collaboratio helvetica

Nora Wilhelm has been a changemaker since her teens and has a background in youth engagement and active citizenship. She presided the European Youth Parliament Switzerland from 2014-2016 and organised an International Session of the EYP in Laax (GR), under the Patronage of then Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter. In 2017, she co-founded collaboratio helvetica, an initiative that catalyses systemic change towards the societal transformation of Switzerland by cultivating a cross-sectoral innovation ecosystem, running different capacity-building programs and open knowledge sharing. We collaborate with and convene actors from all sectors around the complex challenges contained in the Sustainable Development Goals. She was recognised for her outstanding achievements as a UNESCO Young Leader, Schweizermacherin by Annabelle, a founding member of Cohort 2030, Outstanding Young Person of the Year in Ethics & Environment by JCI Switzerland and spoke at events such as the Conference of Swiss Development Cooperation and TEDx.

To address the biggest challenges of our time, we need new forms of collaboration across sectors and new, holistic ways of thinking. Transforming our world requires systemic change, yet most countries and organisations are at a loss when it comes to this. We are lacking the skills and capacities to collaborate across diversity, and are not educated or trained to think in systems, rendering us unable to change them. We urgently need to build capacity and shift mindsets in order to be able to co-create a different future. This is what collaboratio helvetica set out to do. We cultivate a cross-sectoral innovation ecosystem, convening stakeholders around specific SDGs and enabling others with our knowledge and resources. Our vision is not only to catalyse systemic change towards the societal renewal of Switzerland, but to be a laboratory, inspiring and supporting others committed to a more sustainable and ethical future.

The challenges that humanity is facing are unprecedented. Our systems and the results that they create are threatening the very survival of our species on this planet. The Agenda 2030 is a call to action for every country, and especially for heavily industrialised countries like Switzerland, who are causing damage that others are disproportionately suffering from. When looking at the SDG Dashboard for Switzerland it becomes clear we are not doing as well as we may think we are. We urgently need approaches that do not only look at the symptoms but address root causes. As recognised by Goal 17, this will require us to collaborate in a whole new way. As Albert Einstein said, “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.”

Transforming our world requires systemic change, yet most people, organisations and countries are at a loss when it comes to this. We are lacking the skills and capacities to collaborate across diversity, and are not educated or trained to think in systems, rendering us unable to change them. We urgently need to build capacity and shift mindsets in order to be able to co-create a different future.

collaboratio helvetica catalyses systemic change towards more sustainability and equity in Switzerland by cultivating a cross-sectoral innovation ecosystem, convening stakeholders around specific SDGs and enabling others with our knowledge and resources.

For example, we co-initiated a Social Innovation Lab on Gender Equity with participants from all sectors that resulted in social and human capital, as well as new services and products. In 2019, we scaled our impact by launching the Catalyst Lab, bringing together 15 leaders aged 21 to 65 from all over Switzerland, covering 15 SDGs. Over 9 months, we incubated their systemic change initiatives and we are already seeing new collaborations, activated ecosystems, and media attention.

Through the speeches and workshops we are invited to give in all sectors as well as our collaborations with key stakeholders, we are establish key concepts such as systemic change and social innovation in the mainstream and shape strategies and policies. With a team of 12, a community of over 300 people and many partner organisations, we pave the way for Switzerland to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. Through the open sharing of knowledge, resources and opportunities, we also support other social innovators across the world.

The complex challenges we are now facing threaten the very survival of our species. Citizens of “developing” countries are disproportionately carrying the burden of both climate change and the unethical practices needed to sustain the lifestyles of so-called “developed” countries. These need to take responsibility and spearhead the transformation towards more sustainable and equitable systems. By catalysing this change in Switzerland, we are making a contribution to not just more equity and sustainability here, but for all lives on earth, present and future. 

On a less meta level, collaboratio helvetica is a community of people and organisations working towards societal transformation. We offer our members a platform to learn and grow together, support each others’ projects, tap into synergies and develop skills and capacities. Our strategic projects such as the Catalyst Lab empower outstanding changemakers to lead impactful systemic change initiatives in their fields. The program is designed entirely based on their needs and is continuously adapted to serve them best. Our insights, knowledge and experiences are made publicly available for everyone. 

Many feel powerless because the problems seem too huge to be addressed. Our work helps them feel less alone, find renewed hope, the needed support, and take action.

As Einstein said, “we cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” With our methods and approaches, collaboratio helvetica challenges the way we look at our current societal issues. Through dialogue, we foster understanding of systemic issues and between people of different backgrounds, which leads to shifts in their mindsets and behaviours. We also build awareness and drive action to the most complex problems of our world, with a holistic approach that strives to take into account all topics and perspectives. Therefore, we are deeply aligned with both the second and third dimension.

The spark was the observation that many people and organisations in Switzerland are engaged in projects that want to support a more sustainable future, yet we are not reaching the results we wish to see. A small group of people from different Swiss organisations sat together to inquire: what is missing to reach a tipping point of transformation? What we found is that too often we end up in competing instead of collaborating and empowering each other to reach our shared goals. There was a strong call for a community and platform that fosters collaboration between different sectors, themes and regions of Switzerland. A community that holds the vision of a sustainable and ethical Switzerland and offers the tools, structures and approaches for successful collaboration towards systemic change and societal transformation.

From this starting point, we’ve gone a journey of several years, prototyping different approaches, formats and solutions. From the original conveners (Impact Hubs, the Federal Office for the Environment, euforia, foraus, and more), we grew to over 300 people and partner organisations. True to our original vision of striving to embody the change we wish to see, we continue to experiment and learn how to have the most impact.

Ever since my awakening to the state of the world at 15, I have moved from shock and anger to trying to make the best contribution I possibly can. In true Swiss fashion (think Henry Dunant, founder of the Red Cross), this led me to look for the places where there was the most suffering and urgency. It took me years to realise that Switzerland was contributing to causing the issues we would then try to help fix. 

As Albert Einstein said, “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” In order to invite a shift in the paradigms upon which our systems are based, we need to shift these same paradigms within ourselves. Collaboratio helvetica is an invitation to take responsibility - as individuals, organisations and countries. When we strive to embody our values and live in integrity, so much becomes visible and possible. What motivates me the most is activating the potential that I currently see as lying dormant in people and places. One of my favourite questions is: What does the world you want to live in look like, and how can you contribute to co-create it?

Since 2017 collaboratio helvetica has been working towards the vision of a sustainable and ethical Switzerland. In order to drive change at a systemic level, various formats have been tested and evolved. We have developed a unique skillset in topics such as systemic change, social innovation and collaboration. Our team has all relevant qualifications in this field of work and many new tools and concepts have been developed from our unique approach.

Collaboratio helvetica with all its projects is a first in Switzerland as well as a relevant prototype for social innovators from different corners of the world. As noted by Otto Scharmer (Presencing Institute, MIT), “the approach of collaboratio is profoundly innovative and answers a need around how we implement the Agenda 2030 and transform our world”. Our vision is not only to catalyse the transformation of this small country, but to be a laboratory, inspiring and supporting others committed to a more sustainable and ethical future, just like others have inspired and supported us. For this work, I have amongst others been recognised as a UNESCO Young Leader, founding member of Cohort 2030, Outstanding Young Person of the Year in Ethics & Environment by JCI Switzerland and spoke in places such as Swiss Development Cooperation, ETH and TEDx. Further, my team and I are regularly invited to contribute and consult in environments such as universities, state institutions, the UN General Assembly and businesses.

So often people of authority and peers have told me that I was dreaming too big, that my projects were not realistic. For example, the International Session of the European Youth Parliament I sought to organise 2016, bringing together 350 young people from all over Europe to engage with the topic of sustainability. Many deemed it an unfeasible feat, amongst others because we had to fundraise over CHF300k to make it happen. Not only did we achieve this, but the session set new standards for the entire network. 

Collaboratio helvetica is an example of perseverance and succeeding against all odds. We set out to change not just one, but all paradigms that are underneath the systems that are creating unsustainable and unfair results. And, to do this whilst striving to embody our principles and be a prototype for what organisations may look like in the future. Everything, from the mindset of our stakeholders, to the lack of funding for systemic change initiatives, to the extremely ambitious vision and difficult team dynamics, was a challenge. With creativity, grit and passion, we overcame these challenges and continue to do so, every day, showing others what is possible if you believe in it.

Ever since my conscious awakening at the age of 15, I have been striving to embody the change I wish to see. Step by step, I changed aspects of my lifestyle, and as my sphere of influence grew, took on increasingly impactful projects. One of my earliest acts of recognised leadership was to involve my high school in the European Youth Parliament, which paved the way for generations of students from our school to experience the life-changing and deeply empowering experience that the EYP offers. For this, I was awarded a special Award of the School Principal. A more contemporary example is how, after having co-founded it, I remain a vision keeper and ambassador for collaboratio helvetica. It seems to be part of my calling to hold space for bold visions and support others to find their own unique contribution to the future that they want to see. Today, we are a self-governed team practicing co-responsibility and shared leadership. People often reflect back to me how my spark is supportive of activating the potential of the people in my team, community as well as others I may speak to, be it at lectures, conferences or networking events.

Collaboratio helvetica is recognised as a tax-free nonprofit. However, we also deliver certain services to develop over time a self-sustaining model. We also hold the vision to be able to catalyse systemic change in the way funding is allocated to projects towards the Agenda 2030 in Switzerland. Therefore, we may develop into a hybrid form, combining nonprofit, cooperative and foundation.

Collaboratio helvetica is a first in Switzerland as well as a relevant prototype for social innovators from different corners of the world. As noted by Otto Scharmer (Presencing Institute, MIT), “the approach of collaboratio is profoundly innovative and answers a need around how we implement the Agenda 2030 and transform our world”.

Different parts of what constitutes collaboratio helvetica have been prototyped in before - it is their combination in a holistic approach that is unique. For example, trainings in the methods we employ exist, yet we combine them in innovative ways as well as create new tools. There have also been impressive Social Innovation Labs prototyped in different parts of the world, yet we are the first to propose an incubator to support leaders who wish to launch such Labs. Similarly, there are other initiatives who aspire to transform their countries with similar methods, yet we have not heard of any that are community-based and have this focus on participatory ecosystem activation. There is a unique element to our approach around walking the talk and cultivating the soil, building the pre-conditions for systemic change, for others to plant their seeds in.

Our vision is not only to catalyse the transformation of this small country, but to be a laboratory, inspiring and supporting others committed to a more sustainable and ethical future. We are currently supporting people in France, Germany, Mexico, India, Sénégal, Zambia, Estonia and more to learn from our work and adapt our models to their local context.

Our goal is to catalyse systemic change in Switzerland and beyond to contribute to a future that is based on ecological responsibility, humanity and the common good. Working with complexity and towards systemic change is never linear, and causality can rarely be claimed. With this in mind, I will try to transmit our ToC in written form. 

In general terms, we create spaces that enable people to increase their awareness, think in systems, activate their ecosystems and learn to better collaborate with others, particularly with people they may not agree with. Believing change is possible and seeing oneself as an active part of the system capable of having an impact is the first step. Building the skills mentioned above the next key step to empower people to get from awareness to healthy and impactful action. The second dimension has to do with the relationships between actors upon which their ability to collaborate depends. A shift in this variable already constitutes a change in the system. These levels of impact, human and social capital, is common to all our projects, be it a training, dialogue evening, Catalyst Lab or Social Innovation Lab.

Depending on the kind of space or project, the output may vary from a reflection paper, to a visual harvest, a new prototype, collaboration or a full-fledged solution to a complex challenge. The indeed outcome always has to do with more human and social capital as well as progress towards more sustainability and equity. 

What we aim for is systemic change. This is measured using the 5R model developed by USAID and Ashoka: Roles, Relationships, Resources, Rules, Results. Concretely, it can show itself for example in the form of new policies, different organisational structures, new products and behaviours as well as in new forms of collaborations and partnerships.

Additionally, we strive to embody our principles and to be a prototype of an organisation of the future, continuously learning from new experiments. We then share our insights and our knowledge publicly to raise awareness, inspire, support and activate others to make their own needed contribution.

Currently we reach about 5000+ people with our storytelling, media campaigns and public speeches, we had 1000+ people participating in our events and formats and we have 300+ people in our community. Annually, 2000+ people visit the knowledge hub section of our website where they can read about our learnings and insights as well as access the tools we make publicly available. 

In a year, we hope to reach 10'000+ people with our message, have 1500+ people participating in our activities and 500+ people as well as organisations in our community. Also, we are working towards at least five Social Innovation Labs happening in parallel on five SDGs in Switzerland as well as local prototypes replicating our activities in five other countries. 

In five years, we hope to have helped create change that impacts the lives of ten million people positively and solidified this movement for transformation.

The key goals we hold center around cultivating the fertile soil, the pre-conditions for systemic change, so that many more people can have much more impact. Therefore, we wish to scale our capacity building programs and incubator as well as advance our knowledge sharing. In five years, we hope to be able to launch a Master program at a Swiss University. Further, we wish to elevate people in Switzerland and see real progress towards the SDGs as well as shifts in national policies. Lastly, we wish to see major impact and new jobs created on all continents thanks to our support and channeling of funds.

The biggest obstacle lies in raising the needed funds. Funding for systemic change initiatives are desperately lacking. We have written a paper about the issue here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BzqG5ka93PNQmwJL4VDkUyaJ1l_1TNrmqxGCeqnuwo8/edit#

We are working with big foundations and key stakeholders to better understand the way funding is currently being allocated and document it. We are having many conversations to explore alternatives. In the coming months, we plan on co-initiating a Social Innovation Lab on the topic of funding systemic change with important partners.

We collaborate with actors from all sectors.

Our model is currently still reliant on funding from foundations and philanthropists. Our services and other self-generated income account for about 15-20% of our revenue. We are seeking to increase this share over time. 

Catalysing systemic change in the way funding is allocated is a key priority. In the medium term, we are working towards more self-sustaining activities and building a trusted circle of donors. 

Funds

• 2017: Foundation Engagement Migros, grant of 1 Mio USD

• 2017: Federal Office for Gender Equity, grant of 160'000 USD

• 2018: Foundation 3FO, grant of 470'000 USD

• 2018: Federal Office for Spatial Development, grant of 21'000 USD

• 2019: Federal Office for Gender Equity, grant of 63'000 USD

• 2019: Foundation SGG, grant of 16'000 USD

• 2019: Foundation Wegweiser, grant of 63'000 USD

• 2019: Foundation Mercator, grant of 52'000 USD

• 2019: BKW Energie AG (corporate), sponsorship of 3'500 USD for a public event

Revenues

• 2017-2019: Revenue through services (facilitation, design, speeches, events and trainings etc.), roughly 95'000 USD

• 2017-2019: Revenue through membership fees, roughly 21'000 USD

The situation, also because of the COVID19 crisis, is currently critical and we are trying to raise funds as fast as possible.

Grants

• Foundation Mercator, roughly 950'000 USD for 2020-2022, applied

• Foundation Movetia, 105'000 USD for 2020-2021, applied

• Other Swiss foundations, 530'000 for 2020-2021, applications to happen

We currently estimate expenses at 870'000 USD a year. Though, given the flexibility in our approaches and the fast changing environment we are active in, this number can vary. This number is calculated as follows (HR costs are included in the different activity fields):

• 550'000 USD, Formats (Social Innovation Labs, Trainings, Workshops etc.)

• 84'000 USD, Community & Innovation ecosystem

• 73'000 USD, Learning Ecology (new ways of evaluation, sharing insights and knowledge, publications)

• 42'000 USD, Ecosystem Activation (Networking, Thought-leadership, Fundraising)

• 32'000 USD, being a prototype (doing experiments and creating new approaches and make them publicly available)

• 89'000 USD, General Costs (administration, taxes, office space etc.)