Strategic plan 2020-2022

Background
Kalmar county museum, Sweden developed the Time Travel method in the mid-1980s. In September 1999, Kalmar County Museum organized the first Time Travel event in another country, Finland. Followed by USA and the Åland Islands shortly thereafter. In 2004, Bridging Ages’ first conference/ symposium took place in Vimmerby, Sweden. In 2007, in Tukums, Latvia, it was decided Bridging Ages would transform into a formal organisation, with constitution, board, office etc. Bridging Ages remains a non-governmental organisation in 2020 with the head office at Kalmar Läns Museum. It continues to promote the Time Travel method in more than 20 countries with annual Bridging Ages international conferences taking place in, and hosted by, a different country each year. More information: Visit website: www.bridgingages.com

Bridging Ages remains an international organization focusing on the use of local history and the application of this knowledge to benefit the local community today. Bridging Ages practices the Time Travel method, supporting the strategic sustainable 2030 goals of the United Nations. This is detailed in the specific countries’ strategic objectives and goals.

The Time Travel Method is an educational method:

  • using local heritage in a learning process
  • creating reflection on contemporary issues
  • providing tools for community building

It is a holistic approach in its implementation, based on needs, processes, event and impact. These differ from country to country, based on development, need, social condition and funding opportunities.

Goal
The goal is to promote learning, social cohesion and contribute to community building. This is accomplished by consolidating and institutionalising the method in a uniform way and is done internationally. Target groups are local communities, schools and tourists.

Objective
The strategic objective of Bridging Ages is to implement the Time Travel method in line with the definition: Create reflection on contemporary issues by using the local heritage. This is undertaken in a creative learning process. In doing so, many processes are launched to support community-building programmes.

Principles:
The 5 principles underpinning the method:

  • Focus on local sites and stories
  • Use several perspectives with attention to the bottom-up viewpoint
  • Employ key questions to connect today with the past
  • Facilitate interaction with the community, schools, universities and other parties
  • Reflective dialogue is vital to every Time Travel

Responsible
The Bridging Ages board is responsible for the strategic plan. The board establishes working groups to assist in the implementation. The secretariat serves the board with practical support and assigned duties.
Each country has a network/ organization whose responsibility is to implement the strategic plan within their country. Structure, conditions and activities are very different between the countries, but the main goal remains the same.

Focus the next three years, 2020-2022

International level:
1. Emphasis on networking, cooperation, partnership, (social) inspiration, and mentorship between the Bridging Ages countries.
2. Develop methodological material for use in the countries.
3. Remain active in communication, social media, newsletters, website etc.
4. Engage the board and, if possible other members, in working groups to delegate responsibilities.
5. Be sensitive to the contemporary issues in society, trends in heritage and to the needs and opportunities of the Bridging Ages countries.
6. If possible, with countries working together, organize trainings on the Time Travel method, on various levels, including academic.
7. Develop the administrative and practical work of the board and the secretariat.
8. Fundraising

Country level:
1. Implement and promote the Time Travel method locally, regionally and nationally.
2. Consolidate the Time Travel method and the regional/ national Bridging Ages organization to build a stronger network within the country/ region. Relate to the international network?
3. Organize capacity building and trainings on the Time Travel method.
4. Partner with schools, museums, universities and NGOs.
5. Establish viable fundraising methods.

Adopted at Bridging Ages Board meeting: 4 September 2020
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Bridging Ages Strategic Plan 2020-2022 Final 549 kB pdf