Collaborate, a forum for global leaders, is a CAFO Summit experience designed for global Christian leaders who are either leading national orphan care movements in their countries or desire to begin one. At Collaborate, national leaders from around the world share expertise, make new connections, learn best practices and add their voices to CAFO Global Network projects and objectives that are key to vibrant, locally-led orphan care networks.
Collaborate+ brings the structure and spirit of the Collaborate forum to international networks via a forum digital toolkit (accessed via the web or usb mailed directly to you). Our digital toolkit includes over 4 hours of video presentations (covering three topics), facilitator training, discussion guides, Three Roles of a Network Leader course, event portal and more.
What a Collaborate+ Host Can Expect?
An Exclusive Network Event Portal
All Collaborate+ hosts are granted access to their own event portal. Networks may use the Event Portal to access resources, video content, facilitation guides and training, and custom graphics for their event. Networks may promote their event through the myNetwork Hub.
Robust Collaborate+ Digital Toolkit
Each Collaborate+ digital toolkit includes three topics (presentations, discussion guides, suggested supply lists, etc.). Hosts may choose to use some or all of these topics, or modify them based on appropriateness for their setting and culture. We require hosts to use at least one topic provided in the digital toolkit for a forum session.
Facilitator Content and Coaching
In addition to the resources and guides to host your event, we offer facilitator training guides with suggested supply lists, and phone/email coaching and support from CAFO Global Network staff.
Apply to Host a Collaborate+ Event
Collaborate+ Content
Each Collaborate+ toolbox includes three topics (presentations, discussion guides, suggested supply
lists, etc.). Hosts may choose to use some or all of these topics, or modify them based on appropriateness for their setting and culture. We require hosts to use at least one topic provided in the toolbox for a forum session.
In addition to using at least one provided topic, CAFO requires each Collaborate+ forum include
facilitated discussions for at least two topics. Collaborate is known as a forum for leaders to come
together and discuss key topics. Each year, we receive comments like this:
I’ve attended many conferences and listened to many speakers, but Collaborate is the only forum where I’m asked to share my opinion on these topics!
Our attendees choose Collaborate largely because they’re asked to voice their opinions and they are listened to within facilitated conversations. The heart of Collaborate is true Collaboration!m Collaborate+ MUST include interactive discussions, led by trained facilitators. Facilitator training guides are included in the toolbox.
Current Collaborate+ Toolkit Topics
Topic 1: Hosting Wise Short-Term Missions
Topic 2: Engaging Government
Topic 3: Changing Minds and Culture Regarding Family Care
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can access Collaborate+?
Currently, Collaborate+ is exclusively available to CAFO Global Network Members. By registering, Network Members agree to abide by the guidelines and best practices outlined by Collaborate+ guidelines.
Is there a guide available for Collaborate+ hosts?
Yes, a facilitator guide will be available for hosts after they have completed the application process.
What do I do after hosting a Collaborate+ event?
While what happens at Collaborate+ is important, what happens afterward is even more so. After the event, we hope to see attendees living out the lessons learned in their own communities and organizations. Attendees to Collaborate+ forums should be encouraged to come alongside your network to partner as champions for children. Be sure to follow up on these new relationships and partnerships through ongoing communication and feedback opportunities. CAFO has created an evaluation form to be given to each attendee as part of the Collaborate+ toolbox. Not only will feedback help Hosts Networks in future planning and partnerships, it will also help the CAFO Global Network team help our partners worldwide to better serve orphans and vulnerable children.
How do I fund Collaborate+
We recommend Host Networks seek sponsorships from member organizations and churches, local businesses, government entities, and private donors to cover the cost of Collaborate+. A limited number of challenge grants are available during the 2020-2021 grant season.
Funding Collaborate+
While CAFO provides the content and training for Collaborate+, Host Networks are solely responsible for funding their own events.
In 2020, a limited number of challenge grants are available to Network Members. Grants may be used to help alleviate administrative costs and provide scholarships to Collaborate+ forums in member countries. CAFO reserves the sole right to approve or deny challenge grant applicants and decide grant amounts. Grants are not guaranteed and are time-limited. For more information on Collaborate+ challenge grants, click here.
We recommend Host Networks seek sponsorships from member organizations and churches, local businesses, government entities, and private donors to cover the cost of Collaborate+.
A limited number of challenge grants are available during the 2020-2021 grant season. Applicants must commit to the following:
– Events must reach a minimum of 50 attendees
– Hosts must commit to trained facilitators for each group (one facilitator to every 8-10 people). The CAFO Global Network provides training materials in the Collaborate+ Toolbox.
– Applicants must provide an outline of their proposed budget and venue space.
– Impact reports will be submitted at 9 months post-event. Reports will focus on several measures of success. During the application process, a CAFO Global Network staff member will guide applicants in outlining definable measures of success which can be assessed in the post-event impact report.
– Challenge grants are matching, meaning grantees must raise support from their local communities before CAFO will release funds.
– Grantees also agree to submit event details within 30 day of the forum. Details will include attendance numbers, attendee list, photos, and evaluation forms.
Not yet a CAFO Global Network Member?
We invite you to learn more.
Host Collaborate+
Are you ready to bring the Collaborate Forum to your in-country Network?