Budget / Systems Change	Handout “Environment”

The following text is a handout for the session “Budgeting for Systems Change” on Thursday at 1:30 for 2006 grantees.

CREATE AN ENVIRONMENT
that encourages examination of resource allocation

These factors are important for creating an environment that encourages collaboration partners to explore how resources are used. When these factors are in place, it’s easier to start the discussion about how to afford permanent ways to help women with disabilities and deaf women.

Awareness of needs 
Everyone in the collaboration understands what women need to stay safe.
Awareness of needs in each partner organization
Collaboration members champion needs of women within their own organization.
Hold the vision 
Each person has a vision and shares it with others often.
Meaningfulness is apparent
Each partner can say just what the vision means to him/her and to individual organizations.
Initial discussions are successful.
The first dialogue is introduced at the right time, the right place, and with the right people. The first dialogue is gentle.
Partners take time to influence one another.
Collaboration is a process that encourages people to influence one another’s thinking, ideas and opinions. 
Parallel strategic planning
Partners promote the notion that organizations can do their own strategic planning better when it’s done in the light of information about other organizations’ strategic thinking. 


Used with permission Copyright Karen Ray Associates