Fundatia Noi Orizonturi: Re-Learning an NGO
“She’s apparently been stomping around the mountains over there for the last four weeks, but what is she actually doing?”
You are not alone if you have this wondering, because I am still discovering the answer to this question…and will continue discovering it until the day I leave! You will see my work unfold through these posts over the upcoming months, but for now, I’ll make some brief observations on returning to the Fundatia.
I think NGO work can be legitimately described as organized chaos. Being here as a volunteer has been completely different than being here as a student. During the first two weeks, I felt that I was suspended in a giant nebulae, trying to find my footing in such a new capacity. I have been simultaneously bewildered, energized, overwhelmed, and inspired. I’ve felt extremely weak and incredibly strong. All these feelings have been part of an adjustment process, a daily re-learning of this place. New Horizons is growing exponentially, and as I have come to join this effort, it has been necessary to learn again the Fundatia’s current vision, objectives, challenges, and needs. Dana told me this would probably take me two or three months, and I agree. So far, however, my re-learning has been effectively supported by two specifics.
First of all, I’m currently working on proofing/editing the English version of the IMPACT manual and imposing on it a clearer organizational structure that will allow for DVD formatting. Working through each chapter has been a comprehensive re-introduction to the IMPACT model for me…not to mention that this is a great project to be working on immediately!
Secondly, I’ve had the opportunity to participate in the Fundatia’s Strategic Planning Meetings this week. (Dave, I’m such an insider now!) This annual three-day meeting brings together New Horizons staff from all over Romania, and through intensive 8-hour-a-day sessions led by a professional facilitator, we have been working with the DNA of the organization. Dana has emphasized that “vision without details is hallucination” – so with the depth and complexity of detail we’ve been discussing, any hallucinations have arisen from the sheer detail of the detailed view! The focus of the meetings has been on the development of the new IMPACT curriculum, and wow -- the vision, intellect, honesty, ideas, and insights driving our discussions have been amazing. Engaging with the New Horizons team in strategizing the future of the organization has been an incredible opportunity. Already I have gained a deeper understanding of the immense work and thought that go into all aspects of planning, implementing, and evaluating these programs that change the lives of youth.
The two specifics above are foundational to the projects I will be working on throughout my time here, such as the IMPACT Youth Journal. Essentially, the aim of this particular project is to democratize the IMPACT model by putting the vision and aims of IMPACT directly into the hands of the kids. Implementing this project in conjunction with the new IMPACT curriculum will facilitate a crucial accountability between kids and leaders. Though collaboration will be as important to this project as any other, I’m going to be creating it from the ground up, which will take at least a year to do effectively.
The second week I was here, Dana asked me to compile a list of projects that we had discussed and that I personally envisioned. Including those mentioned above, the final result was a list of 15 projects, varying from smaller tasks to long-term projects. You will be reading more of these things in the next months, but my willingness to take on nearly anything and my desire to proactively invest in the Fundatia, the kids, and the Romanian people has already landed me far beyond the edges of a typical job description!
My adjustment curve will continue to have its highs and lows, but the daily learning process of living and volunteering here will be one of the greatest adventures of my life.
You are not alone if you have this wondering, because I am still discovering the answer to this question…and will continue discovering it until the day I leave! You will see my work unfold through these posts over the upcoming months, but for now, I’ll make some brief observations on returning to the Fundatia.
I think NGO work can be legitimately described as organized chaos. Being here as a volunteer has been completely different than being here as a student. During the first two weeks, I felt that I was suspended in a giant nebulae, trying to find my footing in such a new capacity. I have been simultaneously bewildered, energized, overwhelmed, and inspired. I’ve felt extremely weak and incredibly strong. All these feelings have been part of an adjustment process, a daily re-learning of this place. New Horizons is growing exponentially, and as I have come to join this effort, it has been necessary to learn again the Fundatia’s current vision, objectives, challenges, and needs. Dana told me this would probably take me two or three months, and I agree. So far, however, my re-learning has been effectively supported by two specifics.
First of all, I’m currently working on proofing/editing the English version of the IMPACT manual and imposing on it a clearer organizational structure that will allow for DVD formatting. Working through each chapter has been a comprehensive re-introduction to the IMPACT model for me…not to mention that this is a great project to be working on immediately!
Secondly, I’ve had the opportunity to participate in the Fundatia’s Strategic Planning Meetings this week. (Dave, I’m such an insider now!) This annual three-day meeting brings together New Horizons staff from all over Romania, and through intensive 8-hour-a-day sessions led by a professional facilitator, we have been working with the DNA of the organization. Dana has emphasized that “vision without details is hallucination” – so with the depth and complexity of detail we’ve been discussing, any hallucinations have arisen from the sheer detail of the detailed view! The focus of the meetings has been on the development of the new IMPACT curriculum, and wow -- the vision, intellect, honesty, ideas, and insights driving our discussions have been amazing. Engaging with the New Horizons team in strategizing the future of the organization has been an incredible opportunity. Already I have gained a deeper understanding of the immense work and thought that go into all aspects of planning, implementing, and evaluating these programs that change the lives of youth.
The two specifics above are foundational to the projects I will be working on throughout my time here, such as the IMPACT Youth Journal. Essentially, the aim of this particular project is to democratize the IMPACT model by putting the vision and aims of IMPACT directly into the hands of the kids. Implementing this project in conjunction with the new IMPACT curriculum will facilitate a crucial accountability between kids and leaders. Though collaboration will be as important to this project as any other, I’m going to be creating it from the ground up, which will take at least a year to do effectively.
The second week I was here, Dana asked me to compile a list of projects that we had discussed and that I personally envisioned. Including those mentioned above, the final result was a list of 15 projects, varying from smaller tasks to long-term projects. You will be reading more of these things in the next months, but my willingness to take on nearly anything and my desire to proactively invest in the Fundatia, the kids, and the Romanian people has already landed me far beyond the edges of a typical job description!
My adjustment curve will continue to have its highs and lows, but the daily learning process of living and volunteering here will be one of the greatest adventures of my life.
Wow Lindsay Ann! We are beginning to see why God opened the doors so wide for you to return to Romania. You have been called for such a time as this. We are so proud of you and so excited for you. Your posts are WONDERFUL! Thank you for opening a window on the world and inviting us to look out over the people of Lupeni and the country surrounding the Jui Valley of Romania! We Love you!
ReplyDelete