Critical moments in the Action phase of CLCP

[Birgitta Schomaker]

Dear fellow facilitators,

As I am updating the SALT manual on facilitation of CLCP, I am interested in collecting examples of critical moments during the Action phase of the Learning and Action cycle and what has helped moving through times of disappointment or interference. 

I can imagine all kinds of disruptions that can happen during the action phase: people leaving, new people coming, misunderstandings within the teams, threats from the outside, etc etc.

• How do we make sure people stay connected around their shared dream?
• How do we keep the cohesion and connection within a community during the Action phase?
• What can strengthen our sense of belonging to a community in times of change or disruption?

These are some questions related to the Action phase that come to mind.

I'm curious to hear from you how SALT has helped you and your community moving through the Action stage. Maybe you recall a story that you shared during a Knowledge Fair... or maybe you can refer me to a blog on this NING platform. 

Would be great to hear good practices from you, to share with fellow facilitators.

Thanks a lot for your time!

Birgitta, the Netherlands

[Autry Haynes]

My experience [Autry’s]

Implementation …. Allowing community members to take ownership and responsibility to do the specific tasks based on the SMART action plan, which are monitored by a reflection after [AER] each event. Accomplishing our SMART Plan May 26, 2016

Post Lafayette implemented their action plan and did a Reflection on our SMART Plan June 2016

The next reflection on progressJune 09, 206  

See details https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dJMHI9qiBYkGnA-tGNJWIanUM5earSI...

[Birgitta Schomaker]

Thank you Autry! Looking forward to reading your reflections. I sent you a request of access to the google docs. 

[Autry Haynes]

Much welcomed (^_^)

[Birgitta Schomaker]

thank you Autry for your valuable ideas.  I used your input in the chapter in the reader. 

[Rituu B. Nanda]

Blog Canada- https://aidscompetence.ning.com/profiles/blogs/what-s-possible-when...

One powerful example of community action https://aidscompetence.ning.com/profiles/blogs/yes-roles-have-start...

In the link below you will find a blog on meeting for action plan. Later the villagers took several successful actions. https://aidscompetence.ning.com/profiles/blogs/salt-gruph-in-action...

My learning on actions by communities

• Get multiple stakeholders involved 
• Encourage individuals to take responsibilities of very small, doable actions. This will encourage them to do more.
• Connect those who take action to encourage them further
• Very important but often ignored- actions are based on research or facts or consider what is the reality because then actions will be effective and will encourage the action taker. 

[Birgitta Schomaker]

Thank you very much Rituu, for you concrete points based on your learning with communities. I will include these points and examples in the manual.

[Birgitta Schomaker]

Hi Rituu, just used your valuable suggestions in the chapter of the reader. Thanks!

[Marlou]

Hi Birgitta,

Thank you for this important question. 

I watched The Constellation movie DARE again to find some answers. 

Here is what Stephanie says about how she, as a community member, experienced the role of the facilitator during the action phase: "And the fact that we had this 'SALT Sherpa' helping us somehow to carry our luggage and reminding us where we were heading, was of enormous help for us". 

And: "It was a huge decision to use SALT at this time because it allowed us to communicate with each other without bringing the emotional side to the table......  Each time, the SALT meeting helped us to discuss our project in a rational way".

The role of the facilitator? Keep the conversation going, especially during the action phase, staying true to the principles of Support, Appreciate, Learn/Listen and Transfer. 

See the full story at: https://asyouopenyoureyes.com/france

[Birgitta Schomaker]

Thank you Marlou!  Will include the example.

[Birgitta Schomaker]

hi Marlou, I used the acronym SALT to point out specific critical points in the implementation phase. The role of the facilitator to remind people of their shared dream is a good point. Thanks!

The distinction between emotions and rationality in the DARE example could be misunderstood. Motivation and E-motion are very much linked (what drives us? what moves us?), and it seems important to find a way to deal with emotions constructively instead of trying to be rational and cutting out feelings.... Avoiding blaming and defending by applying principles of non-violent communication might be an angle. I wonder if giving and receiving feedback is a skill to learn for all communities and relationships...