In March, more than 60 oikees from 13 Local Chapters met in still snowy Oslo, Norway, to work, learn, party - and make a difference!

We started off with the Strategy Meeting. The discussion, moderated by our new oikos PhD fellow Kim Poldner, focused on three areas: visibility, internal communication and chapter stabilisation. The cooperation between the Local Chapters’ Presidents and the International Executive Board supported by the oikos PhD fellows turned out to be fruitful and gave us new insights.

First Dive, Pathfinder, Colloquium

After that all oikees took part in the first workshops, where three different levels were offered. Beginners got some basic knowledge about sustainability from our current oikos International President– Kate Negacz. Those who already are deeply involved into oikos, tried to find their own way to leadership for sustainable economics and management supported by oikos International President 2008 – Katharina Beck. The third level was the oikos PhD Colloqium by Nina Hug, oikos PhD Fellow, on accountability in non-profit management.

Discussing the European energy future

We finished our first day with an engaged panel discussion on a renewable energy future in Europe with Håkon Vist, Strategic Business Development Manager Nordic Region from Dalkia and Bjørn Utgård, Energy and Climate Policy Advisor from Bellona.

From sustainability trends... to student projects!

On the second day, Patricia Mesquita introduced us to an absolutely colourful world. The first step was getting to know colours, then mixing them and finally applying the paint. We could choose from three different workshops: Sustainable Public Policy (Energy and Emmision – Nina Hug), Sustainable Entrepreneurship (Eco-Fasion – Kim Poldner) and Sustainable Bussines Models (Micro-Credit and –Insurance – Martin Herrndorf). While mixing we explored some sub-topics in more depth. Applying the colours was answering the question: How could an oikos member pursue the discussed topics in the future? The last part was a reflection, where in a big circle everybody could freely express his/their own feelings after a long, but inspiring day.

Getting project skills

The next day, participants faced the challenge of improving their skills. Fundraising, visibility, LogFrame, chapter management – here we could learn how to improve ours oikos activities. Also Frank Linxweiler explained to us how important sustainability could be in our professional life.

Exchanging at the Chapter Fair

The ideas come from everywhere, this is what makes our network successful. The Local chapter fair again created the/a platform for exchanging ideas and experiences and setting cooperations between the chapters. The discussion between the members finally moved to a restaurant where we had a great dinner and an outstanding party.

Legislative meeting... and sight seeing!

The ending of the meeting was also traditional – the Legislative Meeting with reports, plans, visions and voting. However, oikos administrative issues did not dominate our last day in Oslo. We also visited an climate change exhibition at the Science Museum where using rubber boots we could check what will happen with our planet if people like oikees do not get involved.

At the end, beautiful weather encouraged those who still had some more time, to spend a great afternoon walking again around Oslo’s most attractive spots.

Thanks!

This great event reflects the strong interest, energy and motivation of the oikos members who were present - but also the work of the oikos Oslo team strongly supported by oikos International team who together deserve our gratitude! 

 

 

To learn more please visit oikos Spring Meeting Oslo website.

 

Maciej Zyglowicz, Director Marketing, EB 2009