trustee motivation

Progressio's Chair, HELENA MOLYNEUX, explains why she is willing to give two days a month to the organisation.

How did a farmer's daughter from Lancashire, in the north of England, get so interested in Progressio, its work, values and vision? I think geography at school is to blame - it opened my eyes to the world beyond my own.

This interest in the diversity of the world is undiminished. But geography also teaches you that there is gross inequity in the quality of life and justice. So, having got my degree (geography) under my belt, and four years' experience in personnel management, I applied for an assignment through Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO).

"Being closely involved has made me realise what a gem Progressio is: an organisation combining radical Christian and secular development thinking and rooted in the real experience of our partners in some of the poorest countries in the world."

A year as coordinator for adult education in Sierra Leone led to a further two years lecturing and researching, again in geography, at Fourah Bay College in Freetown. Working in Sierra Leone was a key part of my journey to Progressio.

Human resource (HR) management then took centre stage leading to my becoming HR Director Europe for Bankers Trust Company, then HR Director for British Council and I am now a management consultant.

But I still had time to get involved with my local Justice and Peace (J&P) group and also with Traidcraft, the fair- trading organisation. It was through J&P activity that I learned more about the radical nature of the Catholic church's social teaching and encountered Progressio's work and analysis. Our J&P group worked on the 'changing minds' agenda as much as we did on 'changing lives' through fundraising. My role on the board of Traidcraft plc enabled me to combine my management experience with a passion to further fair trade.

The invitation to join the board of Progressio was therefore irresistible. Being closely involved has made me realise what a gem Progressio is: an organisation combining radical Christian and secular development thinking and rooted in the real experience of our partners in some of the poorest countries in the world; an organisation with high quality social, political and economic analysis and with an amazing track record over 60 years.

Special contribution

A visit in November 2001 to Progressio's programmes in El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua has deepened my understanding about the special working relationship we have with our partner organisations: the way we combine skill sharing, which is subtle and facilitative, with support for their influencing for change; and the credibility that our partnerships give to our efforts to influence issues which affect them. Work such as that with a partner in Nicaragua seeking to shape the national poverty reduction strategy. Or a partner group in Honduras aiming to enhance livelihoods through the sustainable use and protection of the tropical forest in which they live. Or with women's organisations in El Salvador striving to strengthen their voices and participation and improve their well-being.

What I learnt about the reality of Progressio's work in Central America will helps me be effective as Chair. It has also made me very confident that Progressio has a niche, that we have a real contribution to make to 'changing minds and changing lives' and that we have the capacity to continue to do so in the future. But to do this, we need to work hard at sharing information about the work and winning financial support for it. So the message is: spread the word.

On their visit to El Salvador in November 2001, Progressio Chair Helena Molyneux and Executive Director Christine Allen met members of La Montañona association - a grouping of seven municipalities planning to conserve and develop a mountain into a site for eco-tourism. Their vision is of 'integrated development in harmony with the environment'. 

Mayors from both the FMLN and ARENA - on opposite sides during the civil war only a few years ago - are now working together. One said: 'We're not worried about our lack of resources because we have the will to work.' Progressio is supporting this project with backing from the Community Fund.

In Honduras, Helena and Christine visited the Forestry Cooperative of the Atlantic Coast (COATLAHL), where Progressio is providing support in administration, finance and management. The cooperative uses sustainable practices in the management of the tropical hardwood forest.