23. Evolution or revolution with Umut Dilara Baycili

Embodying change: Transforming power, culture and well-being in aid organisations

Melissa talks about organisational culture with Umut Dilara Baycili, a child psychologist working for Mavi Kalem. This humanitarian NGO and CHS Alliance member supports women and children in Turkey with a team that includes doctors, psychologists, sociologists and social workers.

It is not unusual for people working for NGOs like Mavi Kalem to experience stressful and traumatic situations. In addition, local and national NGOs often face an uphill battle in accessing sustainable funding. What can be done to support staff and treat them fairly and equitably (Commitment Eight of the Core Humanitarian Standard)?

Dilara gives examples of leadership recognizing and tapping into staff members’ inherent skills, prioritizing learning and skills development, non-hierarchical communication infused with empathic understanding, ritualised conversations about organisational culture, annual exchanges of personalised feedback, a pragmatic handling of mistakes, and a realistic setting of targets.

To learn more about Mavi Kalem and Umut Dilara Baycili, check out:

· Twitter: @Mavi Kalem

· İnstagram: @mavikalemdernegi

· Youtube: Mavi Kalem https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuxxdEqGpST00mS-5l-IVYA)

· Web Site: https://www.mavikalem.org/

· Mavi Kalem’s E-mail: [e-mail]

· Umut Dilara Baycılı’s E-mail: [e-mail]

***We would like to give a special thanks to the Initiative’s supporters: the CHS Alliance members, the Government of Luxembourg, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (DFCO) and the Netherlands. And thanks to Ziada Abeid for editing the show.***