Reconnecting with Pinoy-C Leads to an Unexpectedly Rewarding Partnership with The Constellation

[miel nora]

Introduction. Pinoy-C was an informal group of Filipino colleagues and friends started in 2007. During the pandemic, we reconnected through The Constellation, a multi-country organization focused on linking and learning between Asia and Africa.

I had worked with multicultural groups before, but The Constellation felt special - a tight-knit community despite the geographical separation. Our Pinoy-C ties were strengthened through collaborative projects with The Constellation over the past two years.

Reconnecting During the Pandemic. The pandemic brought unexpected challenges but also surprising opportunities to reconnect. I had been part of an informal group called Pinoy-C for some time but had lost touch as people moved and life got busy. However, the pandemic restrictions created space for rediscovering old bonds.

To my delight, Pinoy-C members reached out through virtual channels. It was a ray of hope during a difficult time to reunite with Pinoy-C. The conversations gave us energy and inspiration as we talked about how to support each other and our wider communities. While we missed being together in person, it was wonderful to see each other's faces and hear each other's voices.

The virtual meetups led to reminiscing about the past and dreaming about future gatherings post-pandemic. It gave us a sense of continuity and a community to lean on during such uncertain times. I'm grateful for the chance to reconnect over shared stories, laughter, and care.

Virtual Meetings. During the pandemic, our informal group Pinoy-C began meeting virtually with The Constellation organization. It was a delight to connect with everyone online after such a long time apart. We met frequently over video calls to catch up and collaborate on projects.

The virtual meetings enabled us to continue working together despite the Covid-19 restrictions. I enjoyed seeing familiar faces from The Constellation on my computer screen. We shared ideas, gave presentations, and made plans for future initiatives.

The technology allowed us to bridge the geographic distance and fuse our groups together. I appreciated how we adapted to the circumstances and made the most of the situation. Virtual meetings enabled progress on our shared goals and kept our partnership going strong despite the pandemic challenges.

Unexpected In-Person Meetings. Getting to meet members of The Constellation in person in Indonesia and Uganda was a highlight of my experience with The Constellation. Travelling in Yogyakarta, Indonesia and Jinja, Uganda remained challenging but  I was grateful for the opportunity.

During our time in Indonesia, our main emphasis was on exchanging knowledge and fostering collaborations that transcend borders. Through in-person meetings, we were able to establish stronger connections and engage in more profound conversations regarding our common objectives. We had the opportunity to visit local organizations and gain insights into their advocacy work and the innovative programs they are supported by. The atmosphere was filled with tangible energy and optimism.

"I underwent over 20 hours of travel to reach Jinja, Uganda for the Global Ink and Learn Event, which was sponsored by VOICE. This event provided me with the opportunity to gain insight into the present challenges facing Africa and Asia, as well as their strategies for ensuring that their voices are heard. It was truly remarkable to witness the convergence of similar issues being addressed through diverse and innovative approaches, as well as collaborative efforts."

Getting out from behind my computer screen and on the ground with Constellation members was invaluable. Building trust and understanding took our collaboration to the next level. My perspective expanded greatly thanks to the generosity and vision of the people I met in Indonesia and Uganda. I'm grateful for the chance to contribute to their important work.

Key Pinoy-C Organizers. I must give special thanks to Joy, Gerlie, Myrna and Junelyn, who kept our informal group Pinoy-C connected over the years. Even during the pandemic, they made the effort to organize virtual meetups at least once or twice a year. Their dedication is what allowed possible collaborations like this project with The Constellation to happen.

Without Joy, Gerlie, and Myrna continuously bringing people together, I would have lost touch with this wonderful group. Reconnecting with Pinoy-C is what led me to meet the passionate team at The Constellation. For their commitment to keeping our network alive, I am sincerely grateful.

Appreciation to the Team.

Marlou's Leadership. She has been a key leader in The Constellation’s  Gov4Voice . She welcomed me and  bring me into the fold. Despite us just reconnecting during the pandemic, Marlou and the team received me in and gave me opportunities to get involved. She brought me along to collaborate , trusting me to help manage various meetings. She gave me meaningful work, valuing my perspective.. Her openness to letting me help out made a big difference in making me feel  part of the team.

Luc, Meble, and Autry , think tank team.  Luc, Meble, and Autry are known as the power thinkers of The Constellation. They have brought immense insight into how to build capacity for each facilitator. Their strategic minds have advanced the mission and goals of the organization.

Loli and Linda. Loli and Linda serve as the fund keepers, providing invaluable support along the way. You cannot move or leave without them backing you up. Their diligence in managing funds has enabled many projects and growth opportunities.

Eddy served as the IT support for all of our virtual meetings, demonstrating an incredibly cool and patient demeanor. I had the chance to edit a two-hour video for a  Philippines-Kenya connection. We successfully completed it, eliciting much enjoyment and satisfaction.

Working with The Constellation on the Gov4Voice project has led to several key learnings:

**Friendly and breathable working environment** - Mental health has been a top priority, allowing us to thrive in a low-stress environment. There is no pressure or unrealistic demands placed on collaborators.

**Opinions and creativity grow and are welcomed** - Everyone is encouraged to share ideas freely without judgement. Brainstorming sessions produce creative solutions.

**No one is afraid to ask for help, and everyone is willing to lend a hand** - There is a spirit of openness, with collaborators supporting each other. No question is too small, and help is freely given.

**Collaboration brings growth** - By working together, we (S) stimulate thought, (A) appreciate strengths, (L) learn from each other, and (T) transfer knowledge. Our shared goals advance through collaboration.

Growth Through Collaboration. Collaboration has been key to the growth and success of our group. Working together has stimulated new ideas, welcomed diverse perspectives, and enabled knowledge transfer.

The open and friendly environment has made everyone feel comfortable sharing opinions and being creative. When you collaborate, you get to appreciate the strengths that each person brings to the table. We've learned a lot from each other by exchanging ideas and experiences.

Collaborating has expanded our thinking and capabilities. By working across different teams, organizations, and continents, we've been exposed to new ways of doing things. I've learned so much that I would never have discovered on my own.

It's been incredible to see how collaboration can spark innovation. When you bring people together , there's no limit to what can be accomplished. I don't think any one of us could have developed solo.

Knowledge sharing has been critical. With open communication and a willingness to teach each other. We've created an environment that is “Learn to Unlearn” No one is afraid to ask for help, and everyone is willing to lend a hand.

Through collaboration, we've achieved more than any of us could have individually. By capitalizing on our complementary strengths and supporting each other's growth, our has shown that when people come together (in person and virtuyally) in the spirit of collaboration, incredible things can happen.

Conclusion. This experience with The Constellation has been more than I could have imagined. Over the past two years, I've gained wonderful friendships and learned so much through our collaboration. The opportunity to work with this organization, its funders, and the communities we've reached has been an immense privilege.

I'd like to give my loudest applause to the entire Constellation team. To the core  team who kept our group connected and made this possible - Joy, Gerlie, Junelyn and Myrna. To the leaders who guided our work - Marlou, Luc, Meble, and Autry. To the super support system that ensured everything ran smoothly – Loli, Linda and Eddy. And to everyone else who lent their skills, creativity, and passion to this effort.

The bonds we've formed and the growth we've all experienced together will stay with me long after this collaborative project comes to an end. Thank you for welcoming me into The Constellation family. It has been an honor to work with such a thoughtful, dedicated, and caring group of individuals. The impact we've made together makes me proud. I look forward to staying connected and seeing where our next collaborations may lead! # 

[Santi rambari]

Everything can be done together, it is clear in your writing.  Nicely written.  I am encouraged to read your writing

[Loli Rey]

Dear Miel, really BEAUTIFUL!!! 

Thanks for your compliments :)