am a very strong believer in the strengths…</p>
<p>The essence of the constellation is to contribute to bringing change in the universe. Changing the perceptions and mindset of how things are perceived and done around the world. Despsite significant contributions, Community Development processes continue to face challenging circumstances of making similar mistakes done by others in the past.</p>
<p>As a technocrate, I feel previleged to be involved in these enormous tasks of the Constellation. I am a very strong believer in the strengths and invaluable contributions that remain untapped in every community. </p>
<p> </p> The Constellation is to me wh…tag:aidscompetence.ning.com,2013-03-21:2028109:Comment:1149712013-03-21T06:41:24.620ZSusan Koshyhttps://aidscompetence.ning.com/profile/SusanKoshy
The Constellation is to me what it means - a group of STARS (people) where the stars radiate light (strengths), contributing to the creation of a beautiful sparkling pattern (competence) in their constellation (community). And these constellations, twinkling with the light of 'dreams coming true' inspire ALL that behold them or connect with them - all over the world.<br />
It is this essence that makes me glad I belong to The Constellation.
The Constellation is to me what it means - a group of STARS (people) where the stars radiate light (strengths), contributing to the creation of a beautiful sparkling pattern (competence) in their constellation (community). And these constellations, twinkling with the light of 'dreams coming true' inspire ALL that behold them or connect with them - all over the world.<br />
It is this essence that makes me glad I belong to The Constellation.