Peace Action
Vredesactie is a key player in our civil society, with a team of experts in research, legal work, and direct nonviolent action. When the organization began showing signs of a crisis, they called on us to address the root cause. Through interim coordination, we revitalized the organization’s structure and culture and rebuilt trust. With their new strategy for the future and a motivated team, they are once again able to engage with the world at full strength.
The customer
Vredesactie is a sociocultural organization dedicated to a world without armed conflict. Through a clear pacifist vision, campaigns, nonviolent actions, and movement-building, it exerts pressure on the political and economic systems in Belgium and Europe that perpetuate war.
The question
The board of Vredesactie called on us to address the cries for help coming from their team. The symptoms of a crisis were clear, but its cause and a way out were less so. Experienced staff were leaving, and tensions were paralyzing the team so severely that the very survival of the organization was being threatened. Colleagues Jihad and Els worked out an action plan with the board to gain insight into and control over the problem.
Els was appointed as interim coordinator to rebuild safety and cooperation within the team. She drafted a new personnel policy, and new staff were hired, including a new coordinator. Together with the team, the board, and volunteers, we developed a widely supported organizational structure, after which Els and Koenraad translated the new future strategy into a concrete policy plan.
The impact
Vredesactie has a revitalized team full of motivation and energy that understands and draws on each other’s strengths. It has a clear organizational structure, a healthy culture, and a clear, widely supported, and inspiring strategy for the future. Vredesactie has an approach that works and feels ready once again to help shape the future.
The challenge
The challenge was to address the conflict—both between people and between different parts of the movement—in a constructive way. To do so, it was necessary to actively foster a sense of safety and prioritize caring for people. On the other hand, it took courage to prioritize the mission, set boundaries on behavior, and make tough decisions.
The collaboration
The decision to use interim coordination was crucial for rebuilding care and safety, both on an individual basis and for the team as a whole. It also gave us a quick understanding of the substantive organizational priorities, and regular consultations were quickly established among all parties. Short lines of communication between the team, management, volunteers, and coordinator, along with frequent coordination, ensured a shared path forward.
3 Tips from the Customer
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Don't be afraid to ask for help. If you're stuck in a quagmire, it's hard to pull yourself and your coworkers out of it.
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The board should ensure that an interim coordinator has a clear mandate, which will foster a sense of security.
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Dare to slow down in order to speed up. By focusing first on trust and safety, you create the support and backing needed to make difficult decisions.
““Els created a safe space where roles and responsibilities were clearly defined. She was able to pinpoint the core issues at crucial moments and immediately develop an action plan to address them. She knows how to put care into practice and create an environment where difficult processes can be tackled. Her leadership style is efficient, effective, and inspires confidence.””
““My work at Vredesactie was a gift. It’s a meaningful organization with passionate experts and warm-hearted people. I was happy to make a difference for this dedicated team with a clear mission.” ”
Does this case appeal to you?
We'd be happy to listen to the specific needs of your organization. We'll come as a pair to listen to your request and make an initial proposal. Based on the feedback and further co-creation, we'll provide a final proposal.
