Vol 2 Application

Making the Most of this Book

Applications and Suggestions from Kelly and Michèle

We compiled/edited Crossing Sectors for Serving Humanity in support of the crucial development-transition period for the member care field and the mission/aid sector. Drawing on several years of experience in the international humanitarian, development, health, and human resources sectors, we have put together many core materials that can inform colleagues about the broader multi-sectoral context for providing/developing good practice in both member care and mission/aid.

Why study and use this book?

You want to stay current with the thinking, resources, and events that are shaping our world and the post-2015 development agenda. You are willing to cross your comfort zones, and grow.

You want to be more effective in your work and draw upon materials from other sectors. You are eager to connect and contribute more broadly.

You are not content with the status quo of the world, the member care field, and the mission/aid sector. You care about people and our planet and want to truly help make a difference.

Seven Suggestions

1. Read and discuss the book's Introduction (Growing Broadly in Mission/Aid--and Beyond) and Chapter 2 (Charting Your Course through the Sectors). Take special note of the member care model that guides the book (pp. xix-xxi) as well as the new global member care model to guide the field (pp. 7-8). Chapter two also contains many examples and ideas for involvement across sectors, including ten lessons from crossing sectors.

2. Review the Table of Contents and note the chapters that interest you the most. We suggest starting with 3-5 chapters. Be sure to have a look at the Related Resources section at the end of the chapters--you will likely find interesting/relevant materials/videos for your further study. Don't be too concerned about reading the entire book--at least not initially!

3. Go through the materials as a group--colleagues, part of a training course/academic text, webinars (TBA). As you read the material, keep in mind the five goals for crossing sectors, mentioned at the beginning of Parts One-Four.

• To support mission/aid workers in their wellbeing and effectiveness
• To support colleagues in other sectors via materials in the member care field
• To equip mission/aid workers with tools and opportunities for their work with others
• To equip member caregivers who directly work with vulnerable populations and others
• To stay informed as global citizens about current and crucial issues facing humanity.

4. Write 3-5 Take Aways (personal applications) for each of the chapters you read. What are the most relevant items for you and what do you plan to do based on this material? Here is an example for Chapter 5, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).

a. I have never read this important document on human rights from 1948. The intrinsic values of human dignity and worth and the 30 Articles that build upon these values are important for my work. I will review this document more and its background.

b. The right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion etc. (Article 18) in particular interests me. I want to review to what extent this right affects people's work in the faith-based humanitarian sector who work with "vulnerable populations."

c. Human rights can also be foundational for good member care practice. I will review Part Three in volume one in the Global Member Care series, on human rights and member care. Can a better understanding of human rights help make my organization's work more effective?

d. I am also interested in understanding human responsibilities along with human rights. I'll watch the video on human rights that is listed at the end of this chapter.

5. Spread the word about this book and the important direction that it represents for member care and mission/aid and beyond. Include the topics/processes related to crossing sectors in conferences, organizational goal planning, and the post 2015 sustainable development agenda.

6. Keep current via the Vol 2 Updates section on this website (and other relevant sources) as you "go broadly and grow deeply."

7. Form a "caravan of colleagues" for mutual support and learning as you cross sectors in your life/work. Remember that "crossing deserts" is also part of international work--that is, experiencing places of personal challenge and struggle. So prioritize work-life balance, self-care, and mutual support, to help you as you connect/contribute for the long term.