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.

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. 

 

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 e-CIVICUS and on the website, and share progress on our analysis and recommendations. CIVICUS members will hear the results in Glasgow at the World Assembly in May 2007, and the final detailed plans will be finalised during the remainder of 2007 for implementation beginning in 2008.

 

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 Canada has been tasked by the CIVICUS Board with leading and coordinating our efforts.

 

Initially, we are asking people to reflect on and respond to the following questions:

 

  1. 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?
  2. How are the perceptions of the role and potential of civil society as a force for positive change evolving among practitioners, governmental and political circles and the academic world?
  3. In your view, what are the three most important issues that civil society should be addressing in the coming years and at what levels?
  4. How can CIVICUS better position itself to support civil society in addressing these priority issues?
  5. Based on your understanding of CIVICUS, in your view what are the organisation’s main strengths and weaknesses?

 

What are your thoughts?