Listen before accompanying – Ateneo
Accompanying a project does not start with a solution, but with a question: At what point are you and what really do you need? This is the essence of the initial diagnosis we offer from the Ateneu Cooperativa del Baix Llobregat. It is the first step of any accompaniment, and for many initiatives it is also the first space where your project begins to take real shape.
We could say that it is an interview, but it would be to reduce the value very much. In fact, initial diagnosis is a careful, contrasting and support space, where the Ateneu Escolta technical team, asks key questions and helps to name what, so far, maybe it was only intuition or a shared idea. It is here that many projects take their first concrete impetus.
Why is this first step so important?
Many groups come to the Ateneo with very specific questions: “What legal form suits us?”, “How should we bill?”, “Can we choose a grant?” But behind these practical questions there are often deeper issues: what impact do we want to have? How do we want to organize?, Are we ready for this step?
The initial diagnosis allows to put on the table the actual complexity of the collective projects. Through questions, listening and guidance, we help identify the starting point and to build a realistic and significant roadmap. We do not offer closed recipes, but a guide born of dialogue and respect for the moment and the people who promote the initiative.
What happens in a diagnosis session?
The format may vary depending on the case, but we usually devote the session to:
– Understand the nature of the project: Who you are, why you have joined, what do you want to do.
– Identify the moment: Is this an embryonic idea? Is there economic activity? Are you a transformation entity?
– Detect the main challenges and strengths: organizational, legal, economic, human.
– Explore the most appropriate legal framework.
– Evaluate training needs, funding or alliances.
All this allows us to make an adapted accompaniment proposal, which can include sessions with specialists, referral to specific services or incorporation into training and collective support spaces.
And then what?
Once the diagnosis is made, the tailor made path begins. May be a timely tracking or long accompaniment. What is certain is that the first stone of a more conscious, more collective and better oriented project has been put on.
📩 If you are thinking about starting or growing a cooperative project, write to ateucooperativa@elbaixllobregat.cat. A first conversation can open paths that you have not yet imagined.
