As most of us can attest, IFS members have a wealth of knowledge, experience and information to share with other settlements around the world. Each has pioneered innovative approaches to community issues, and in the spirit of the Settlement House Movement, has an inspirational and encouraging story to be shared. Some organizations have been proactive and have created opportunities for these stories to be told through invitations to colleagues to visit, learn and exchange experiences. By highlighting some of these successful experiences, we hope to encourage IFS members to reach out and intentionally create these learning opportunities.
In October of 2009, a delegation of 14 New York settlement representatives spent a week as guests of the Berlin Verband fur Sozial Kulturelle Arbeit Landesgruppe and the Ufafabrik Cultural Center in Berlin, Germany. The delegation toured several centers and learned about general settlement house work in Berlin, including innovative approaches to work with youth, seniors and immigrants, and collaborating with other community institutions – such as a local mosque – to combat prejudice and promote greater appreciation of differences. They also learned the history of the incredible leadership role played by Berlin settlements after World War II and in helping to establish 13 new neighborhood centers after the wall came down in 1989. The stories were moving and inspirational and it was apparent to the New York delegation that the government understood and valued the role that settlement house leadership could play in creating neighborhood cohesion through addressing community needs from the ground up during this critical period of time.
It was also apparent to the delegation that the characteristics of a successful neighborhood center in Germany were similar to those of an operation in the United States. The tour and study reinforced the commonalities and created a stronger sense of camaraderie between the delegates and their Berlin hosts. The visit also created a renewed sense of enthusiasm for the delegates as they returned to their New York settlements. At a post-visit debriefing, it was decided that setting up tours of their own centers to formalize the learning that can take place locally would be a valuable experience.
Here are some recommendations and suggestions for creating a successful visit:
Identify one or two strong leaders and point persons in both cities
Begin planning well in advance. In this case, the delegates were emailing specific areas of interest 10 months in advance of the visit. In addition, other important particulars (e.g. daily schedule, accommodations, responsibility for specific costs) should be addressed as early as is feasible and if possible, specific individuals dedicated for these areas. Don’t assume anything because communication across borders is fertile ground for miscommunication, which may not be discovered until it’s too late.
Be clear about expectations for the visit.
Be flexible.
Consider dividing the group for certain tours. For example, an ED may be interested in fundraising issues, while a youth manager may want to focus on the specifics of a successful youth initiative.
Hold at least one meeting for all delegates prior to the trip. Give people the chance to discuss expectations, questions, etc. as well as just get to know each other. Also, discuss “hierarchy” on the trip. For instance, NYC participants agreed that despite the different roles within their agencies – Program Directors to Executive Directors – all held equal status.
Take the time to debrief and reflect. It may result in specific follow up.
To learn more about how this visit was structured, you’re encouraged to contact:
Ken Walters LMSW
Director of Member Services
United Neighborhood Houses of New York
70 West 36th Street, 5th Floor
New York, New York 10018
(T) 917-484-9333 (Direct Line)
kwalters@unhny.org