Communication from Mela south Asian Coordinator for Befrienders Worldwide

We are working towards making BW a Networking organization. In short, ‘connecting together’- Building a network connecting with all centres around the globe. Engagement- to make sure that BW Networking members feel included/connecting and supporting each other. More credibility- Making sure we work with Recognized and Respected Organizations world wide. Training- BW will offer excellent training by volunteers who excel in this field in our regions. Consistency – We will work towards consistency, offering training materiel of the highest standard, distributing relevant information that helps to improve skills and knowledge among all Networking centres. We have thought of Task Forces that are of the highest priority at present. 1. Website Task Force. 2.Twinning Task Force. 3. Fundraising Task force. 4. Communication Task Force. Clearly having the BW Website up and running would take first place in the list of ‘highest priorities’. Twinning Task Force- We will aspire to be far more effective- Bringing together centres in all Regions. Having closer ties/ sharing knowledge/ problem. Issues etc.thus making centres feel they are a part of the BW family. Fundraising- We would be looking for volunteers in our Regions who have the expertise of coming up with innovative ideas of approaching would be donors. Members of this Task Force do not necessarily have to bring in donors. However, if they do it would be a huge bonus. We still need volunteers to join the Fundraising TF. If you think you would like to share your expertise on how to get donations please contact me. Communication Task Force- to develop a communications strategy that ensures every volunteer in a centre receives information from the network, whether it is from the regional coordinators, trustees, secretary general or other centres. Forming other Task Forces is in the pipeline. A BW Board of Trustees will be set up – a selection panel and a selection of criteria for Board members has been established. Once the new Board of Trustees has been identified the BWSG will no longer exist and the members will revert back to their previous designation as ‘Regional Coordinators’. “If you always do what you always did, You will always get what you always got, If you want something different then think differently! That’s exactly what BW is doing- Having a whole new concept of launching into an exciting and invigorating future. With my warmest wishes, Mela. (Regional Coordinator for South Asia.) Response from Johnson ,Director Aasra Mela, Looks like you all had a very fruitful meeting and the formal agenda for the future looks impressive and I am sure will work out best for all the centers and volunteers I am all for turning BW into a networking organisation and think it's also important to network with centers doing similar work even if they may not be befriending centers. Inclusion is important and helping centers to work around their individual problems while connecting and supporting each other makes a lot of sense. Recognition and credibility are vital for growth and it's great that BW will be focusing on working with recognised and respected organisations worldwide. Forming a training core-group in every region would help in spreading the good work to all corners of the globe. Consistency in Training and training material updates would help all centers within the network to keep up with global standards. Task force for Website, twinning, fundraising and commuication are very essential and I am sure all centers around the globe will benefit from it. Thanks for the detailed email, Looking forward to hearing more on this front. Johnson Thomas Aasra Navi Mumbai www.aasra.info aasrasuicideprevention.blogspot.com www.facebook.com/aasrasuicideprevention Mob: 9820466726