APPLYING A TRANSITION FRAMEWORK
We believe that one vital factor in creating successful change is recognizing and addressing the emotional and psychological effects of the change process.
William Bridges, in his book, Managing Transitions, defines the emotional process that people experience when they come to terms with change as "Transition."
Transition is fundamentally different from change. Where change is external and situational (e.g., marriage, leaving home, graduation, a new job), Transition is the internal process of how one responds to the change. There are three phases in Transition. First, there is an ending, where one acknowledges the losses that result from letting go of the familiar. Second, there is a neutral zone, where the old situation no longer exists, but the new is not yet comfortable. The neutral zone is an in-between time that is marked by considerable chaos, but it is also a place where great creativity is possible. And, third, if the first two are adequately attended to, there can be a new beginning where opportunities for growth and progress emerge.
In his 2000 article entitled, "AFF Grants Emphasize Transition", William Bridges further explains the implications of using a Transition Framework in grantmaking. The Transition Framework is descriptive. It does not prescribe how to bring about or deal with a change, but describes what's going on internally as you face the change. We believe that change efforts will have a better chance for success if framed with the Transition Framework in mind, and we look to partner with grantees that are willing to learn about and use their knowledge of this internal process to enhance their existing projects and create new ones.
AFF is exploring the power of intentionally and consistently paying attention to Transition as it applies to our two program areas: 1) foster care to independence; and 2) community reconciliation, which explores how communities can acknowledge the past and begin a new and healthier future.
AFF focuses its grantmaking in these program areas, while also seeking to educate others about the relationship between external change and internal Transition. To apply for funding for a project that falls within these areas, you must be willing to build into your project ways to intentionally and consistently help all stakeholders through the three-step Transition process that we believe leads to sustained change. We ask that you address these issues in the online Application Form.
If you choose to apply to AFF for support, you can expect us to talk with you not only about the interventions you propose to develop, but about how these interventions will help people successfully get through the endings, neutral zones, and new beginnings that they will encounter as your actions impact their lives. We believe that the payoff will come from the way in which your efforts, and the efforts of the communities that you serve, will move beyond the resistance that so often undermines efforts at change. We have seen real change happen as a result of a thoughtful application of the Transition Framework. We look forward to working with new grantees to create sustained change.
In addition to financial resources, all AFF grantees will be given approximately 3-5 days with a consultant trained in the Transition Framework. For more information on The AFF Coaching Program click here.