The Building Activist Networks Forum is made up of people who support activist networks in capacity-building roles, for example by offering training, coaching and support to activists to help make their action more effective.
Sharing ideas
The Forum started in 2004 when a handful of capacity builders got together to find out what their peers in other organisations were doing. The plan was to share good ideas as well as to share the challenges that go with the role of supporting, resourcing and inspiring activist networks. Since then the Forum has grown and meetings now bring together people from some of the UK's leading campaigning organisations, large and small. We meet every few months for skillshares or training sessions to share best practice, skills, and new approaches to capacity building. The meetings are informal, welcoming and practical. None of us has the time to attend meetings that aren't useful!
Skillshare and training sessions have included:
- Networking Approaches
- Using Open space
- Facilitating Capacity Building
- Conflict resolution
- Local groups networks: challenges and success stories from grassroots mobilising
- Tools for participation
- Coaching and mentoring
- Re-energising activists
- Using Crowdwise as a decision making tool
In 2007-2009, we also organised three successful skills training and networking events for our activists called "Change in Progress". Recent focus has been on training for capacity-builders rather than working directly with the networks as it seemed a more effective use of our resources.
Sharing resources
People involved in the Forum are often willing to share materials they have worked on or just advice on similar projects. We use a wiki to share resources that others may find useful, whether it be an activist training guide or a workshop plan. Ask at a meeting for a username and password and explore what is there, upload and share your resources too!
How can I get involved?
Anyone who supports activist networks, whether paid or unpaid in their role, is welcome to take part in the Forum. Join our low traffic discussion list to stay in touch and find out more by emailing: buildingactivistnetworks-subscribe[at]lists[dot]riseup[dot]net
The forum is unfunded and those involved share responsibility for making it happen. No one is expected to contribute to organising meetings or even to come along, but the forum functions because when people do have some time available, they volunteer to help with the next meeting or some admin.
