Module 2: Our Way of Thinking and Our Way of Working
An introduction to Module 2 from Farellia
How this module fits into the rest of this programme
In the first module of the programme, we introduced the idea of Local Response. We gave examples from a variety of situations from all around the world that showed the power of Local Response.
For the rest of the Blended Learning Programme, we will be working on what we do we to stimulate, to support and to connect Local Responses. We call this the AIDS Competence Process.
But in this module, we are going to introduce the ideas that support our process. These ideas are at the heart of each and every step in our process and in everything that we do. We call these ideas 'Our Way of Thinking' and 'Our Way of Working'.
What this Module is about
There is no doubt that this is the most important module in the Blended Learning Programme. In fact we believe that these ideas are so important for what we do, that we are going to return to them in a separate section in each and every module. So here is an introduction to Our Way of Thinking and Our Way of Working
Our Way of Thinking
Our experiences tell us that communities have the capacity to respond to the challenges of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
This very simple statement challenges the deeply held beliefs of many of us who have worked in large organisations. Although we may not put it quite so bluntly, we act on the premise that THEY have a problem and that WE have a solution. We are the experts.
If we are to support Local Response, we have to work hard to change this 'expert' mindset. We can assure you that from our own experience that this is not easy.
Our Way of Working
Once we can begin to leave behind our expert mindset, we find that we begin to work differently. Instead of looking for weaknesses that we can correct, we begin to look for strengths that we can support. Instead of looking for opportunities to do things to them or for them, we start to look at how we can learn from them.
We summarise Our Way of Working with the word SALT.
We Stimulate action through Appreciative questions, we Support each other in the Appreciation of individual and community strengths, exchange their perspectives about what they have Learned from each visit, and prepare to Transfer lessons learned to their own context.
In the rest of this module, we will be working on these ideas in more detail.
The objectives of the Module
In this module, we will present you with stories and experiences that introduce you to Our Way of Thinking and Our Way of Working. You will also get the opportunity to experience a Salt Visit. There is really not very much to learn in what we present. But there is a lot to think about. So we would like you to reflect on these ideas and to discuss them with your fellow students. The challenge is to introduce this approach in the way that you work, particularly when facilitating our process. We will be returning to these ideas throughout the course.
