Community of Practice (CoP)   Specifically, the workshop aims to provide a platform for learning and experience sharing to increase the understanding of PR roles and responsibilities, proactively identify and problem solve around potential bottlenecks to grant implementation, dialogue and share lessons learned through the development of a community of practice aiming at strengthening the capacities of the CSO PRs in Global Fund grant implementation

Community of Practice ( Definition) CoP are groups of people who share a concern or a passion for something they do and learn how to do it better as they interact regularly. Wenger, 2015 CoP are formed by people who engage in a process of collective learning in a shared domain of human endeavor. E.g. - a band of artists seeking new forms of expression; or CS Global Fund Implementers engaging to enhance grant implementation, efficiency and effectiveness.

Key Elements The domain / common field / Area or Joint Enterprise This is the domain of knowledge (CS & GF Implementers)that brings the community together It gives it an identity and defines the key issues and problems that members need to address. Membership therefore implies a commitment to the domain/field of interest Members have a shared competence that distinguishes members from other people. Members value their collective competence and learn from each other

Key Elements The community Members of a CoP form a stable group with strong personal interrelationships developed through sustained mutual engagement. Sustained mutual engagement within a group of people will, over time, cause a community of practice to form. In pursuing their interest in their domain/ shared field of interest, members engage in joint activities, discussions, help each other, and share information. Members build relationships that enable them to interact and learn from each other. A website in itself is not a community of practice; and members of a CoP do not necessarily work together on a daily basis. A CoP may have its origin in an outside mandate thus friendship and/or affection are neither a requirement nor necessarily a result.  

Members of a CoP are practitioners! Key Elements The Practice Members of a CoP are practitioners! Over time, sustained mutual engagement results in the development of a set of communal resources that allow members to more effectively pursue their joint enterprise. They develop a shared repertoire/ range of resources: experiences, stories, tools, ways of addressing recurring problems—in short a shared practice. This takes time and sustained interaction. The development of a shared practice may be either be structured or planned or informal and less self-conscious.  

Key Elements

CoP: Key Activities Projects /Problem solving: “Can we work on this design and brainstorm some ideas; I’m stuck.” Mapping knowledge and identifying gaps: Who knows what and what are we missing? What other groups should we connect with? Requests for information: Where can I get information on the NFM? Seeking experience: Has any one successfully applied for a regional concept note on HIV & Refugees Reusing assets: We have an updated grant management manual, am sharing it to inform your ongoing review process. Coordination and strategy: Can we align our national laws and policies on harm reduction and other KPs to facilitate a reduction in new infections?

CoP: Key Activities Building arguments, cases and rationale for various common issues: How do people in other countries do this; reforming their CCMs? Growing confidence: Before I do it, I’ll run it through my community first to see what they think. Discussing developments: What do you think of the dashboard system? Does it make a difference in your work? Documenting projects: We have faced this problem repeatedly; let’s resolve it once and for all and document the process. Visits: Can we come and see your CSS program? KP program?

CoP: Key Activities Open ended conversation – conversations that continue to rise and fall over time without a specific goal (i.e. listserv, what's up, facebook or web forum, Twitter, etc.) Access to expertise – learning from experienced practitioners (i.e. access to subject matter experts) Relationship building  – getting to know each other Content – a focus on capturing & publishing what the community learns & knows i.e. a newsletter, & focused articles

CoPs: Types Size: Some CoPs are small; some very large, with a core group and peripheral members. Geographical scope: local/national vs global. Structure: face-to-face, online or mixed approach Scope of membership: Implementers, Consultant Experts, Institutional Membership etc Resources: Self sustaining or financially supported with a budget; and Structure: Formal, Informal or Invisible Context – private, internally-focused or serving an organization, or the wider world (i.e. what is kept within the Community cultivation – Recruiting, orienting and supporting members, growing the community Individual participation – enabling members to craft their own experience of the community

Establishing a CoP: An Overview Communities of practice are dynamic social structures that require “cultivation” so that they can emerge and grow.2 Partners can sponsor CoPs, and through a series of steps, individuals can design a community environment, foster the formalization of the community, and plan activities to help grow and sustain the community. The members of the community ultimately will define and sustain it over time

Establishing a CoP: Broad Steps to Consider Purpose Every CoP is unique, with distinct goals, member characteristics, needs, and purpose. All design choices (for technical or social architecture) must be driven by purpose Successful and sustainable communities have focused, well-defined purposes Purposes should be defined in terms of the benefits to the community’s stakeholders and the specific needs that the community will be organized to meet. Finding opportunities to bring together people who are interested in skill development Organizing activities that support continued learning – the community must practice things together in order to remain dynamic.

Establishing a CoP: Key Steps to Consider Inquire: Through a process of exploration and inquiry, identify the audience, purpose, goals, and vision for the community. Design: Define the activities, technologies, group processes, and roles that will support the community’s goals. Prototype: Pilot the community with a select group of key stakeholders to gain commitment, test assumptions, refine the strategy, and establish a success story. Launch: Roll out the community to a broader audience over a period of time in ways that engage newcomers and deliver immediate benefits.

Establishing a CoP: Key Steps to Consider Grow: Engage members in collaborative learning and knowledge sharing activities, group projects, and networking events that meet individual, group, and organizational goals while creating an increasing cycle of participation and contribution. Sustain: Cultivate and assess the knowledge and “products” created by the community to inform new strategies, goals, activities, roles, technologies, and business models for the future.

Group Questions Group 1 In your opinion, what do you think is the rationale importance of establishing a CoP? What will be the benefits of having a CoP Group 2: Should CS GF Implementers establish a CoP? Why? Which organizations are best placed to host the CoP and why? Recommend 3-4 organizations

Group Questions Group 3: If CS GF Implementers establish a CoP, what are some existing opportunities that we should take advantage of? In your opinion, which partners are likely to financially support the operations of the CoP? Map out 7-10 partners Group 4 If GF CS Implementers establish a CoP who do recommend to be members? How should the members interact-virtual or face to face? Frequency? Who should moderate the interactions? Which organizations are best placed to host the CoP and why? Recommend 3-4 organizations