Workshop with a Future Focus

On 3 June, SMC hosted an SMC Learning Network (SLN) gathering. Participants from member organisations across the network joined for a full day of new tools, practical exercises, and engaging conversations about future directions.

The meeting aimed to both prepare for final reporting of projects and programmes from 2022 to September 2025, and to look ahead to the next programme period.

One of the day’s highlights was an interactive session led by Katherine Cash, advisor at SMC. She introduced The Local Changemaker Course — a flexible, rights-based training resource that connects freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) with interreligious dialogue. The course is hosted on the FoRB Learning Platform and is currently available in eight languages. During the workshop, participants got to try The Soup of Life — a practical and inclusive exercise from the course that illustrates human rights in an accessible and engaging way.

Curious to learn more about The Local Changemaker Course?

Kristina Patring, advisor at SMC, led a session on Above All, Love Each Other Deeply — a recently published methodology designed to facilitate dialogue on polarising issues within churches and Christian organisations. The material aims to open up spaces where people can meet across differences and engage in meaningful conversation.

Interested in Above All? Read more and download your own copy!

Throughout the day, there was a strong sense of joy in being able to meet in person and reflect together. Both the session on final reporting to Sida and the hands-on experience of the Local Changemaker Course were especially appreciated by participants.

Looking ahead, SLN will continue to develop shared tools and create space for dialogue, collaboration, and transformation — both within our own organisations and together with partners.

If you work for one of SMC’s member organisations, you are welcome to join the SMC Learning Network (SLN). Sign up here.