Re-imagining the INGO (RINGO)’s Post

We might have widespread agreement that things aren't working in the world of localisation and locally-led development and that 'disruptive' innovations in the system aren't enough. But what next? How do we nurture a new system? Now in 2020/21 two important things happened. My daughter Maddie was born (She and Benny were in the audience and loved seeing themselves on the screen!). This is an important part of my story because towards the end of my maternity leave I joined the amazing Re-imagining the INGO (RINGO) Social Lab. I initially had imposter syndrome as the only academic in the Lab. But with time I realised this was actually my superpower. I was in no way embedded within 'the system' or operating within its constraints. I began plotting. It was here that I met my now incredible friend Chibwe Masabo Henry. When I saw she'd left her role in a large international charity I reached out. There's this crazy thing I'm building. I think you're brilliant....do you fancy joining me?" Me became us. We had a mega 18 months doing this 'thing' I didn't know was a thing called research commercialisation. Transforming your research into impact through enterprise. This included a lot of support from the brilliant ARC Accelerator....and a lot of work. But that work fed the process of first designing and then building a new system of finance that worked for communities. One built with new tools, based upon new values. A new operating model and principles inspiring a new audience. A huge amount of passion, faith and teamwork. It became clear very quickly in this process what the solution had to be if we really wanted things to change. Who held the key to building a new system? Us. You, me, everyone. If existing managerial systems can only disrupt and sustain the inequalities that disadvantage community organisations, who can do better? We can. Who can prioritise the trust and solidarity that enables flexible funding over ‘risk management strategies’? We can. Who can support an approach that recognises ‘small is beautiful’ and that impact is not about scale? We can. Together. ‘Us’ became a beautiful even bigger team working together to launch One World Together last year. Our four brilliant partners in Kenya, the UK and Zambia: Community Savers CLASS. Play it Forward. Raising Futures Kenya. Shack Dwellers International Kenya (SDI Kenya) supporting Muungano wa Wanavijiji's Youth Federation. Our growing team of staff entirely fuelled by The University of Manchester graduates and a growing family of student volunteers. I am so grateful to everything that we're building together. This is Day 4 of my Inaugural Recap. I'm excited to dive deeper into One World Together and everything we've achieved powered by our Global Citizens in the final instalment tomorrow!