Institute for Research and Social Analysis
Capacity Building Workshops
Social Analysis Over the years the number of small community, civil society and non-governmental groups has grown considerably. More churches are developing programmes to deal with social issues and the environment. However, the capacity for basic social analysis and skills is lacking among many of these groups beyond the immediate or executive leadership. As a result the need for skills development and training in Social Analysis for core staff and volunteers is strong. Workshops on Leadership and Management The IRSA Leadership and Management workshops provide an introduction and overview of a range of models and practical skills for effective leadership and management. The participants learn about styles of leadership, methods of management, methods and techniques of effective decision making processes, conflict resolution, basic understanding of managing finances, personnel management and development, change management and team building. Since its inception in April 2008 and with the support of partners overseas (Church Development Service, Germany, Act for Peace, Australia) the Institute for Research and Social Analysis has developed modules and conducted 6 workshops with a total of 256 participants in four different island nations. Country | Date | Type | Participants | Fiji | 4 - 8.8 2008 | Social Analysis | 18 (12 women and 6 men) who represented a variety of different denominations and/or organizations. The age range was from 18 to 60. | Samoa | 6 -10.9.2008 | Leadership and Management | 30 women of the Women’s Ecumenical Fellowship of the National Council of Churches in Samoa | Fiji | 9 -13.3.2009 | Leadership and Management | 35 (20 male and 15 female from civil society organisations and different denominations. | Cook Islands | 20 - 21.4.2009 | Leadership and Management | 100 participants of the General Assembly of the Cook Islands Christian Church.
| Fiji | 3 – 7.3. 2010 | Social Analysis | 40 (20 men and 20 women) from a variety of regional Civil Society Organisations and denominations. | New Caledonia | 4 - 8.10.2010 | Social Analysis | 33 participants (clergy and laity) from the Evangelical Church in New Caledonia and the Loyalty Islands. |
One prominent feature of all the workshops is the variety of organizational and denominational backgrounds of the participants. There are regional as well as local workshops offered. Local workshops are usually carried out on request of a church or an organisation such in the cases of Samoa, New Caledonia and the Cook Islands.
Statements from participants
“Thank you for empowering me to be a more knowledgeable
and informed leader in this field of service”
(Participant, Social Analysis workshop, Fiji, 2008).
“There should be more workshops for men and women
in leadership positions in the church”
(A pastor's wife, Leadership and Management, Samoa 2008).
“The workshop and training has been a fulfilling experience.
This should be an ongoing training with follow-ups to all our leaders”
(Participant from Fiji, Leadership and Management workshop, Fiji 2009).
“Very clear presentation of the meaning of leadership
and an eye opener with relevance to CICC
(Delegate of the CICC General Assembly, Leadership and Management,
Cook Islands, 2009).
“Excellent week of learning and networking. Excellent teaching.”
(NGO participant, Social Analysis workshop Fiji, 2010).
« Le séminaire a été très intéressant et très enrichissant.
Il me permet de connaître les outils pour avoir un regard critique non reculement
sur la société a laquelle j’appartiens, mais aussi sur mon église, et sur moi–même »
(Participant Social Analysis workshop Nouvelle-Calédonie, October 2010).
Outlook
The next regional workshop on Leadership and Management
for participants from Civil Society Organisations and Churches
will be conducted in April 2011 in Suva, Fiji Islands.
Details for applications and conditions will be advertised soon.
Keep on checking this site or contact the IRSA Director: mernst@ptc.ac.fj |
