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MATRIX INTEGRAL NEWSLETTER #2: JANUARY, 2004
After a lovely holiday break, things are back into full swing. We have recently launched our Network section, welcoming new team members, and making wonderful new connections. Read on below. Be sure to notice the offer of free professional consulting from Björn Söderberg!
IN THIS ISSUE:
(1) - Network Launch
(2) - Featuring Björn Söderberg - consultant to social entrepreneurs
(3) - Matrix Integral offers free consultant services to members!
(1) NETWORK LAUNCH
The Matrix Integral Network, which seeks to connect people who want to give and get advice about change work, share their experiences, and offer support, was uploaded right before new year, December 29. All of you who have submitted your memberships should have received a username and password, giving you full access to our database.
Not yet a member? You become a member by submitting a short biography that will be available to other members. Submit yours at www.matrixintegral.org/network.htm .
(2) FEATURING NETWORK MEMBER BJÖRN SÖDERBERG - CONSULTANT TO SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURS
Born: 1981
Gender: M
Country: Sweden
Speaks: Swedish, English, Nepali
Björn left Sweden for Nepal in August 2001, thinking he would work as an English teacher in an elementary school, which he also did, but only for the first two months. In September 2001, he wrote his friends: "The streets of Katmandu are extremely polluted. There are piles of garbage everywhere lying in the open air, spreading bad smells and diseases." In a personal comment to an attached extensive project plan, he wrote: "The worst case scenario is that I loose $250, that a neighborhood of 20 households is cleaned, and that two Nepalese people are hired [receive full salary] for two months."
The project plan was good. This Christmas, Björn spent with his friends in Nepal ; friends that are now running a cooperative enterprise (owned by the employees) recycling paper in Nepal and selling handmade quality products to countries around the world. Today, four men and four women are making a good living, three of them grew up as orphans, one of whom today support a family with children. All women worked restrictively with housework before, now they talk English, know how to use a computer, and are learning international marketing.
Björn says that the use of the Integral approach, and primarily the awareness of different developmental stages in people and cultures, has been absolutely vital for the survival of the project. In a society and culture completely different from Sweden , it is very naive to think that low caste women and orphans magically will be able to manage their own company when given the chance. But by facing and respecting the worldview of his fellow workers, Björn has managed to help them become a self-confident team with diverse ideas (and the conflicts that involves) that finds plenty of joy in their work.
During the two years that the project has been operating, there has been tremendous development, both in the exterior dimensions (leadership, economy, production, etc.) and the interior (personal growth, compassion, creativity, etc.). From facing a group barely daring to look into his eyes, only answering "yes sir" and looking down when addressed, Björn is now experiencing a team able to act on their own responsibility and to object anytime they disagree with him or anyone else.
The strong focus on taking care of the environment and addressing social rights, was from the beginning secured by Björn’s presence. Today it is by common consent: "It is their business now; I have no legal say if they want to change the ethics, so I’m very happy they share my values on that point."
Björn is very impressed by the results of their efforts: "We still have got a long way to go, but my work here is completely different today than the first year. I no longer teach a group of disadvantaged Nepalese people how to cooperate and produce paper products; now my job is to introduce an international market to a highly efficient group of Nepalese businessmen and businesswomen."
(3) FREE CONSULTANT SERVICES
Matrix Integral has been given the honor of offering Björn’s services to our members for free. Björn offers to help anyone; from the one with nothing but a vague idea, to the one in process of restructuring or expanding an established organization. His extraordinary work as a caring consultant for social entrepreneurs has already resulted in several successful projects around the world. Email bjorn@matrixintegral.org and explain your situation.
To visit the website of the project in Nepal, follow the link below:
Watabaran - unique christmas cards, fair trade
TELL YOUR FRIENDS!
Have you got a friend that maybe could use some advice from Björn? Or do you know someone who could be interested in our Education? Send an email to your friends and tell them about our Network and Education.
Matrix Integral whishes you all an exciting, eventful, contemplative, and happy New Year!
Click here to learn more about Matrix Integral, our services and our educational community.
