Introduction
On 9th August 2024, a significant training session titled “Empowering Party Members for Social Transformation: Strengthening Organizational Capacity through Appreciative Inquiry” was conducted under the auspices of the Pokhara Metropolitan Party Committee of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) (CPN-UML). This one-day intensive training was meticulously organized to address the pressing need for intellectual empowerment and practical skill enhancement among the party’s members. The session attracted the participation of approximately 300 individuals, including committee members, elected representatives, and the in-charge and secretary of all 33 wards of Pokhara Metropolitan City.
The core objective of this training was to equip the participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to drive the “Prosperous Nepal and Happy Nepali” movement, ensuring its translation into logical, impactful programs that align with and advance the broader socialist goals of the party. Through a combination of theoretical insights and practical approaches, the training sought to fortify the participants’ capacities to implement initiatives that resonate deeply with the party’s ideological commitments.
This comprehensive report delves into the intricate ways in which the training seamlessly integrated strength-based approaches, particularly Appreciative Inquiry (AI), with the Marxist-Leninist and People’s Multiparty Democracy theory framework. It focuses on how these approaches were harnessed to empower the communist party members in their mission. The report further explores the crucial importance of translating theory into actionable strategies within the context of social transformation, highlighting the unique responsibilities of party members in advancing the socialist agenda.
The training was expertly conducted by Dr. RC Lamichhane, a renowned Appreciative Inquiry expert and the former Vice President of the City Planning Commission of Pokhara Metropolitan City. His leadership and experience provided a robust foundation for the participants, ensuring that the session was both enlightening and practically beneficial.
The Imperative of Empowering Communist Party Members for Social Transformation
Social transformation, a fundamental tenet of Marxist-Leninist ideology and People’s Multiparty Democracy theory, requires the active participation and empowerment of party members at all levels of the organization. In a rapidly evolving global and local context, the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) faces the dual challenge of staying true to its ideological roots while effectively responding to the contemporary needs of Nepali society. This challenge underscores the need for continuous intellectual and practical empowerment of party members, particularly those in leadership and decision-making roles.
The Role of Party Members in Social Transformation
Party members are the driving force behind the realization of the party’s socialist objectives. Their roles extend beyond mere implementation of policies to active participation in the ideation, planning, and execution of strategies that align with the party’s vision for social change. In this context, empowering party members is not just a matter of enhancing their individual capabilities; it is about equipping them with the tools to lead transformative change within their communities and beyond.
This empowerment begins with a deep understanding of the party’s ideology, particularly the principles of Marxism-Leninism, and how these principles can be applied to contemporary socio-economic challenges. It also involves developing practical skills in areas such as policy formulation, strategic planning, and community engagement. The training session aimed to address these needs by providing participants with a comprehensive understanding of the socialist model of development and the critical role it plays in its implementation at the municipal level.
Integrating Strength-Based Approaches with Marxist-Leninist Principles
One of the most innovative aspects of the training was its integration of strength-based approaches, particularly Appreciative Inquiry (AI), with the Marxist-Leninist and People’s Multiparty Democracy framework. Appreciative Inquiry, co-founded by Prof. David L. Cooperrider, is a powerful tool for organizational development that emphasizes the positive aspects of organizational life. It posits that human systems grow in the direction of the questions they most frequently and persistently ask themselves. This philosophy aligns well with the Marxist-Leninist and People’s Multiparty Democracy approach, which emphasizes the role of collective consciousness and the importance of ideological clarity in strengthening the party and advancing the socialist cause.
How Strength-Based Approaches Empower Party Members
Appreciative Inquiry is fundamentally about identifying and building upon the strengths of an organization or community. In the context of the CPN-UML, AI can be used to identify the existing strengths of the party’s organizational structure, leadership, and membership. By focusing on these strengths, the party can develop strategies that are not only effective but also aligned with its core values and principles.
For example, AI encourages positive dialogue among party members, helping them to envision a future where socialist ideals are not only preserved but actively pursued in a manner that resonates with the realities of the Nepali context. This approach fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among party members, empowering them to take an active role in shaping the party’s future direction.
In the training session, participants were encouraged to engage in discussions that focused on the positive aspects of the party’s current strategies and how these could be enhanced to better serve the “Prosperous Nepali and Happy Nepali” movement. This process not only helped to build a shared vision for the future but also reinforced the importance of unity and collaboration in achieving the party’s goals.
The Intersection of AI and Marxist-Leninist and People’s Multiparty Democracy Ideology
The integration of AI with Marxist-Leninist and People’s Multiparty Democracy principles also highlighted the importance of collective will and ideological unity in the party’s organizational development. In Marxist-Leninist ideology and People’s Multiparty Democracy theory, the collective will of the people is seen as a driving force for social change. Similarly, AI emphasizes the power of collective inquiry and shared vision in driving organizational growth.
By combining these two approaches, the training provided participants with a framework for understanding how the party’s ideological principles can be applied in a practical, strengths-based manner. This intersection of theory and practice is critical for empowering party members to take meaningful action in their communities.
The Necessity of Translating Theory into Action
One of the key themes of the training was the importance of translating theoretical knowledge into actionable strategies. In the context of the CPN-UML and its socialist agenda, theory alone is insufficient to bring about the desired social transformation. While Marxist-Leninist and People’s Multiparty Democracy theory provides a valuable framework for understanding the socio-economic challenges facing Nepali society, it must be accompanied by practical strategies that address these challenges in a concrete and effective manner.
Why Theory Must Be Translated into Action
The need to translate theory into action is particularly pressing in the context of the CPN-UML’s vision for a “Prosperous Nepali and Happy Nepali.” This vision is rooted in the party’s commitment to socialism and its belief in the transformative power of the state to promote social justice and economic equality. However, achieving this vision requires more than just ideological commitment; it requires practical action that is informed by a deep understanding of the local context and the needs of the people.
The training session emphasized that party members must not only understand the theoretical underpinnings of the socialist model of development but also be equipped to apply this knowledge in their everyday work. This involves developing practical skills in areas such as policy formulation, strategic planning, and community engagement. By equipping party members with these skills, the training aimed to ensure that they are not only ideologically aligned with the party’s goals but also practically capable of implementing them.
Translating the Socialist Model of Development into Local Action
The socialist model of development, as advocated by the CPN-UML, is based on the principles of equity, social justice, and economic redistribution. This model seeks to create a society where all citizens have equal access to resources and opportunities, and where the state plays a central role in ensuring the well-being of its people.
However, translating this model into action requires a nuanced understanding of the local context and the specific challenges facing communities in Nepal. The training session provided participants with the tools and knowledge to do just that, by focusing on the practical aspects of implementing socialist policies at the municipal level.
The Role of Party Members in Implementing Local Policies
One of the key takeaways from the training was the critical role that party members play in implementing local policies that align with the socialist model of development. As members of the Pokhara Metropolitan Party Committee and other local committees, participants are in a unique position to influence the direction of local development initiatives.
By understanding the principles of the socialist model of development and how these can be applied in their communities, party members can play a crucial role in shaping the policies and programs that will drive social transformation at the local level. The training emphasized the importance of aligning these local initiatives with the broader goals of the CPN-UML, ensuring that the party’s vision for a “Prosperous Nepali and Happy Nepali” is reflected in the policies and programs implemented at all levels of government.
Practical Strategies for Social Transformation
The training session provided participants with practical strategies for driving social transformation in their communities. These strategies were grounded in both Marxist-Leninist and People’s Multiparty Democracy theory and the principles of Appreciative Inquiry, ensuring that they were both ideologically sound and practically effective.
- Community Engagement and Mobilization
One of the key strategies discussed in the training was the importance of community engagement and mobilization. Party members were encouraged to actively engage with their communities, listening to the needs and concerns of the people and working collaboratively to develop solutions. This approach is consistent with both Marxist-Leninist and People’s Multiparty Democracy principles, which emphasize the role of the masses in driving social change, and the principles of AI, which emphasize the importance of collective inquiry and action.
- Policy Formulation and Strategic Planning
The training also focused on the importance of policy formulation and strategic planning in driving social transformation. Participants were provided with practical tools and techniques for developing policies and strategies that are aligned with the socialist model of development. This included guidance on how to conduct needs assessments, set priorities, and develop action plans that are both realistic and impactful.
- Strengthening Organizational Capacity
Another key focus of the training was on strengthening the organizational capacity of the party at all levels. Participants were encouraged to take an active role in building and maintaining strong, effective party committees that are capable of implementing the party’s policies and programs. This included guidance on leadership development, team building, and effective communication, all of which are critical for ensuring that the party remains strong and united in its pursuit of social transformation.
- Advocacy and Public Communication
Finally, the training emphasized the importance of advocacy and public communication in driving social change. Participants were encouraged to take an active role in advocating for the party’s policies and programs, both within their communities and at the broader national level. This included guidance on how to effectively communicate the party’s vision and goals to
Participants Reflection
The training proved to be an intensely immersive experience, seamlessly aligning the party’s strategic goals with the unique needs of the participants. The outcomes were profoundly impactful, with attendees highlighting the session’s pivotal role in deepening their understanding of the “Prosperous Nepali, Happy Nepali” movement. This training not only illuminated the roles and responsibilities of party members in championing the socialist model of development but also significantly fortified their dedication to strengthening party committees at every level.
Sushil Basnet, Secretary of the Pokhara Metropolitan Party Committee, described the training as an eye-opening experience that empowered participants to act decisively in their roles.
Jivan Acharya, Chairperson of the committee, praised the training for surpassing expectations, highlighting the dynamic and invigorating atmosphere it created, which will undoubtedly fuel future initiatives.
Krishna Thapa, the former Mayor, Member of the State Assembly, and head of Kaski UML, emphasized the importance of such training in fostering a sense of comradeship among party members and reinforcing their collective resolve to achieve the party’s objectives.
Radhika Shahi, Chairperson of Ward No. 17, lauded the training’s design, content, and delivery, noting that it cultivated a profound sense of unity and belonging among participants.
Conclusion
The “Organizational Capacity Strengthening for Prosperous Nepali and Happy Nepali” training conducted by the Pokhara Metropolitan Party Committee of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) (CPN-UML) was a significant step towards empowering party members to play an active role in the social transformation process. By integrating Marxist-Leninist principles with strength-based approaches like Appreciative Inquiry (AI), the training provided participants with a unique framework that emphasized both ideological clarity and practical action.
The training highlighted the critical importance of translating theory into action. While Marxist-Leninist and People’s Multiparty Democracy theory provides a robust framework for understanding and addressing socio-economic challenges, its true potential can only be realized when it is applied in practical, context-specific ways. The training equipped party members with the skills and knowledge necessary to implement the party’s socialist vision at the local level, ensuring that the principles of equity, social justice, and economic redistribution are reflected in concrete policies and programs.
Empowering party members to take an active role in the social transformation process is essential for achieving the CPN-UML’s vision of a “Prosperous Nepali and Happy Nepali.” By fostering a deep understanding of the party’s ideological roots and equipping members with practical skills, the training has laid the foundation for a more effective and impactful implementation of the party’s goals. The emphasis on community engagement, policy formulation, strategic planning, and organizational capacity building ensures that party members are well-prepared to drive meaningful change in their communities and beyond.
Recommendations
Continuous Training and Development: To sustain and build on the momentum generated by this training, it is recommended that the CPN-UML continue to provide regular training sessions for its members. These sessions should focus on both ideological education and practical skills development, ensuring that members are continually equipped to address emerging challenges and opportunities. Additionally, specialized training programs could be developed for different levels of party leadership, addressing the specific needs and responsibilities of each group.
Integration of Strength-Based Approaches: Given the success of incorporating Appreciative Inquiry into the training, it is recommended that the CPN-UML continue to integrate strength-based approaches into its organizational development initiatives. These approaches should be adapted to align with the party’s Marxist-Leninist ideology and People’s Multiparty Democracy theory, ensuring that they support the party’s broader goals while fostering a positive, collaborative culture within the organization.
Localized Implementation of Strategies: Party members should be encouraged and supported in the localized implementation of the strategies discussed during the training. This includes providing resources and guidance for conducting needs assessments, engaging with communities, and developing tailored action plans that reflect the specific socio-economic conditions of each locality. The party could establish a support network or task force to assist members in translating training insights into actionable programs at the grassroots level.
Strengthening Organizational Capacity: To enhance the effectiveness of the party’s organizational structure, it is recommended that efforts be made to strengthen the capacity of local party committees. This could involve providing additional training in leadership, team building, and communication, as well as creating opportunities for cross-committee collaboration and knowledge-sharing. Strengthening the organizational capacity at the local level is essential for ensuring that the party remains responsive to the needs of the people and is capable of driving sustained social transformation.
Monitoring and Evaluation: To ensure the effectiveness of the training and the subsequent implementation of strategies, it is recommended that a robust monitoring and evaluation framework be established. This framework should include regular assessments of the impact of training programs, the effectiveness of local policy implementations, and the overall progress toward the party’s goals. Feedback from party members and community stakeholders should be actively sought and used to refine and improve future training and development initiatives.
Advocacy and Public Communication: The party should continue to emphasize the importance of advocacy and public communication in its efforts to drive social change. This includes training members in effective communication strategies, both for internal party communications and for engaging with the broader public. Clear, consistent messaging that articulates the party’s vision and the practical steps being taken to achieve it will be crucial for maintaining public support and driving the social transformation process.
Finally, the training has provided a strong foundation for empowering CPN-UML members to lead the social transformation process in Nepal. By continuing to build on this foundation through ongoing training, localized implementation, and strengthened organizational capacity, the party can ensure that its vision of a “Prosperous Nepali and Happy Nepali” becomes a reality.
