The SIVIO team had a strategy retreat from the 2nd to the 6th of February 2025. The retreat was hosted at in Inyanga at Thorntree Lodge. The objective of the retreat was to take time to consider a systems approach in the way we work. As an organisation we have been in existence since 2018. Our approach is integrated in four Centres of work namely the Centre for Philanthropy and Communities, The Centre for Civic Engagement and the Centre for Economic Development and Livelihoods. Supporting these centres are the tools of Communications, Training, Research and Knowledge Generation as well as the work we do to support non-profits through the Africa Giving platform.
We chose to take the time on this retreat to come together in planning and collective refinement of the processes and procedures we have been using since 2018. In addition, we wanted to deepen our understanding of the work we do to ensure that our research and quest for inclusion do not just address symptoms of wicked problems, but they address the core issues related the exclusion of citizens from public processes.
A critical component of the retreat included the analysis of power in world systems. This analysis included an analysis of visible power, hidden power, and invisible power. We also took time to understand power over people which is domineering and controlling and power with which is conversely collaborative. The exercise took us to consider key systems that affect ordinary people on a day-to-day basis including national, economic, political, and social systems that interact to influence the lives of citizens.
The retreat was memorable not just for the immense reflection on our work but also for the recreation. In between team nature walks, early morning runs, and beautiful views, we enjoyed nature and experience refreshing during the retreat. Overall, a great planning session and a great time team building.
