At first, we viewed the Voice Linking and Learning activities as just another part of the requirement. But this changed when we realized that we could learn something from joining the activities. I always look forward to joining because I knew that I could learn something new. What is good about Linking and Learning is that they try to connect with the target audience. The sessions were delivered in a creative way given our challenges because of the pandemic.” – Timothy Salomon, BUKLURAN “ What is interesting about the annual summit is the progression in its purpose and design over the years, yet always with the intended outcome of creating a sustainable and inclusive community of like-minded groups. It is also worth noting at this point that in the more than two years of implementation of this first funding cycle, the Voice grantees which eventually totaled to 48 organizations, joined Voice at different stages of program implementation. The first National Linking and Learning Summit was held in August 29-31, 2018 . With the tagline Include, Innovate, Influence, the objective was to create a sense of community among the organizations and grantees to have a better understanding of each organization’s activities, ask questions to clarify concerns, convey their message to one another, and see possible connections even if they have different target groups. The concept of “unconferencing” was introduced by YGOAL as a strategy for enabling the grantees to share activities and practices in their respective communities so they can mobilize the different sectors to be part of their advocacies. Other activities aimed at laying the land for Linking and Learning included a Strategic Communications Workshop, Intersectionality Workshop, Optional Video Editing Training, and Solidarity Night. The development of Voice Philippines National Learning Questions concluded the summit. The questions generated served as guide in meeting objectives during program implementation.
1. How do we understand human rights?
2. How do we uphold and claim human rights?
3. How do we collectively define progress and development?
4. What key considerations should we look into when doing community organizing?
5. How can we effectively engage the government?
6. How do we contribute to the attainment of the SDGs?
7. How do disasters affect communities?
8. How do we support sectors that are being attacked by the government?
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