A problem shared is a problem halved. You can help turn the tide on HIV and AIDS by sharing what you have learned with other organisations working to reduce the impact of the pandemic in South Africa.

The poetry of managing people
This poem was written by participants that attended a workshop on Managing People facilitated by Priscilla Andrews and Maxine Oppelt in the Boland/Overberg region.

Managing People
Managing people
Can be so much fun.
By including everybody
And not just one.
Sharing views and ideas,
Learning to overcome our fears,
Are just some things we need
In order to succeed.
There is so much more
Than just managing,
And so we are here
To learn everything.
Thank you Maxine and
Thank you Priscilla,
For time well spent
And for what we have learned.
For now we know managing people
Is a process and not an event.

- Thembinkosi, John, Lindy, Carmen, Eleanor, Trevor, Conradie, Alex, Phyllis, Claude, Ben, Sofia, David, Audrey, Lorentia, Ilze, Ntombenstsha, Enid, Nonceba, Julia, Ancy, Nicky, Melissa, Sarina, Chantall.

WHAT'S YOUR TAKE? Tell us what you think of this poem or send us your tips on managing people.

Guiding Principles for Social Mobilisation
Millicent Seela, Director of Knysna AIDS Council and Executive Member of NACOSA shared these guiding principles in her talk at Masibambisane 3:

• research the need in the community
• create and maintain systems to bring internal order
• network to build friendships - associate with networking organisations like NACOSA
• listen, learn and love to be inspired to do something
• leadership to drive and support the big vision and goals
• complie a constitution to acknowledge and inspire
• register for NPO status
• keep focused on the vision to help you through the bad days and hurdles
• expect people to leave the organisation and the vision over time
• avoid duplicating services
• do not be tempted by funding that does not help you to reach your vision
• never, never, never give up - if one door is closed, another will open
• identify what value your organisation brings
• do not be fearful of failing - it is a learning experience
• communicate with associates, affiliated organisations or individuals
• celebrate regularly on what you have achieved
• a good attitude towards stakeholders is just as important as good talent
• promote integrity and excellence amongst your staff and team
• find people who believe in you/your organisation and do not waste time with people who do not

Got something to share?
Contact us to share what you have learned with other NACOSA members.