3T meetings initiative: Grounding global networks through local action

Issue: Tackling the chronic disease burden requires fresh perspectives, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and sustained commitment, from global to local. Description: The Young Professionals Chronic Disease Network (YPCDN) is a global research and advocacy network of 1,500 people from 99 countries committed to chronic disease prevention and control. The 3T (3rd Thursday) YPCDN initiative coordinates monthly local meet-ups in 24 countries. These gatherings are led by voluntary Local Action Leaders (LALs), who provide leadership to local members and connection to the global network. Lessons Learned: A recent online survey of the 3T initiative leaders found that a typical meet-up involves up to 10 people from diverse disciplines. Most 3T meet-ups are informal, with some structured elements (ie, invited speakers and group discussion). Participants see the main strength of 3T as an opportunity to bring like-minded, passionate young people together for networking and mentorship (particularly in developing countries), local action, and to coordinate the crowdsourcing of ideas. Encouragingly, almost half of all LALs report professional relationship development and collective projects as a direct result of 3T discussions – representing translation of ideas into action. Recommendations: Key challenges include the need to clarify goals and expectations, a lack of consistent funding, inconsistent attendance, and high participant turnover (especially for student populations). In 2013, 3T aims to build on the strengths and address the challenges identified in this assessment, with the aim to further catalyze the role of young professionals in making concrete, sustainable, and innovative contributions to chronic disease efforts, both globally and locally.