How does the Solution Circles work?

• The Solution Circle, takes an iterative approach to frame problems and enroll members; starting with a small core team which expands to 40-50 members in each circle. In all, the forum will host 350 members across four Circles and others.
• The Forum becomes functional and energised by taking a network approach, starting with a small cohort which initially 1. Frames the problems, 2. Enrolls few members each. The membership increases in three steps (5-25-45), through recommendations of members. The full group builds consensus on the problem statements, use cases and membership.
• Once the full Solution Circle is in operation, they move to 3. Landscape – what solutions tried, tested succeeded/failed 4. Develop prototype 5. Test prototype 6. Release results to the broader Social Impact sector through Creative Commons.
• Principles at the core of the solution circles: 1. Social impact driven; 2. Vulnerable community centric; 3. Self organising and managing; 4. Build on what exists; 5. Respect all approaches; 6. Non-dogmatic; 7. Sharing knowledge freely; 7. Voluntary

What is expected of a member:

Share freely your perspectives, material, data and other information in the area you are interested, connect SC to various other members (and keep them motivated like you) and give about 3 hours a month, for nine months. And if possible, two full days during the F2F meetings. Based on other roles more time maybe needed. All time and sharing is voluntary.

What you are likely to get are potential solutions including frameworks, approaches, information, perspectives, investments, etc. You gain access to a network of thought leaders, sector experts and investors. Solution Circles allows you to speak about your work and potentially get support from a network of like-minded people and organizations.

The Solution Circles

Innovative Finance

New innovative financial instruments (like DIBs) have focused on easy to measure outcomes. Societal problems are complex and some key sectors are not attracting sufficient investments (e.g. Child Marriage, disability). How do these sectors set themselves up for innovative financing? The sub-sector is evolving and needs coordination and market making? How will that happen?

TechTonic

Technology is a great enabler for social impact. However Impact Organisations (IOs) and Governments typically do not have a tech strategy and then are exposed to an exponential numbers of solutions looking for problems. AI/ML/Blockchain- what is the hype vs realised vs unrealised potential? How can IOs use them? How can field focused interventions gain from various technologies available?

Social Behaviour Change

Behaviour Change is explained by diverse disciplines, theories, models and frameworks. It is practiced across sectors (such as marketing. advertisement, social programs). How can theory and experiences combine to understand and look for designs that address problems such as improving access to ANC services, improving hand washing practices among health care practitioners and understanding the changing norms of sexuality to prevent early marriage or teen pregnancies.

Transform for scale

Inequities and large marginalization still exists. Solutions, despite many, are not keeping pace with the growing challenges to the social sector. There is a need to look at ‘what works at scale’. Some organisations work on scaling direct service models, whereas others work to change the wider system and address root causes that perpetuate the problem. The threads emerging are: How do we deliver ‘impact at scale’ by unlocking new potential? How does an organization transform itself for scale?

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