"Through an inclusive process, we have had important conversations within the leadership, among employees, and volunteers, which has contributed to strengthening our shared narrative. We wouldn't hesitate to recommend ReSearch Humanity to others." - Amma Asare-Nyako, Secretary General at Sabaah
CHALLENGE
Sabaah advocates for the rights and opportunities of ethnic minority LGBT+ individuals in Denmark. The organization reached out to ReSearch Humanity seeking assistance in systematizing and establishing a clear direction for their work.
Specifically, they sought help in further developing their organizational strategy and ensuring clearer division of tasks between the secretariat and the board.
APPROACH
In the process of creating a clear direction and clearer division of tasks, we collaborated with Sabaah over two sessions or workshops, each lasting respectively half a day and a full day.
One workshop involved the board, the secretary general, and the executive director in Aarhus.
Here, we focused particularly on the overall direction for the organization and strengthened collaboration between the board and the secretariat by reimagining the division of tasks.
Another workshop involved employees, volunteers, and the board.
Here, we worked through the strategic objectives, prioritized between areas of focus, and operationalized them.
By involving all layers of the organization, we effectively work on development and ensure that ownership of the strategic direction isn't solely vested in the leadership. We ensure broad organizational consensus, and with our external perspective, we can identify the social and work-related dynamics that the group may be entrenched in.
We ensure to create a space that accommodates everyone. Opponents of certain ideas or the general direction also participate in developing the strategy. Often, opponents end up becoming active collaborators, thereby helping the group find common ground. This results in a strategy deeply rooted within the organization, leading to happy participants who can more easily find common ground in the future.
OUTCOME
Throughout the process, Sabaah has achieved greater consensus and unity within the organization. They have established a clear division of work between the board and the secretariat. In this regard, the secretariat has gained more autonomy in their daily tasks, and board members have taken ownership of specific areas of work. This will help the organization work more efficiently in the future and make the most of the resources available to them.
"I learned a lot about Sabaah as an organization today. Thanks for an exciting workshop." - Workshop participant
Several participants describe afterward that the process has given them "hope" for the organization's future and further work. Volunteers have also learned more about the organization and gained new energy to continue working with the target group.
"I was energized and inspired by all the great inputs and ambitions and by the super cool facilitation." - Workshop participant
In this case, Sabaah has achieved both a clearer structure and division of their work, laid out a two-year strategy, and specified tasks accordingly. Additionally, they have gained insights into methods for facilitation and strategy development that they can utilize in their ongoing work.
"We have experienced a high level of professionalism and an understanding of the context in which we operate. It has made us feel safe and supported in the process." - Amma Asare-Nyako, Secretary General at Sabaah
Developing a strategy with involvement and co-creation across the organization requires specialized facilitation and can contribute to creating a shared narrative, ownership, and less friction within the organization.
Do you need help developing a strategy that is widely anchored in your organization and based on current challenges for your work? Reach out to us, and let's see if we are the right partner for you.