Broadcast Thursday, December 7, 2023

Hello lovely people! 

I hope this season offers you a moment to connect with family and friends; and that you have a moment to reflect on your journey through the year and appreciate the contributions you’ve made in the world. I appreciate your passion for a more equitable world and your time collaborating with other SoFA Members. In the past two weeks, I’ve been working on some of the same things in relation to SoFA. I’m so very pleased to share with you our Annual Report for 2022-2023. It feels great to review it and see the impact we’ve had on the world! 

All hands on deck! You also heard from me this week about our efforts this month to raise $50,000 as a match to a donation. It’s a big stretch for us to do this, and there is no way we will do it without YOUR participation. I shared this guide to support your conversations. As I’m working through my list, I’m feeling grateful for the conversations and the opportunity to connect authentically around how our work contributes to a more peaceful and just world. I hope you are having the same experiences! 

With much gratitude, 

Rhonda Baird

✨ Highlights

Exciting Opportunity for SoFA members to get certified: Certification Track pilot!

Great news for SoFA working members! If you have been part of SoFA for over 18 months, Training Circle is launching a pilot Certification Track for you. This unique opportunity enables you to certify your sociocracy experience and identify any learning gaps. We will run it from January to March 2024, where you’ll work towards earning Practitioner and Facilitator level badges and with the help of a new Learning Library. Note, this track is more for those that already have enough experience and regularly practice sociocracy in their SoFA circles, rather than the in-depth study provided by the Academy. Interested members should fill out the form by December 23rd.

✏️ Circle reports

Mission Circle

The Mission Circle has been actively involved in reviewing the organization’s Mission Statement. They have recently accepted an updated nondiscrimination and harassment policy. Additionally, the Circle is in the process of accepting two new board members.

International Circle General

International Circle General has made significant strides. They have established an International Strategy and Finances Circle with a focus on the international budget. Notably, the circle is currently working on a grant application with a deadline of today, seeking 50,000 EUR in funding from Europe.

• SoItalia: efforts are underway to address a long-standing conflict between two members. The Circle is actively considering the initiation of a conflict resolution process to address the issues at hand.
• SoPra: actively engaged in a Christmas fundraising campaign to support the organization’s initiatives.
• SoFra French: focusing on the translation of MVOS and membership pages.
• International Seeding: comprising various regional sub-circles, is scheduled to meet tomorrow to discuss ongoing initiatives.

Content Circle

• Outreach Circle: working on reviewing outreach metrics and optimizing the sign-up funnel. Additionally, they are reviewing the content creation strategy for outreach.
• Training Circle: currently reevaluating its training programs and has temporarily paused ongoing sessions.
• Publishing House: John has recently joined the Publishing House sub-circle.
• Org Support: contemplating various aspects related to the organization’s platform.
• Web Content Publishing: actively contributing by working on the German conference and preparing for the transition to a new website template.
• Website Circle: gearing up for a transition to a new template until January 15th.

SoFA Support Services

• Membership Support: specific focus on reviewing membership categories.
• Financial Wellbeing Circle: currently working on fundraising, budgeting processes, and collaborating with the International Circle’s new finance and strategy circle.
• IT Circle: exploring new systems for internal communication.

Ecosystem Circle

Discussing budgetary matters, a matching grant, and receiving feedback on a platform proposal.

• Permaculture. focusing on bioregional organizing and degrowth. They are also planning offerings for 2024.
• Intentional Communities: have successfully organized an Intentional Communities conference with good engagement. They have achieved a break-even point and launched a campaign for “added value” ticket sales. Notably, they have gained one new member.
• Co-op Circle: actively revising its membership policy for clarity. They are making efforts to operationalize the circle and are searching for members to fill various roles. Work on a lead magnet is ongoing.
• Nonprofits: meeting to work on a sector conference. They are addressing capacity issues, setting specific goals for growth, and improving onboarding processes. There is a focus on measuring contentment and support for new circle members.
• FOSC: actively engaged in outreach work with Karrot and exploring the role of a Community of Practice.
• AtWork: exploring the creation of a logo and discussing budgeting and finances for the circle. Additionally, they are considering organizing CoPs based on skill levels.

📰 Announcements

Remember we are in the middle of the End of year fundraising campaign.

Help us spread the word!