WORKSHOP ON SYSTEMIC CHANGE FR: – P. Abdo, CM --- ENG – Yasmine
WORKSHOP ON SYSTEMIC CHANGE
FR: – P. Abdo, CM --- ENG – Yasmine
Materials:
- Seeds of Hope (ENG/FRA) – 2 o 3 books in each language for participants to be able to explore.
- 10-12 big sheets of paper for group work (flip chart size).
- Markers and scotch.
- Projector and computer.
- Appendix: 1 copy for each participant.
General Objectives:
- - To educate people on the basic concepts of Systemic Change, and/or to share briefly information about what the Vincentian Family is doing world-wide.
- To provide a catalyst/opportunity for VMY members/leaders/advisors to think creatively about what types of systemic change projects could be started within their local community/service area.
- To think critically about an existing ministry in light of the Systemic Change concepts and/or to work on effecting a change within the existing service model of a particular project.
ACTIVITIES
Introduction (5mn) --- Facilitator to introduce him/herself (if needed).
Rationale
---Approach chosen by the Vincentian Family, because it is rooted in our tradition and a deep understanding of our charism.
---Echo of the last VMY General Assemblies:
- DF2000 (Rome) 5.2.: We will look for ways of becoming more and more involved in social action and thus be a force that can denounce unjust structures in our society.
- DF2005 (Paris): 3.3.2 We will get formation in order to work with present-day strategies in form of PROJECTS, such that we may learn to make, execute and evaluate our projects thus ensuring that we are evangelized ourselves by those whom we serve.
- DF 2010 (Lisbon): Introduction to 3-Service and Mission: In the midst of a world in crisis, a world that encourages different faces of poverty, Systemic Change is the present response of the Vincentian charism that opens new frontiers for service, charity and mission and also transforms the reality in a creative manner. 4.2. We will promote and share with the branches of the Vincentian Family encounters, formation and service projects, as well as missions ad intra and ad extra, applying to all of these the process of systemic change.
Activity 1: Brainstorming on Systemic Change (25mn)
Goal: To identify the current knowledge of participants on the topic and contribute to completing the information for others.
- Divide participants into two (2) groups (8-10 participants).
- 15’: Each group will be given 1-2 flip chart sheets. They have to feel them up with key WORDS (words or expressions, but not sentences) related to systemic change. One person will be in charge of reporting to the larger group.
- 10’ Sharing: Each group will be give 3-5 minutes to present their results. Facilitator will complete/comment in order to cover the related content. To avoid waste of time, ask participants not to repeat ideas/concepts already expressed.
Content: (Can be used in PPT to summarize 1st activity)
- - Society as a structure. Changing structures imply changing lives.
---Examples of structures: The restaurant, or a flat tire, or a broken ankle.
---Connections in the circle of poverty: health – education – job – money – food.
- Key elements of Systemic Change: A) Involvement of beneficiaries. B) Holistic vision. C) Human
Development/Growth/self-realization. D) Transparency. E) Collaboration with multiple stakeholders. F) Creativity/Novelty.
- Five Criteria of Systemic Change Projects:
---Long-range social impact: the project helps change the overall life-situation of those who benefit from it.
---Sustainability: the project helps create the social structures that are needed for a permanent change in the lives of the poor.
---Replicability: the project can be adapted to solve similar problems in other places, in a variety of circumstances.
---Scope: the project has spread beyond its initial context and has been used successfully in other settings.
---Innovation: the project has brought about significant social change by transforming traditional practice.
- Importance of multiple stakeholders (including those living in poverty), collaboration and dialogue.
- Vincentian roots of SC: St. Vincent and the dignity of the Poor, the transformation of their situations.
- Inspiring quotes:
---“You must not be content with tiding the poor over the poverty crisis; you must study their condition and the injustices which brought about such poverty with the aim of a long term improvement.” (Frederic Ozanam, 19-year-old founder of the St. Vincent de Paul Society)
---The poor sometimes suffer more from lack of “order” than from lack of charitable persons. (St. Vincent (SV XIII, 423)
---“Action on behalf of justice, and participation in the transformation of the world, are integral elements in the preaching of the gospel.” (Synod of Bishops, 1971, Justice in the World in MS LX III (1971) 924).
Activity 2: Thinking and Acting in a Systemic Change Perspective (20mn)
Goal: To understand the mechanism that can lead to Systemic Change approach in VMY experiences of service and project.
- Form different groups from those we had in Activity #1. Groups of 5-7 people.
- Distribute participant sheet “Transforming our own projects”
- In each group:
---A participant will offer to propose a project VMY is currently doing in favor of those living in poverty. As much as possible, give preference to projects over isolated experiences of services.
---The group will try to fill out the form on this specific project by asking questions, reflecting and discussing.
- Plenary: Only one (1) group will be invited to share their information. Time will not allow for more, but participants will be asked to continue the sharing during break/dinner.
Conclusion (5’)
- Need to change attitudes and hearts: Sentences that suggest VMY members are too young, resources are not enough, or poverty cannot disappear.
- Year of Vincentian Collaboration: Together in Christ, we can make the difference. From words to action.
- Workshop was just a teaser:
---Explore further the activity #2.
---Available resources: Seeds of Hope – www.famvin.org (VinFormation).
Appendix: Transforming our own projects.
