Working group

On this page

• Is it for us?
• In the footsteps of
• Step-by-step guide
• More in-depth

Is it for us?

These questions will help you determine whether this tool is suitable for your organisation, objectives and situation.

What?
The Zoöp working group consists of employees from various departments, the Speaker for the Living, a coordinator and possibly additional roles. Current Zoöp issues, activities and coordination are discussed during regular meetings. The working group is intended to form the central body for the implementation of the Zoöp model in the organisation. It is important that the working group is well embedded in the organisation's processes.

What for?
The working group helps to embed the Zoöp work throughout the organisation. It facilitates:

• Structure and overview of all Zoöp activities
• Ownership across all departments, horizontal hierarchy and encouraging everyone's contributions
• Inclusive exchange of perspectives, ideas and emerging questions about Zoöp activities
• Support for the annual plan and local interventions
• Through this working group, the Speaker for the Living also gains a better understanding of organisational processes, and their perspective on the interests of life can be shared more widely

Where?
At the Zoöp itself and/or online.

When and how often?

• Applicable in organisations with multiple teams or departments; the form and frequency depend on the scale and structure of the organisation.
• Rhythm: Regular meetings, e.g. monthly

How much time, money, and materials will it require?

• Time investment: For working group members, 1–3 hours/week for preparation, participation and follow-up
• Materials: Online platform or meeting room, notes software, communication channels.
• Costs: For working group activities a space may need to be provided, which may involve rental costs.

Step-by-step guide

Preparation

1. Establish structure: Align with the organisational structure (departments, hierarchy, scale).
2. Present to organisation: Ensure that everyone in the organisation is informed about the working group, for example by giving a presentation at a general meeting.
3. Composition: Choose a coordinator and invite people to join the working group. This can be based on interest or position (e.g. one person from each department). Consider a rotation of this role if necessary.
4. Kick-off: At the first meeting, participants can get to know each other and agree on the goal, working method and communication.

Implementation

1. Input from teams: Representatives check with their teams on relevant topics.
2. Setting the agenda: The working group coordinator consults with participants and Speaker for the Living.
3. Meeting: Updates and discussion of relevant Zoöp interests. Moderation could be on a rotating basis or by the Zoöp coordinator.
4. Documentation: Minutes of progress and decisions.

Follow-up

1. Feedback to teams: Representatives share relevant information internally.
2. Broad communication: Think of newsletters, staff meetings or reports.

More in-depth

How does it affect the user?

• Greater awareness of the Zoöp model and the role of the organisation within it
• Greater insight into other departments and the bigger picture
• Enthusiasm and commitment through active participation and exchange
• By appointing representatives, these effects can also be brought to the entire organisation.

Combinations and applications
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Challenges and limitations

• Visibility: The work of the working group must be actively communicated to the entire organisation
• Ownership: Representatives should not do everything themselves, but should primarily activate their colleagues
• Workload: Working group tasks must be planned structurally in order to function sustainably

Roles involved

• Coordinator: Organises, moderates, and acts as the point of contact for the Speaker for the Living. Focuses on process guidance, not content management
• Representatives: Participants from all departments who are responsible for Zoöp agenda setting in their team and gather input. They are active in meetings and act as a bridge to their colleagues
• Speaker for the Living: Advises from the perspective of the living and gains insight into processes and decision-making within the organisation through the working group
• Zoöp manager (optional): Connects the working group with the board and the wider organisation; can help to embed the Zoöp vision at all levels

Inspiration
The Zoöp working group was developed at Zoöp Nieuwe Instituut, De Ceuvel and Vereniging Leven met het Land. This documentation is mainly based on insights from Nieuwe Instituut. Their concept is inspired by the idea of a 'works council'.

Contact
For Zoöps: If you have any questions about the development and implementation of the Zoöp working group, please contact Pia Canales at Zoöp Nieuwe Instituut.

For other interested parties: contact the Zoönomic Institute via hello@zoop.earth and we will put you in touch with the right person.

Sources and links
This documentation is based on conversations with Wietske Nutma and Klaas Kuitenbrouwer (Nieuwe Instituut).