Emerging Associations
22-24 January 2004
Moscow, Russia
Many of the world's grantmaker associations are young in years (half of those in the WINGS network being ten years old or younger at the time this event was planned). The pace of development can, however, be speeded up or slowed down by many factors including the national environment in which an association is being developed.
This event was aimed at associations which identified themselves as in an early stage of development, to share their understanding about the factors in development which have been most effective in building strong associations that add value to their members – and learn from each other's experience.
An invitation was issued inviting interested people from the WINGS network to apply to take part. Once the participants were selected they were involved in setting the agenda to cover the issues of most relevance to themselves. Most participants were the CEOs of their organisations and each of these made a particular contribution to the event, presenting an issue, or moderating a session.
WINGS' peer learning meetings usually depend entirely on participants' knowledge and experience but in this instance WINGS decided to offer “peer learning plus” and Pavlína Kalousová generously shared the experience of her somewhat older and more mature association in the Czech Republic.
The event was held in Moscow where the Russia Donors' Forum were the local hosts. The warmth of their welcome immediately dispelled any fears about hostile weather conditions as did their care in ensuring that everyone was well looked after and well wrapped up (and despite several days of gentle, constant snowfall, the temperature was also much better than the seasonal norm). Regional food was much enjoyed as well as some opportunities before and after the event for sightseeing and cultural trips in this huge but enchanting city.
