Richtje Sybesma gave a presentation about ATANA: the history, our mission, approach and current state of affairs at the Culture and Creativity Days – october 16, 2024 – Pakhuis de Zwijger.
ATANA started in 1999. The world around us, is changing, the problems and questions are changing, we need people at the decision making tables who relate to the changing world. Who bring a new perspective.
So at the start ATANA was focused on greater cultural diversity, but we include everybody.
Everybody with board skills that brings a different perspective is welcome.
Students of Erasmus Universitiy did some research to the impact of taking part in the program. The goal of this program is not only to train the participants in governance skills we also want to give them the tools to manifest themselves better, in and outside their job field. The students investigated three atana groups in the field of things like self-confidence and knowledge.
Two participants gave us the warning to watch out for tokenism. That is a risk we have to that we must be alert to. So that is important to emphasize. They suggested we have to include more attention to micro aggression towards ‘the diverse person’. This is a suggestion that we want to include in next programs.
There is a general trend towards boards becoming more diverse and inclusive. We try to contribute and create more awareness, but there is certainly no guarantee for the long term. You never know what happens in the future, especially when it comes to this topic.
Succes factors
We have a serious intake procedure. People apply to join the program. We have an intake conversation and when we see that the person has the potential, the ambition and the commitment, we invite them to join. So it is not an open registration, there is a selection process.
Secondly, Is it good to take a specific working area, so you can educate the participant for a specific area. After that they can grow and fly out to other areas. Make sure you have a defined area. Corporation with the sitting top is very important. It will bring the old and the new generation leaders together. Keep the network alive: stay connected to your members.
Last but nog least: don’t give up! It is a long term mission.
