Action Learning Network: Notes from the 2nd Network Session March 22, 2013 at GNS Sports Complex

What is the Action Learning Network (ALN)?

The purpose of the Action Learning Network is to share and network available resources with the aim of improving the services the voluntary sector delivers. Hosted by the Volunteerism Support Platform with support from Cuso International and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, the ALN creates a setting where organizations and individuals can gather to share best practices or resources; share experiences with other organizations and individuals; create and expand networks; examine issues within their respective service sectors; and to explore solutions with the aim of facilitating organizational sector development. The ALN is expected to snowball into a structured body that will provide the scope for organizations and individuals to tap into a pool of existing and documented Guyanese resources and approaches to forward the development of the voluntary sector.

Summary of Main Presentation Points from March 22 Session

Topic for ALN session: Facilitator: The Need to Increase Advocacy in the Voluntary Sector. Ms. Karen De Souza, Red Thread

The voluntary sector: is referred to as 'the third sector' and the 'civil society' sector. is comprised of organizations that are independent of government, not run for financial gain, and grounded and managed by value-driven voluntary services. is made up of organizations such as charities, community groups, social enterprises, cooperatives and clubs that provide services in areas such as health, education, environmental work, arts, sports, campaigning and advocacy. Advocacy: is a form of actively supporting a cause, collaborating with others to do the same, speaking up, drawing attention to a significant issue, and directing policy makers towards a solution. Advocacy within the Voluntary Sector: The voluntary sector can only emerge with its own voice, holding a substantial degree of clout, when organizations within the sector have clarity in the purpose of their existence; this means having a clear view or understanding of the issues they want to address. Having clarity for ones existence strengthens the need for purpose, voice and action on the issues that organizations are mobilizing to address. 1

The Challenge of Advocacy within the Voluntary sector: The voluntary sector within Guyana lacks the capacity to be seen as a sector with its own voice because many organizations within: 1. lack a sense of grounded purpose which in turn mutes their voice and discourages action; 2. are affected by the funding model which causes organizations to become isolated as they compete for funding, thereby decreasing the scope for the creation of a supportive environment; 3. lack the ability to collectively shape key decisions in society especially on issues that affect their mandates and those other service providers. 4. also identified, is the lack of sectoral safeguards (such as a policy framework) as a factor that affects the advocacy capability of the voluntary sector. Tactics organizations can use to increase their voices within the Voluntary Sector and to increase the voice of the voluntary sector: 1. media briefing, 2. participation in relevant agenda setting activities, 3. networking, 4. openly questioning how policies are implemented, 5. political lobbying, 6. promoting legislative change (via proposal of policy solutions), 7. engaging in forums that allow information and opinions to be disseminated and known (via debates) on particular issues. Recommendations: To feel the impact of advocacy or to increase its impact, voluntary sector organizations should: 1. engage with and mobilize policy makers, 2. their partners, 3. their direct beneficiaries, 4. those individuals, groups and or organizations that are opposing their mandates. 5. think more about their direct actions towards a situation rather than continuously assessing the situation without actually contributing to any change.

Ideas for Future Action Learning Network sessions

Future topic: 1. The Voluntary Sector and Global issues 2. Promoting Voluntary opportunities 3. Gender main-streaming in Organizations and Programs 4. Fundraising and the proposal writing 5. Public Engagement and Community mobilization

Next Action Learning Network Time: 9:00am-12:30pm Date: Friday, 3rd May, 2013 Venue: GNS sports Complex Facilitator: To be announced Topic: To be announced