5 reasons that made FIFE 2023 an incredible experience

Last week, I participated in FIFE – Inter-American Forum on Strategic Philanthropy 2023 , held in Belém do Pará.

Considered one of the biggest third sector events in Brazil, the meeting brought together businesspeople, students, public managers and volunteers interested in the main themes that guide the management of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).

As the program included 100 simultaneous activities, it was not possible to participate in everything, but I have highlighted 5 reasons that made this FIFE such a special experience:

1. The location was a very appropriate choice

Belém is an incredible city, surrounded by natural, historical and cultural charms. Participating in the forum in the capital of Pará allowed me to experience the city a little, learn about other perspectives in the CSO ecosystem and decentralize the debate about the third sector in Brazil. Many of the experiences built over these 4 days were only possible thanks to the effervescence of Belém.

2. Plenary “Be the change you want to see in the world”, with Iara and Eduardo Xavier ( Caçadores de Bons Escolhas )

Tired of hearing bad news, the couple Iara and Eduardo decided to drop everything and go in search of stories and social projects that contribute to a fairer country and make a difference in the communities where they live.

In the presentation, they talked about the pleasures and challenges of this endeavor of searching for and cataloging good examples that, today, have accumulated more than 1 million kilometers traveled and surpasses the 6,317 projects cataloged by Brazil and 12 other countries.

3. Plenary “Four pillars for the growth of your organization”, with Alexandre Amorim (AGO Social)

The result of a survey carried out by Alexandre Amorim (co-founder of Ago Social ), with social organizations, the plenary began provocatively with the following question: “Has your CSO been providing the same service to the same people for a long time?”

Understanding what were the weaknesses that were repeated, Alexandre proposed the consolidation of 4 management pillars for the growth of social organizations: 1) Creation of a strategic council; 2) Setting goals; 3) Vision with evolutionary results and; 4) Criterion in the application of resources that generate exponential results. The audience was attentive from start to finish and I felt that this was one of the most dynamic activities of the event.

4. Discoveries at the exhibition fair

Throughout the event, a fair was held with organizations and companies that work with the third sector. Visiting the stands was a great way to learn about new initiatives and make contacts. The environment was conducive for companies to connect with each other and with potential partners, creating opportunities for collaboration, exchange of information and ideas about market trends.

5. Finally, the greatness of the forum: the connections

All the lectures and plenaries were incredible, but what I liked most were the corridors. FIFE provided a very powerful space for meetings and connections. I was able to create partnerships, hear inspiring stories, share knowledge and be provoked by various trends. Being face to face with such diverse people and stories was the forum's greatest contribution to strengthening the organizations' networks.

They were special days, with excellent opportunities to expand knowledge and exchange experiences. I believe that networking strengthens the third sector and FIFE certainly contributes to building an increasingly stronger culture of collaboration and cooperation in the country.