Active EU

Εγγραφή μελών από την Ελλάδα: Στο ακόλουθο λινκ θα βρείτε την ελληνική έκδοση της φόρμας για εγγραφή στον ΟΙΚΟ.ΠΟΛΙ.Σ για το 2024-25 : https://forms.gle/caWa9H6V6DVbePhg8

How to register: In the following link you will find the English version of the form for registration to the OIKO.POLI.S organization 2024-25: https://forms.gle/tEkrcD3u6hmqLB928

Here is the video from the 1st International meeting: https://youtu.be/1y5IgSOf7eY

What activities could be organized by OIKOPOLIS to make a strong network

Creating a strong network for an international organization with members from all over the world involves various activities aimed at fostering communication, collaboration, and mutual support. Here are some activities that could help in building a robust network:

Regular Conferences

Working Groups 

SOME EXAMPLES:
-Learning a language
-Teaching a dance ( Greek, Italian, Spanish…….)
- Cooking together

Joint Projects and Collaborative Initiatives

Exchange Programs and Study Tours: Organizing exchange programs or study tours that allow members to visit each other's countries, institutions, or organizations to learn about different cultures, practices, and perspectives firsthand.

1st meeting: October in Greece

Publications and Knowledge Sharing
By engaging in these activities, we can create a vibrant and supportive network that will foster collaboration, innovation, and mutual learning among its diverse membership base.

Click to download the ppt file for details.

What are the benefits in a local organization to create a Network of people from different countries

Creating a network of people from different countries within a local organization can bring several benefits:

• Global perspective: By interacting with individuals from different countries, employees gain exposure to diverse viewpoints, cultures, and ways of doing business. This broader perspective can enrich decision-making processes and foster innovation within the organization.
• Cultural exchange and learning: A network of people from different countries facilitates cultural exchange and learning opportunities. Employees can share experiences, traditions, and best practices from their respective cultures, promoting mutual understanding and respect among colleagues.
• Language skills development: Working alongside individuals from different countries provides opportunities for language skills development. Employees may learn new languages or improve their proficiency in existing ones, which can be valuable for communication with international clients, partners, and stakeholders.
• Global networking: Building relationships with colleagues from around the world expands employees' professional networks globally. This can open doors to new opportunities for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and career advancement both within and outside the organization.
• Market insights: Employees with international backgrounds can provide valuable insights into global market trends, consumer preferences, and cultural nuances. This knowledge can inform the organization's strategic decisions, product development efforts, and marketing strategies, enhancing its competitiveness in the global marketplace.
• Cross-cultural collaboration: Collaborating with colleagues from different countries enhances employees' ability to work effectively in multicultural teams. This experience strengthens communication skills, promotes adaptability, and fosters a more inclusive and collaborative work environment.
• Talent attraction and retention: A diverse and inclusive workplace that values employees from different countries can attract top talent from around the world. Additionally, organizations that provide opportunities for international collaboration and networking may experience higher levels of employee satisfaction and retention.
• Enhanced creativity and problem-solving: Diversity in perspectives stimulates creativity and innovation within teams. Employees from different countries may approach challenges and problem-solving tasks in unique ways, leading to more creative solutions and improved outcomes for the organization.

Overall, creating a network of people from different countries within a local organization not only enriches the workplace culture but also provides tangible benefits in terms of global perspective, cultural exchange, market insights, and talent development. It can ultimately contribute to the organization's long-term success and competitiveness in an increasingly interconnected world.

Having international members in an organization can offer numerous benefits:

1. Diverse perspectives: International members bring unique viewpoints shaped by their cultural backgrounds, experiences, and expertise. This diversity can lead to more innovative ideas and solutions.

2. Global reach: International members can help expand the organization's reach beyond its local or national boundaries. They may have networks and connections in different regions, facilitating international partnerships, collaborations, and market expansion.

3. Cultural competence: Interacting with international members can enhance cultural awareness and sensitivity within the organization. This can be valuable for operating in diverse markets, navigating cross-cultural communication challenges, and fostering inclusivity.

4. Language skills: International members often bring language skills beyond the organization's native language. This can facilitate communication with international partners, customers, and stakeholders, potentially opening up new business opportunities.

5. Access to talent: Recruiting internationally can provide access to a broader pool of talent with diverse skill sets and experiences. This can be particularly advantageous for organizations seeking specialized expertise or facing skill shortages in their local labor market.

6. Resilience and adaptability: International members can bring resilience and adaptability to the organization, as they have likely navigated different socio-economic, political, and business environments. Their experiences dealing with change and uncertainty can be valuable assets during times of crisis or organizational transformation.

7. Market insights: International members can offer valuable insights into global market trends, consumer behaviors, regulatory landscapes, and competitive dynamics. This knowledge can inform strategic decision-making and help the organization stay competitive in an increasingly interconnected world.

Overall, having international members can enrich the organizational culture, foster innovation, and enhance its competitiveness on the global stage. However, organizations need to create inclusive environments that value and respect diverse perspectives to fully harness the benefits of international membership. 

What is our Strategy?

Increased global competition, the race for talent, and disruptive innovation create opportunities for associations and professional societies to become more essential to members.
Simply put: It's all about making our members happy, providing them with what they need, and helping to build their capacity and increase their communication. Membership is the lifeblood of any association and never before have organizations been faced with so many membership challenges.
Oikopolis is a non-governmental organization with a Greek membership of about 63 and 4 honor European members but it is aiming to increase them and to create a Network of World people.

Through its members, OIKOPOLIS wants to bring together people who develop voluntary, consensus-based international standards that support innovative, economic, social, and environmental development and provide solutions to global challenges. In OIKOPOLIS also we believe that a strong foundation in people and organization development, effective use of technology, and a focus on communication will help it achieve its goals.
One of our major challenges is the diversity of members. "Our members can be people from big or small organizations, governmental or non-governmental, private or public, and the challenges and opportunities in every national context are different. "In this respect, we cannot come up with a 'one-size-fits-all' approach. Having said that, obviously many challenges will be shared and we will do our utmost to find the commonalities between our members and stimulate the sharing of best practice stories and experiences to take advantage of the power of our network. Being part of an international organization will allow for a valuable information exchange and promotes peer-to-peer exchange — this is something we are very keen to foster."

We will try to explore the new ideas and proposes from our members. These kinds of measures will help us to understand, and therefore, improve member engagement."

International members

We have decided to change the statute of OIKO.POLI.S by opening up to the international and national community.
A lot of people are looking for activities that will keep them active. There are plenty of activities, which keep active the mind as well as the body and fill the free time available, in which they could participate.

Joining an international organisation is a good way to broaden our horizons in cooperation with people from other countries and therefore of different cultures.

Our main idea is to create a group that meets the social and cultural needs of people of all ages from different parts of the world. A group that will provide ICT access and training to persons 20+ and/or people with disabilities.

Our objectives are:
1. Common holidays of the members. Annual holiday meetings in one of the involved countries on a specific topic.

2. Exchange of experiences: organising working groups on education and integration issues such as active ageing, culture and e-services.

3. Organisation of online training. Each member will be able to transfer their experiences to the others by organising online or face-to-face seminars/activities.

4. Communication: Creating a website, distributing newsletters, publishing articles and presentations on relevant issues.

5. Organising an Erasmus project with the final aim of an International meeting after a year of communication through online activities.

In the following link you will find the English version of the form for registration to the OIKO.POLI.S organization 2024-25:   https://forms.gle/tEkrcD3u6hmqLB928 

Στο ακόλουθο λινκ θα βρείτε την ελληνική έκδοση της φόρμας για εγγραφή στον ΟΙΚΟ.ΠΟΛΙ.Σ για το 2024-25

https://forms.gle/caWa9H6V6DVbePhg8

Also, on 2nd April 2024, at 19.00 Greek time, there will be an online meeting on the topic "Drinking together".