From July 11 to 13th, the Nigeria National Chapter of the Movement, Strategic Action for Community-led Development in Nigeria, (SACDN) earned the distinction of first to access the Movement’s Small Grants Funds for National Chapters. This dynamic group of 30 Nigerian Civil Society Organizations (18 led by women) convened a workshop entitled “Capacity strengthening for: Strategic Co-creation Plan of SACDN Addressing Challenges facing Nigeria and Launch of its Nigeria Chapter.”  Representatives of member organizations from across the country gathered in person and online in Jos Plateau State at the Peace Orientation and Conference Center.  

SACDN members co-created a shared vision through a process that built on–and then strengthened–the group’s collective capacities and commitment to collaboration, innovation, and adaptation. In the face of violence sweeping the country, this diverse group collectively committed to overcoming insecurity, poverty and hunger by building a Nigerian civil society in service to the everyday people of Nigeria. This powerful group of experienced social change leaders collectively envisioned a future of community well-being, marked by good health and access to education. They know Nigeria can and will be a place of peaceful co-existence across inclusive and just communities, built on gender equality, good governance, transparency, and accountability across sectors. In the face of their country’s difficult current realities, the group took heart and learned from global examples of social change, notably the story of Indonesia over the past decades. SACDN is weaving together a platform comprising centuries worth of shared knowledge and experience, strong and trusting relationships, and global guidance from the Collective Impact Movement. As part of this Chapter’s institutionalization, they democratically elected 13 members of a Steering Committee and planned their next strategic steps forward toward a brighter future.