SayPro Follow-Up on Monthly Review Meeting Outcomes

SayPro Follow-Up on Monthly Review Meeting Outcomes

Date: February 2025

---

1. Introduction

Following our recent monthly review meeting, we would like to recap the key outcomes, feedback, and next steps in refining our partnership plans. Your input during the meeting was invaluable, and we are committed to implementing the necessary adjustments to enhance the effectiveness of our ongoing partnerships.

This follow-up outlines the action items and refinements that will guide our next steps and ensure that we continue to achieve SayPro’s goals in creating sustainable, impactful solutions in our communities.

---

2. Meeting Recap and Key Outcomes

During the review meeting, the following key insights and feedback were shared:

a) Strong Support for Proposed Strategies

• Communication and Coordination: All partners supported the idea of regular monthly check-ins and the creation of a shared digital platform for collaboration.
• Financial Sustainability: There was broad agreement on the need for capacity-building workshops to help partners secure additional funding.
• Accessibility and Inclusivity: Partners emphasized the importance of conducting community assessments to ensure that programs are tailored to meet the needs of marginalized groups.
• Leadership Development: The idea of providing leadership training for local leaders received strong endorsement as a means to foster long-term ownership of the programs.

b) Areas for Refinement

• Communication Tools: While the idea of a shared digital platform was well-received, some partners expressed concerns about the digital literacy of their teams. There is a need for simpler solutions or training on how to use these tools effectively.
• Financial Support Models: A few partners noted that while fundraising capacity-building is important, some might need initial support to cover immediate program costs before they can implement sustainable funding strategies.
• Inclusivity Focus: More focus should be placed on addressing accessibility barriers, particularly for people with disabilities. Several partners shared that additional resources are needed to provide adequate accommodations.

---

3. Refining Partnership Plans Based on Feedback

a) Enhancing Communication and Coordination

• Action Item:
  • We will create a simpler version of the shared platform (using tools like Google Drive, WhatsApp groups, or simpler project management tools) to accommodate different levels of digital literacy.
  • Additionally, we will organize a brief training session on using these tools, ensuring everyone involved in the partnership is equipped to communicate effectively.
• Timeline: Initial platform and training rollout within the next 2 weeks.
• Expected Outcome: Streamlined communication, improved coordination, and greater transparency in partnership activities.

b) Financial Sustainability Support

• Action Item:
  • Begin by offering an initial round of grants or stipends to partners to cover short-term program costs while they are in the process of securing long-term funding.
  • Host fundraising workshops and grant writing training in the next month, tailored to address the immediate needs of smaller organizations and those struggling with fundraising.
• Timeline: Short-term funding provided in the next 4 weeks; workshops scheduled within the next 30 days.
• Expected Outcome: Ensure that all partners can continue their work without disruption, while also equipping them to become financially sustainable in the future.

c) Improving Program Accessibility and Inclusivity

• Action Item:
  • Begin community assessments to identify specific barriers to participation, with a special focus on individuals with disabilities.
  • Partners will be encouraged to adapt programs to meet these needs, including offering additional resources for accommodations (e.g., sign language interpreters, transportation assistance, materials in accessible formats).
• Timeline: Assessments to be completed in the next month, with program adjustments starting immediately thereafter.
• Expected Outcome: Increase participation from marginalized groups and ensure that all programs are accessible to everyone in the community.

d) Strengthening Leadership Development

• Action Item:
  • Launch a leadership training program for local faith-based leaders, focusing on building the skills necessary for long-term program ownership and management.
  • In addition to general leadership skills, training will include financial management, community engagement, and crisis management.
• Timeline: Training program development to be completed within 6 weeks, with the first cohort of local leaders trained within 8 weeks.
• Expected Outcome: Local faith-based leaders will be better equipped to manage and sustain programs independently, reducing reliance on SayPro.

---

4. Monitoring and Evaluation

To ensure that the refined plans are effectively implemented and progress is being made, we will:

• Set up regular check-ins to track the progress of each action item.
• Conduct quarterly evaluations with partners to assess how well the adjustments have been received and identify any further areas of improvement.
• Use feedback loops from partners to continuously improve the tools, training, and support provided.

---

5. Next Steps and Action Plan

1. Immediate Actions (Next 2 Weeks):
   • Finalize the digital communication platform and distribute the user guide to partners.
   • Schedule the first fundraising workshop and initial grant distribution.
2. Short-Term Actions (Next 1 Month):
   • Complete the community assessments with a special focus on accessibility.
   • Begin financial sustainability workshops and grant writing training.
3. Mid-Term Actions (Next 2 Months):
   • Launch the leadership training program for faith-based leaders.
   • Review program accessibility adjustments based on community feedback.

---

6. Conclusion

We appreciate the valuable input from all our partners during the monthly review meeting. The feedback gathered has been essential in refining our partnership plans to better meet the needs of the communities we serve. By taking these steps, we are confident that our collaborations will be more effective, inclusive, and sustainable.

We look forward to working closely with you all as we implement these changes and continue making a positive impact together.