Grassroots Case Study - Chatterbox Events (Eastern Region)

The Problem
A mainstream voluntary organisation in an urban setting wishes to make contact with groups and individuals isolated by gender, language and religion, in order to continue to achieve its objectives and meet the changing needs of the community. Many of the organisations long standing leaders are in danger of losing touch with the community, especially those who are harder to reach.

The Solution
The voluntary organisation designed and undertook a series of sociable, but business like gatherings, at which information could be exchanged and thoughts expressed. These events would enable the voluntary organisation to learn what local people thought of their services and what they really wanted.

Inside Track's Challenge
To create a space where people from the community can freely talk to community leaders and engage with the voluntary organisation, so that it can gather and use feedback to more effectively address local concerns and interests.

Why did the grassroots organisation find Inside Track helpful?

• Inside Track had over 20 years experience of working with voluntary organisations, especially those involving women.
• Due to our experience, Inside Track was able to understand specific cultural issues that affected the voluntary organisation's capacity to respond to change, particularly around gender and intergenerational issues.
• Inside Track had the skills to facilitate potentially challenging meetings and develop mutual trust between different protagonists in order to manage positive change.

Outputs

• Negotiations leading to positive change within the dynamics of the voluntary organisation
• Events that involved the local community and encouraged participation
• Feedback from the community regarding the effectiveness of services
• Improved delivery and range of services