We were not intent on creating an ongoing organization; we were just
trying to make our consulting skills available and useful to our community.
Here’s a little bit about where we have come from and
what has happened over the last twelve years.
The CCP Story
The National Organization Development Network (OD Network) held its annual conference in Seattle in the fall of 1995. Many local consultants participated in the conference’s “practicum”, four days during which teams of consultants worked with local not-for-profits. The success of that model inspired a few of us to try it out again, but consulting for three months instead of four days. In the spring of 1996, we took on our first client; in the fall, we had three.
With our early success and growing excitement, we stepped up to a continuing commitment. We set up a cycle, working with three clients, each client served by a consulting team of 5—7 people and backed by a Senior Consultant. That led us to trying two cycles a year usually beginning in February and September. All of this worked!
As CCP began to resemble an organization, we at the center began referring to ourselves as "The Keepers of the Flame", and we began meeting monthly--usually for business, sometimes for parties. Though the “Flamers” have varied in number, there is a core of four that have been here since the beginning and there are currently ten of us.
Each year, we gather our Senior Consultants for dinner to update them and get their ideas on what we are doing. All of CCP’s Flamers, Seniors, and Volunteers contribute their time and talent. No one involved receives any pay. From the beginning, we have made our service available for little or no cost. Cash infusions from the Pacific Northwest Organization Development Network have helped.
Our central "three client, three team, two cycle" process has continued since the early days. We are constantly refining it, and occasionally take on other projects that help us learn while contributing. We’ve presented at a few conferences and we’ve also coached groups in other cities that are using us as a model.
Most importantly, we all share a passion for the field of Organization Development and giving back to our community.
The CCP Mission
Building on the spirit of learning and service, the CCP inspires people to join in learning about the organization development process while working as a volunteer consultant with local not-for-profit organizations. We seek to enhance our community's vital and diverse human bounty. By participating in CCP, individuals develop their own knowledge and skills and magnify their power to positively influence the communities in which they live.