The Constellation was ahead of its times

[Rituu B. Nanda]

The Constellation has several strengths, but three stand out for me:

1. The SALT and Community Life Competence process is one of the finest approaches for community and individual behaviour change, as well as for collective action. The approach was developed by learning from community local response in different parts of the world. 
2. Constellation has a Knowledge Management system to capture the experiential knowledge of communities with an online community of practice for community facilitators for the past 14 years.
3. The newly introduced safeguarding mechanisms have been co-created and woven into the Constellation's process, making them more likely to be effectively executed.

Community ownership SALT and Community Life Competence process go beyond participation – it is about fostering authentic community ownership. Constellation has  a theory of ownership which suggests that when communities/groups take ownership, they are far more likely to take action and assume responsibility for their progress. This approach invites communities to be involved in the design, implementation, and self-evaluation of their own development. 

SALT builds facilitation skills, which are essential in today’s world. It doesn’t shy away from addressing power dynamics. While Constellation does not label itself a feminist organization, it challenges the power that professionals often hold over communities, as well as the power dynamics within the communities themselves. It also encourages communities to challenge and question their own harmful social and gender norms. 

Having been trained in various participatory approaches, I can confidently say that SALT helps you to let go and keep away from being the saviour. It reinforces the idea that we can’t change others, but when we change our own behaviour, it often sparks action in others. 

Application of SALT in a wide range of contexts and thematic areas. Various groups, networks from trade unions and the UN to community-based organisations, NGOs, neighbourhoods, and identity-based groups (such as girls, LGBTQI individuals, refugees, farmers, and people with disabilities). Been implemented in over 65 countries worldwide.

In many ways, Constellation was ahead of its time adopting a non-hierarchical structure, where leadership was shared based on individual strengths. The manager was referred to as a “Care Facilitator”.Constellation to avoid unnecessary expenditure and conscious of carbon footprint, its core team has always worked virtually without a physical office and what was once seen a bit unusual is now common.

However, I do believe there has been a challenge – one I take responsibility for as well, having worked with Constellation for nearly a decade. The organisation’s financial model has been a sticking point.Constellation was registered in Chiangmai, Thailand but had to move its headquarters due to financial constraints to Belgium. While other organisations have boards composed of individuals with business and fundraising acumen, Constellation’s board is made up entirely of SALT facilitators.  Can we think of a development model where donors look for organizations like the Constellation, which put community ownership at the heart of everything they do? 

SALT as one of the solutions for transformative change in complex, dynamic world As we realize that mechanistic models are not working, social bonds are weakening and funds diminishing, SALT can be one of the solutions to build deep, meaningful connections and sustainable development.

[Santi rambari]

Your writing is excellent. I was enriched by reading it. I want to feel your feelings about salt. I am open to learning more.