Now the launch event is over, although far from a distant memory as we’ve spent ages editing the full video, updating the website and putting together a highlights video...I’ve certainly learned many new skills in this job...it’s time to move on to the next stage of the Poverty Truth Commission process, the slightly daunting Full Commission meetings.
I was keen to get the first Full Commission meeting underway as soon after the launch as possible, so we could keep the momentum flowing and build on the fresh ideas and enthusiasm we’d encountered on launch day. On reflection, it would have been more productive to not rush quite so much. A few of our Civic Commissioners had prearranged meetings and unexpected emergencies to contend with, such as an Avian Flu outbreak!! We had also not given ourselves and the Community Commissioners enough time to ‘come down’ from and reflect on the impact of the launch and consolidate our plans for moving forward. As a consequence, we only had two Civic Commissioners attend, and the meeting lost its focus a little. It was a learning curve; the transition to a full commission is not straightforward, and we will do things slightly differently with PTC 2.
In between full commission meetings 1 and 2, came our saving grace, the annual Poverty Truth Network Facilitator Gathering. This was two days of all things Poverty Truth at a youth hostel in Chester. Last year, in torrential rain, Cathryn and I went as the newbies; this year, in the midst of a heatwave, we were slightly more experienced but still full of questions. It was the perfect opportunity to ask more established commissions how they managed the transition from stage 2 to stage 3 of the process, how to build relationships with Civic Commissioners and how to manage expectations. We came away with fresh ideas, clearer heads and a vision as to how to move forward. The support of the Poverty Truth Network really has been invaluable throughout our experiences so far, they mentor us, educate us and provide a safe space to reflect, connect and challenge. In October, several of our Commissioners will be attending the PTN annual gathering in Derbyshire, which is a great opportunity to meet with other Commissioners and find out more about the great work which members of the network are doing across the country.
The week leading up to full commission meeting 2 was a busy one with Cathryn and I brainstorming ideas and gathering resources for the various ‘getting to know you’ tasks in which we wanted the group to participate. I arrived at the venue on the morning of the meeting feeling confident, hopeful and focused!
I’m happy to say, the two hours couldn’t have gone better. The 7 Civic Commissioners embraced the opportunity to put down their notebooks and pens (some found it slightly more difficult than others with one saying they felt naked without them!), have some time to just get to know people, chat about common interests and actually have space in their busy schedules to enjoy the now famous Shildon Alive rescued food buffet. It was agreed that the environment felt like a safe space, which was reassuring to hear so soon into our full commission journey.
The third full commission meeting happened yesterday. This was a warm and heartfelt meeting. We each brought an object which represented us or was important to us, the aim being not only to get to know each other better but to also practice our deep listening skills. We had a variety of objects from an antique chair to a make-up brush, each representing its own unique and at times, deeply personal story. It never fails to amaze me how vulnerable and honest people can be, and it was an honour to be sat in that room yesterday. Already, I can see new relationships being formed between Civic and Community Commissioners, coffee dates are beginning to be booked, and laughter and jokes are flowing as the meeting ends and people head out the door. After a bit of a wobbly start 3 months ago, I feel confident to say we are now on the right track and our Community and Civic Commissioners are going to do some fantastic work together.
It's now time for me to take a couple of weeks holiday and spend some time touring the beautiful English countryside in the camper van. I’ll be back refreshed and excited to hear how the coffee dates have gone and start moving onto the next stage of the PTC – identifying issues and moving into working groups.
Have a great summer everyone!
