By Rieky Stuart, of the CIVICUS Board of Directors. The world has changed since 2001, when CIVICUS launched its last strategic plan. We’ve seen the world’s largest ever mobilisations by people in all parts of the world – against the war in Iraq, in favour of ending poverty. We’ve seen rising pressure to curtail individual freedom, and increased surveillance of citizens and their organizations in the name of preventing terror. It’s time to take a systematic look at these external and internal changes and to renew and reinvigorate CIVICUS’ course for the next several years. We are asking CIVICUS members and allies (and critics) to share their thoughts about the trends affecting civil society, and about the future of CIVICUS. One way of doing this is through the CIVICUS website, where we will invite all those interested to contribute, and create a blog of their conversations. In addition, we will post questions that emerge from time to time on This process is being spearheaded by a taskforce of 5 board members, 5 staff members, and two external advisors, supported by a consultant. CIVICUS Board member Rieky Stuart, former Executive Director of Oxfam Initially, we are asking people to reflect on and respond to the following questions:
CIVICUS has also changed during this time. We have expanded our role in protecting the rights of association, assembly and expression, in protecting those who are persecuted for participating in peaceful demonstrations, and in engaging citizens’ associations with government and business. CIVICUS has also served in a central convening role for the Global Call to Action against Poverty (GCAP) since early 2005.
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Choosing the right strategic planning method for civil society activism
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Re: Choosing the right strategic planning method for civil society activism
Here are my answers to question 1, based solely on my experience in the Nile Basin.
What are the most significant ways in which the context for strengthening civil society is changing and what impact are these changes likely to have in the coming three to five years? POSITIVE • There is an increasing push towards ‘transparency’ in international organizations. We see more examples of ‘Right to access to information’ adopted by many countries as well as international organizations. This should empower civil society generally. • There is a trend of ‘involving’ civil society in major international issues, e.g. Internet governance issues by the ITU. Other UN organizations are as well – to differing degrees, are also making an effort to work with NGOs. This would empower civil society. • The EU is setting up funds for NGOs in troubled areas for such issues as ‘democracy’, ‘election monitoring’, etc. Also funding for specific problems, e.g. Water Supply & Sanitation has increased from the EU. This would help civil society play a significant role in achieving the MDGs. NEGATIVE: • There is more focus on ‘local’ than regional or international ‘strengthening’, this may have the danger of actually weakening the bigger civil society movement. Most aid organizations are now just focused on ‘local’ than ‘regional’ or ‘international’. • Increasing number of NGOs registered every year in developing countries. They are more competing with each other mainly for funding and 'turf'. Funding usually goes to salaries rather than services. They are mostly weak and have no developmental 'vision'. A crying example is that there are 400 street children in Kampala, Uganda, and 200 organizations registered to help them!!! Love Aphordisiac
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Re: Choosing the right strategic planning method for civil society activism
The impacts of these trends are:
The positive trends mentioned are more beneficial to MGOs in the developed world, where there are laws for Access to Information and that have the capacity to write proposals, advocacy, volunteerism, etc. I believe that this will push more and more affiliation between local NGOs in the developing countries and their counterparts in the developed world. This would enhance both organizations. The negative trends mentioned will lead to more indoctrination of local NGOs by both governments and aid agencies alike. The economic-driven (as opposed to vision-driven) formation of NGOs, particularly in Africa will further weaken civil society. The laws must be changed to ensure transparency, democracy (including board elections), openess (i.e. open membership) and accountability of NGOs. People should be encouraged to join - and find the support and opportunity they are looking for - a central NGO. In Egypt, for example, the law prohibits the registration of NGOs that have similar objectives, mandate and geographical coverage. The funding agencies would be forced to apply strict selection criteria for funding, favouring established NGOs than starting ones, which is also problematic. The Nile Basin Society had suffered from that. Re: Choosing the right strategic planning method for civil society activism
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Payday Loan Advocate
on Sat 27 Sep 2008 06:08 AM SAST | Permanent Link
What you don’t know CAN hurt you, especially if you make important decisions based on erroneous information. The present argument concerning the pros and cons of cash advances, and what’s in store for the future of the payday loan industry is something about which you should be knowledgeable. There are politicians from every party that have approved legislation in a number of states, cities and towns that limits or prohibits your ability to get a payday loan. Some politicians are even trying to completely eliminate the payday loan industry. What the politicians don’t know can hurt you: these anti-payday loan laws are mostly established on the false concept that payday lenders have the same ethical outlook on their customers as illegal loan sharks. Now is the time to spread the good word about payday loans to those close to you in order to preserve your financial freedom. Post Courtesy of Personal Money Store Professional Blogging Team Feed Back: 1-866-641-3406 Home: http://personalmoneystore.com/NoFaxPaydayLoans.html Blog: http://personalmoneystore.com/moneyblog/ Obama on Payday Lending
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Payday Loan Advocate
on Mon 29 Sep 2008 11:49 AM SAST | Permanent Link
Payday loan customers applaud the payday loan industry mainly because, when used properly, they are the fastest and safest way to get out of an unexpected financial fallback. An old saying asks the question, "If something isn’t broken, than why fix it?" This is a perfect question to direct to many politicians who are attempting to or have outlawed the entire industry in many states. Of course, many people who are living beyond financial wealth would agree with this action and bond to fix something that isn’t broken. They have even inspired presidential hopeful, Barack Obama, to join their inexplicable motion. On November 4, vote for the peoples’ right to financial freedom and independence.
Post Courtesy of Personal Money Store Professional Blogging Team Feed Back: 1-866-641-3406 Home: http://personalmoneystore.com/NoFaxPaydayLoans.html Blog: http://personalmoneystore.com/moneyblog/ Re: Choosing the right strategic planning method for civil society activism
by
Payday Loan Advocate
on Wed 08 Oct 2008 11:30 AM SAST | Permanent Link
The payday loan industry is in danger because there are politicians who wish to wipe out the entire industry. But that is not what is best for the people. For instance, in Georgia, the bankruptcy filings, bounced checks and foreclosures all skyrocketed after the cash advance product was done away with. With no disregard for these negative statistics, following the closure of payday loans in these states, several other governors continue to try and follow suit. Top national politicians are now stepping out in hopes of wiping the industry completely off the map. Should such politicians succeed, there is a big possibility that there will be increased unemployment rates, more debt, more foreclosures and an even more damaged economy.
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