Baltic Sea Impact Network members meet in Riga
Every two months, the Baltic Sea Impact Network hosts a Peer Learning session, giving members the opportunity to learn from one another and make valuable connections. Each session kicks off with a Members’ Spotlight, where two members introduce themselves and their organizations to the rest of the group.
One such Member spotlight led to tangible results. After Inna Falko presented her organization, Mental Health & Gamification, she reached out to other members interested in similar topics to discuss ideas, and share experiences and relevant contacts. Meanwhile Christer Nordin contacted Inna, and Živilė contacted Christer. As they communicated, it quickly became clear that there was great potential for collaboration. Despite focusing on different target groups, they were all working with mental health.
We got more out of the first Zoom meetings than we expected.
Inna Falko
Christer Nordin (No-addict Scandinavia) works with addiction, Rasa Valinskienė (Syvas) empowers the elderly by helping them sell their handicrafts on an online platform. Živilė Kurienė (Senjorų pasaulis) provides opportunities for older people to stay active, healthy and independent. Inna Falko, Sergii Kulyk, and Natalia Urus (Mental Health & Gamification) are developing a digital product to improve communication between generations using psychotherapeutic storytelling and gamification.
Some Zoom meetings later, they decided to meet in person, taking advantage of the mobility opportunity offered by the Baltic Sea Impact Network. After navigating some logistical challenges, they realised that the easiest solution for all of them would be to meet in Riga. In July, Christer, Rasa, and Živilė finally visited Inna, Sergii and Natalia.
The group dynamic we have is fantastic!
The group spent two productive days together. The first day they focused on getting to know each other and shared expertise and insights. The main goal, however, was to create a partnership and start work on a project proposal, so day two was dedicated to identifying common problems and brainstorming possible solutions. The group will continue to work on the project proposal, and although there is still much to be done, they have already outlined their next steps.
The group spent two productive days together.
Everyone agrees that the connections made and the mobility experience have been the most valuable aspects of being a member of the Baltic Sea Impact Network so far. Reflecting on the online peer-learning sessions, Inna adds:
You will get as much value as you put in. If you don’t participate and reach out to others, you won’t get much.
Christer, Rasa and Živilė were the first Network members to use this mobility opportunity, and we are thrilled to see their collaboration take shape. Special thanks to Inna for organizing the two-day event in Riga, ensuring everyone had a productive and enjoyable experience.
Baltic Sea Impact Network is done with the support of the Swedish Institute and in partnership between Reach for Change Sweden, Reach for Change Latvia, Social Enterprise Estonia, Social Entrepreneurship Association of Latvia, and the Lithuanian Social Business Association.
