New Structures of RSPOPUK

10 May 2010

by Jean-Claude Audergon from the financial plan written with Mike Fitter, Pat Black and Andy Smith

An unfolding of the patterns and dreaming behind RSPOPUK has resulted in new structures and roles.

I first went on a vision quest, true to my Process Work training, and what we could call ‘shamanic practice’, as I normally do when I set out on any project. I went to the nearby Park and walked for a long time musing on my central questions – What structure would make the future of rspopuk sustainable?

What income structure would support it long term and allow it to grow? What financial structural changes are needed in order to assure an income that reduced and possibly eliminated the need for unpaid voluntary work and make the school sustainable? I decided to find answers by using the technique of picking up a flirt in the surrounding nature – and taking the time to look around, I spotted a group of people under a tree, standing and talking, and then about ten meters from them there were a few groups of two or three individuals, who from time to time looked or waved to the larger group. Then at a further distance, one or two individuals were wandering on their own, but were also related, or connecting to the larger group. I realised I had an answer – here I could perceive or imagine that I was witnessing the structure of a tribe and its various dynamic relationships. The work of the four of us was to consider the structure and relationships of RSPOPUK, and how they manifest at different levels within our organisation and influence the different people who are a part of RSPOPUK or are influenced by us. The pattern I saw in front of me was like a fractal pattern that could be applied at different levels within the organisation. Each of us in our wholeness is a reflection of the wholeness s/he is part of. For example, the financial plan looks at how the individual contributes to the organisation and how the organisation contributes to the individual. It considers how the organisation supports people to go out into the world and make a difference, and how going out in the world and making a difference supports the organisation. The tribe also gave a sense of coherence, inclusion and boundaries, and rituals or practices of entry and leaving that are meant to respect everyone.  The plan comes out of a belief and experience that as individuals and as an organisation we make a difference in the world, and that our sustainability as an organisation is based on each of us realising we are the organisation, and are accountable for its sustainability. This comes from recognising that your own research, learning and contribution to the world is supported by the organisation, and that your work in turn supports the organisaiton.

RSPOPUK, is a a research and project based organisation.
The diagram left, highlights some of the information and financial flows in the future organisations. We are imagining the emergence of new projects in diverse fields such as Health, Transition Towns, Coma Work, Community Forums and so on. Each project acts as focus point for learning, students placements, research and teaching.

The new structure also includes the creation of a steering committee as part of making the RSPOPUK more effective and able to implement this plan. These new roles are: Diversity and Fellowship Co-ordinator, Student Co-ordinator (revised role), Financial Director, Research and Outreach Co-ordinator and Dean of Studies.