Three of Dosti’s members are piloted the Axis of Influence in 2007 to look at their work as a network and their work on this will form the basis of three case studies which Dosti will publish shortly. We think the Axis of Influence is proving to be a really useful tool, but don't take our word for it - read what members of our networks said:

 

“Dudley Women’s Forum lacked cohesion and focus, so when the opportunity came from Dosti to get involved in the Axis of Influence work members thought decided to take up the opportunity.  In the first session members were asked about how influential they think they are, some of the women felt they had no influence whilst other women felt influential in their own organisations. The sessions highlighted that Dudley Women’s Forum lacked a focus, the forum were a group of women that came together to network. I undertook some research and brought in examples from other women’s forums across the country.  The session gave the forum direction; members had little knowledge of strategic partnerships in Dudley. Then, with input from Dosti staff, Dudley Women’s Forum looked at the composition of the partnerships in the Dudley Borough and the opportunity for women to be involved in the work of the partnerships. I found the process interesting and it was a learning curve.”

 

Sue Solly, member, Dudley Women’s Forum

 

“Dosti’s Axis of Influence enabled the forum to think practically, the women were able to express themselves and make some changes.  As well as this it has given Dudley Women’s Forum direction.  If the forum looses direction then members need to go back to the 10 steps on the Axis.”

Sam Watts, member, Dudley Women’s Forum

 

Geraldine Walker is a Development Officer who supports Action for Disabled and Carers (ADC) - a network of 7 disability and carer groups. She said:

 

“ADC recently had their chair resign and they needed some direction.  Selling Dosti’s Axis of Influence to members was difficult.  The first session looked at the steps and gave an introduction to the Axis.  Then ADC had a full day to really work through the toolkit.  When looking at the steps the indicator ADC realised they needed to do some work on step 4 ‘organised to influence’.  ADC also needed to focus on a vision as they had new and old members within the group.  What ADC also realised was they need to recognise and celebrate achievements.”

 

 “I was thinking about leaving ADC before we started working with the Axis of Influence.  I didn’t feel that we had a focus”.

Josh Uddin, a member of ADC’s Board

 

Working with the Axis of Influence has helped ADC to recognise some of the things they need to focus on to become more influential and they are developing an action plan to address these.

Sally Huband, Chief Officer of Age Concern Dudley, plays a leading role in engaAGING, a network which brings together groups and organisations that work together with older people, aiming to offer a collective voice and engage older people in consultation.  She said:

 

“the Axis of Influence is a really useful tool. engAGING have been struggling to move on. Sometimes engAGING members forget what they are coming for - they need to see there are some wins. Hopefully our work on influence will start to do that and give people a reason for coming.”