Strengthening Tibetan Civil Society
Tarab Ling, Dehradun
7-9 April 2016
A three-day conference on ‘Strengthening Tibetan Civil Society’ was organised and co-hosted by SOIR-IM, Tibet Relief Fund and Tibet Fund in the beautiful and serene surroundings of Tarab Ling, Dehradun.
The Conference organised to strengthen the capacity of Tibetan Civil Society – specifically, those working on social and economic development of Tibetans – based in India and Nepal saw participation of 20 Tibetan NGOs & CSOs (Civil Society Organisations) with over 38 representatives together with 5 Tibetans (successful individuals from different walks of life) as observers. These NGOs/CSOs covered a vast area of expertise and engagement working with Tibetans (some with Himalayan communities) in India and Nepal.
Director Youdon Aukatsang and Deputy Director Nima Chodon attended the conference on behalf of Empowering the Vision Project.
The three-day Conference fa
cilitated by trainer Ms. Lynda Lepcha (Director Holistic Solutions) and moderated by Ms. Sofia Olsson (SOIR-IM-Sweden), Ms. Philippa Carrick and Mr. Philip Wilson (Tibet Relief Fund-UK) and Ms. Katrina Edwards (Tibet Fund-US) covered areas such as Organizational and HR development, Financial Management and Fundraising, Project Management and Networking. The assessment of strengths and weaknesses of each participating NGO through a capacity assessment worksheet by themselves led to understanding and recognition of areas of improvement and expansion.
Each of these topics was approached through an informal structure that had both presentations mixed with group work and plenary discussions. Almost all representatives of the participating NGOs spoke eloquently, openly and took feedback and criticisms if any very constructively.
Strengthening the capacity and engagement of Tibetan CSOs working towards developing Tibetan community – in education, livelihood, environment, health, et al – was highly appreciated by the participating NGOs who believed it was need of the hour.
One of the important announcement at the Conference was the launch of ‘Capacity Building Fund – INR 20, 0000 00’ by SOIR-IM for Tibetan NGOs/CSOs. SOIR-IM invited proposals for the fund/grant from participating CSOs by June 3, 2016. Eligible Tibetan NGOs will need to apply for the fund proposing clearly how they would utilise this fund in strengthening their capacity.
Many old Tibetan institutions such as TYC, TWA and TCCR were seen engaging actively and positively with the representatives of new and promising Tibetan CSOs such as EduLift, Drokpo from Kathmandu,Nepal, Tibetan Legal Association Dharamsala-India, Empowering the Vision, Delhi-India and others. During the Conference, the participating CSOs also focused on networking and exchanging best practices, success stories along with challenges and failures as learnings. The three-day Conference also served as a break from the usual formal gatherings of Conference as all participants were seen engaging in light and lively discussions or just enjoyment through dance and singing in the evenings.
“I see the difference that our small but active Tibetan NGOs are co
ntributing in strengthening the Tibetan community. We all have the commitment and intention needed to make the difference but this conference has further given us the tools and exposure to drive our vision and the shared goals towards empowering Tibetans living in India and Nepal. Thank you”, said a visibly emotional Mrs. Dolma Yangchen, Tibetan Women Association President in her feedback in the concluding session.
Geshe Sonam Wangchen, Founder and Director of Hope and Challenge from Nepal was one of the participants who said the Conference made a huge difference in his approach of working at Hope and Challenge. He said, “Before I did not talk, now I talk and know the importance of networking and organisational development. Will change the way I work!”
Empowering the Vision team felt the topics and discussions were very useful in understanding their work, and future approaches to networking and communications. Taking a note from the Blue Ocean Strategy – Create, Reduce, Raise, & Eliminate – introduced at one of the sessions on Day-two, the Empowering the Vision Team brainstormed on these aspects and the road ahead for its projects currently being implemented.
The Conference truly lived up to the expectations of the participants as they were exposed to new approaches to development and networking and also to areas of expansion. Each participating Tibetan CSO recognised the commitment and support of organisers SOIR-IM, Tibet Relief Fund and Tibet Fund towards building a robust, dynamic and sustainable Tibetan CSOs and thereby strengthening the Tibetan community.