CASE STUDY from ASToN (2019-2022): The network kick-off event in Kampala (Uganda), 23-25 October 2019
To mark the launch of ASToN, the 11 network cities met in Kampala in October 2019. Cities were represented by technical officers from the city teams, and by an elected member or Mayor.
We designed a 3-day event with the objectives of creating a sense of occasion to mark the network launch; allowing the space and time for the cities to start to get to know each other; modelling the kind of engagement and honesty we hoped all would bring to ASToN interactions, we wanted to start building a safe space that would encourage sharing the wins and challenges further down the line.
The programme was:
• Day One: Launch All Mayors signed a charter, official photo to capture the moment, all cities introduced themselves with the help of a massive map to stand on, we each shared what we’re most excited about, then closed with a cocktail together, joined by others from Kampala City team
• Day Two: LearnWe introduced ASToN method, we heard from each city about a ‘gem’ they wanted to the network to know about their city, we explored who is a tech optimist vs a tech pessimist in the group to help get to know each other better, and then we went out and about in Kampala to visit some of their flagship digital projects.
• Day Three: Vision and what’s next We did a visioning exercise with everyone to connect personally to what they wanted from ASToN and how it might shape their career and life in their city, we drew posters of the future each city wanted to create through their time on ASToN and ‘visited’ each others’ city poster, we closed with a closing ceremony and a word from our host, Kampala Mayor. Running a network kick-off is a significant investment in time and resources but it’s worth it for the sparks of relationships that are created, and the common understanding you can build in the room. It’s as much about the unstructured time as the organised sessions. Coffee breaks, dinners, walking between venues… these were all some of the most valuable times for getting to know each other. Time together as a network is a high priority for everyone. We were quite blown away by how much people prioritised coming to the launch, and have prioritised ASToN network meetings ever since. It validates how useful and meaningful people find the connections to be. ASToN requires a safe space, and that takes time. At the kick off meeting, cities presented the best of themselves and there was even a touch of competitiveness. That’s only natural for a first-time meeting. Since then we’ve been able to coax out more sharing of problems and challenges, and a more nuanced view of each city. It’s only be creating a safe, open and honest space in-person and online that this kind of sharing becomes possible, and it takes time to cultivate.
