Ifarada uses a strength-based, holistic approach to organizational culture, development, and sustainability. The holistic approach is grounded in Africentric and Indigenous ways of knowing and highlights the importance of drawing upon knowledge, science, intuition, and spirituality towards creating a healthy working culture. As an organization, we search for the strengths within our community, and the people that serve the community. Our strengths help carry us through the painful process of change, growth, and development. It is within our strengths, we demonstrate our personality, our resiliency, our desires, passions, and our interests.
The model of leading organizational structure is adapted from Indigenous ways of government and leading. Review the following articles for further information [listed below].
Ifarada’s Org Chart
In the center, and focus of the work is the community we serve. The community is diverse, inclusive, and resilient.
Planning/ Administration
Developing sustainability and accountable
The executive director, program development, and the Board collaborate to plan and discuss the direction for the organization.
While the Board of Directors acts as an advisory board, the Board can provide insight, guidance, and support to the organization as it develops new initiatives, projects, and programs.
Vision / Planning
Creating programs and services that meet the community’s needs
The staff team, program developer, and executive director work in collaboration with planning for the organizations. The board of directors assists with guiding the vision. The fundraiser and marketing team assist with bringing the vision together.
Knowledge/ Training
Preparing and equipping the team to engage in learning.
The staff team participates in clinical supervision meetings, training, and other learning opportunities.
The executive director seeks consultants and training in the community that meets the needs the learning needs of the community.
Features of Decision Making
I am because we are- Ubuntu
Focus on the interests and functioning of the group are placed on highest importance. The community is at the center of our work, and the focus of our intervention. While working on a system level, we focus on the belief that we are creating better spaces for other generations. On a micro-level (the family) is the core of the intervention, and no one is left behind or left out.
For You, By You
Decisions follow an equitable and collective process that includes and respects the people who are part of the organization, and our community.
Wholistic-Care
The organization practices a holistic approach to supporting the community, the family, and the individual. This approach extends to the people who work within the organization. The organization cultivates safe spaces for people to feel included, worthy, and valued within the organization.
Elder to Youth
Our youth and elders are a valued source of knowledge, wisdom, joy, and activism, and thus we welcome their thoughts, beliefs, and opinions in directing the organization to achieve success.
Hiring Process
The organization is currently operating on project-based funding, as it does not have core funding to date. Thus, projects and community funding helps to generate growth for the organization. There are three main areas: identification of a community need and funding opportunity offered that the organization can compete for, and a vision/planning session that developed the program.
This chart details the process for hiring. For further information about upcoming opportunities, review: Opportunities.
New applicants can send their resumes, references, and attached certificates to the hiring email. Once selected for an interview, the applicant will receive a HIRING PACKAGE with information about the position, interview questions, and further processes. Applicants selected for an interview can provide three references that we can contact and complete a background check (i.e., criminal reference check/vulnerable sector check).
Articles to Review
Management in Contemporary Aboriginal Organizations
