e-CIVICUS - Connecting civil society worldwide

e-CIVICUS - Connecting civil society worldwide - Number 138
2 November, 2001

CONTENTS

A. From the desk of the CIVICUS Secretary-General
B. General news about civil society and citizen action
C. International conferences/workshops/meetings/fairs and exhibitions
D. Training courses
E. Relevant position listings
F. New publications
G. Internet news and websites
H. Scholarly support and awards
I. From the reader
J. Funders and donors profile

A. FROM THE DESK OF THE CIVICUS SECRETARY-GENERAL

MANAGING NONPROFIT ORGANISATIONS IN A TIME OF GLOBAL CRISIS

Last week I had the opportunity to share time with the Australian volunteer community as a guest of Australian Volunteers International and Volunteering Australia. This turned out to be a traumatic experience for many of us given that one of the participants died of a heart attack a few minutes before I was to address the audience. Mark Owens, was a 52 year old volunteer, father of three kids, who volunteered for the Multiple Sclerosis Soceity, amongst other voluntary work, in Australia. His mother said that he could not have died at a better place; the national volunteer event commemorating the International Year of Volunteers, since his entire life was about service. I have been deeply moved by this experience and reflecting on the vulnerability and fragility of human life as people die from Anthrax and many more die from starvation and bombing in Afghanistan. This is a deeply distressing time for humanity and raises important questions for civil society organisations.

How should civil society organisations continue with their work at this time? I have listened to the views of several leaders of civil society around the world and agree with the perspective that while our work is being challenged by the horrfic events of 11 September and the responses to it, we need to continue to stay on course with the range of activities we are engaged in. We cannot afford to be immoblised by the current crisis, instead we need to monitor it, makes sense of it, adapt our work if necessary, but pursue our values and missions with as much passion and commitment that was there prior to 11 September. As a small contribution to this ethos, I want to discuss this week the internal challenge around improving the management of nonprofit organisations. This has in fact become an urgent issue as criticism mounts about how effective (or not) US charities have been in delivering support to the families of victims of 11 September.

In recent years the view of civil society organisations (CSOs) being badly structured and organised entities is slowly disappearing and nonprofits continue to exercise increasing professionalism and improved efficiency. This advancement is mainly due to the high quality management standards established by CSOs and a growing sense that with increasing influence comes increasing accountability. This phenomenon cuts across north-south boundaries and is in fact a global phenomenon. That is not to say that civil society organisations have arrived at levels of managerial expertise that we feel is excellent - no, we indeed have a long road to travel but the journey has begun in earnest.

Managerial advancement results in a stronger position of civil society when engaging in partnership with the business sector and the state. Today many CSOs are looked upon as real partners. This in practice results among others in CSO's inreased ability to convince business actors about the relevance of the goals of the organisation, to raise the level of corporate responsibility, and to access funds from these actors. Co-operation with the state also becomes easier with good management, although often the bureaucratic management structure of state institutions is the main challenge of effective co-operation.

One of the reasons behind the increasing professionalism of CSOs is their access to courses in nonprofit management. Many educational institutions around the world today have management courses specialised in the nonprofit sector. Another reason has been the growing investments CSOs are making in terms of internal staff development. Here again, the shift is in the right direction but much more needs to be done.

Together with educational improvement important headway has been made in nonprofit research. Research is carried out not only in educational institutions and state bodies but some CSOs also conduct research on the nonprofit sector. For example, the CIVICUS Index is a special project aiming to measure the health of civil society worldwide.

Nonprofit management has a vast literature. Many books and publications are available on the topic in many countries, in many languages. Since more often than not the courses on nonprofit management are paying courses and sometimes expensive (though in many cases scholarships are on offer to enroll), a more accessible way to acquire management skills, especially for a small, local grouping, is through these readings and self-learning and in some cases peer group learning.

International organisations as well as national, regional or local entities can all have similar management problems (with obvious differences). The aim of good management skills is to provide the tools for effective work, which is in line with the needs and goals of the organisation to the benefit of their members, users, and to the satisfaction of their various resource providers as well.

But we also have to be careful. Procedural development should not override substantive issues. In other words: the increased human capacity should not compete with the human character of civil society but the two should be complimentary to each other.

Although the state of civil society management is significantly higher today than ten years ago, we have a long way to go to achieve our goals with the professionalism expected from us.

As Pasquale Ferraro (Deputy Director-General of IDLI, a CIVICUS member organisation in Italy) writes in his book, CSOs must not only achieve excellence in their substantive field but must also be capable of delivering services using sound business practices. Otherwise, they are doomed to failure. The future of these organisations will depend upon their ability to manage their resources efficiently.(To review the book see Section F. of this newsletter.)

Warm regards, Kumi Naidoo

B. GENERAL NEWS ABOUT CIVIL SOCIETY AND CITIZEN ACTION

UN VOLUNTEER YEAR GAINS GROUND IN FOURTH QUARTER
[IYV Press">
Bonn, GERMANY, 11 October, 2001

The United Nations' International Year of Volunteers (IYV 2001) is picking up speed as it enters its final stretch. More than 200 city, state and national committees in 124 countries are taking up a last round of activities in the largest celebration of volunteer action ever conceived.

Throughout the Year, committees formed at city, state and national levels have mobilized representatives of governments, civil society and the private sector to promote the four goals of IYV 2001: enhanced recognition, facilitation, promotion and networking of volunteers.

"It's been amazing to watch this Internet-driven year virtually explode in activities far too numerous to mention," said Sharon Capeling-Alakija, Executive Coordinator of the Bonn-based United Nations Volunteers (UNV) - IYV's global focal point. "From coins, flags and postage stamps to IYV messages on scientific rockets in outer space: it's all been done."

During the year, lawmakers in France, Germany, Spain and the UK have passed pro-volunteer legislation, while new laws have been proposed in Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, Madagascar, Mozambique, Nepal, Senegal and Tanzania.

A recently released report of UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan on government and UN support for volunteering states: "Volunteerism is the backbone of many projects and programmes on the ground and underpins much of the campaigning for causes supported by the United Nations and resource mobilization." (Download the full report at www.iyv2001.org/iyv_eng/policy/unitednations/unlegislation/ga_note_support_vol/index.htm ).

There are also several large-scale events to come later in 2001.

For the full version of this news release visit www.iyv2001.org/infobase/press/01_10_11DEU_4thQuarter_un.htm

INDEPENDENT SECTOR SURVEY FINDS MIXED OUTLOOK ON CHARITABLE GIVING

Independent Sector announced on 23 October, 2001 the release of a national survey conducted by Wirthlin Worldwide that measures the charitable giving of Americans since the terrorist attacks of 11 September - and provides insight into how much more people will continue to give.

The full report is available at:
http://www.IndependentSector.org/sept11/survey.html

IACD FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Relaunched in 1999 the International Association for Community Development (IACD) is an international membership body advocating the approach of community development to transnational organisations such as the UN, WHO, FAO, UNICEF and ILO, and supporting the work of national and regional community development organisations. IACD is managed by an Executive of 20 members which has reserved places for the 7 regions of the world, to ensure its representativeness. Current executive members come from Cameroon, Australia, New Zealand/Aoteroa, China, Malaysia, Egypt, Kenya, Ghana, USA, Hungary, Canada, Pakistan, India, Israel, Pacific Islands, and the UK.

IACD focuses on issues such as social justice, social protection, empowerment, solidarity, and respect for racial and cultural diversity, central to the values of community development. IACD has significant potential for the empowerment of the poor and disadvantaged, against the threats posed by globalisation and by the actions of global organisations. We are also concerned at the use of the language of community development by organisations and programmes which have little real commitment to the empowerment of the poor.

Much of the so-called social development work funded by different agencies offers little prospect of the poor taking more meaningful control over their own lives. In particular, the so-called trickle-down theory of development, underpinning structural adjustment programmes, is increasingly discredited in all countries where it has been practised for years and where it has, in reality, led to a huge widening of the gap between rich and poor. In this context, we believe the role of community development workers can be critical in helping the poor and less powerful to give voice to their own concerns and needs.

The IACD organises regular international conferences and events, lobbies alongside other organisations concerned with empowerment, publishes a newsletter, and supports and networks with national and regional community development groupings.

Further details (in French or English), and membership arrangements

CONTACT: Professor Gary Craig, President, IACD
ADDRESS: Rosebery House, 9 Haymarket Terrace, Edinburgh, EH12 5EZ, UK
E-MAIL: [email protected]

C. INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES, WORKSHOPS, MEETINGS, FAIRS, EXHIBITIONS
(Conferences marked with an asterisk (*) are appearing in this newsletter for the first time)

THE WASTE SUMMIT: WOMEN ASSESSING THE STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT (*)

The WASTE Summit - to be held at Chatham College - will bring together women from across the United States to build a common agenda, share strategies, and forge a strong constituency on women and the environment. Summit participants will produce a U.S. women's environmental action agenda, which includes a status report on U.S. progress since the United Nations Earth Summit 1992 and a set of policy recommendations for action. It will be used for advocacy at the national and international levels and at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in South Africa, September 2002.

ISSUES TO BE COVERED INCLUDE:
- Ecological health
- Reproductive health and population
- Environmental justice and human rights
- Energy, transportation and land use
- Resource consumption
- Peace and justice
- U.S. support for international commitments

OUTCOMES:
- Create a strong and knowledgeable network of women in the United States
- Develop a U.S. Women's Action Agenda
- Connect U.S. women to the United Nations World Summit of Sustainable Development 2002
- Recommend proposals for U.S. domestic and global policy
- Support campus-based organizing on key issues of concern
- Spark Collaborative Projects and Advocacy Campaigns

In the wake of the 11 September tragedies, it is even more crucial that we come together to build a sustainable agenda for the U.S. that works toward global peace and justice. The WASTE Summit agenda has been expanded to incorporate this vision.

To register visit: www.wastesummit.org

DATE: 9-11 November, 2001
VENUE: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
ORGANISERS: The Rachel Carson Institute at Chatham College (RCI) & Women's Environment and Development Organization (WEDO)
TEL.: (1-412) 365-1361 (Rachel Carson Institute)
INTERNET: www.wastesummit.org

INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON VOLUNTEERING (ISV 2001) (*)

The ISV 2001 will enable those involved in volunteerism to evaluate experiences and lessons learned throughout the International Year of Volunteers (IYV 2001). Delegates from around the globe will present their volunteer projects. These presentations will form the basis for a Symposium Report, which will be published (book/CD-ROM), and serve as an important contribution to the report to be presented to the United Nations General Assembly in 2002 on the IYV 2001. Furthermore, the Symposium will allow all parties involved to prepare and coordinate future volunteer action.

For more information visit: www.isv2001.org

DATE: 18-21 November, 2001
VENUE: Geneva, SWITZERLAND
ORGANISER: International Conference Volunteers (IC Volunteers)
CONTACT: Viola Krebs, President of the Organizing Committee
TEL.: (41-22) 800-1436
FAX: (41-22) 800-1437, 321-5327
E-MAIL: [email protected]
INTERNET: www.icvolunteers.org , www.isv2001.org

EU ENLARGEMENT: LINKING CIVIL SOCIETY, THE CITIZEN & THE STATE (*)

Eduard Kukan, Slovak Minister for Foreign Affairs, said recently 'We are not sufficiently taking our people along in the EU accession process. Only 44% of EU citizens surveyed recently by Eurobarometer were in favour of Enlargement. Many remain undecided. This Conference will consider how better to connect public opinion and civil society with what governments across our continent see as an imminent political development.

Speakers will include EU Commissioner Verheugen, the Polish, Bulgarian and Slovene Ministers of European Affairs, the Governing Mayor of Berlin, several Members of the European Parliament including David Martin (Vice-President) and Elmar Brok (Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee), Sir Paul Lever (British Ambassador to Germany), Quentin Peel (International Editor, The Financial Times), Misha Glenny (author and broadcaster on European affairs) and numerous representatives of non-government organisations from Western and Eastern Europe.

DATE: 21-24 November, 2001
VENUE: Berliner Rathaus, Berlin, GERMANY
ORGANISER: The Federal Trust
CONTACT: Suzanne Potter, Research Officer, The Federal Trust
ADDRESS: Dean Bradley House, 52 Horseferry Road, London SW1P 2AF, UK
TEL.: (44-207) 799 2818
FAX: (44-207) 799-2820
E-MAIL: [email protected]
INTERNET: www.fedtrust.co.uk/berlin.htm

3RD INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON AIDS INDIA (*)

The conference will provide a forum for sharing experiences as well as an update on the understanding of the mechanisms that are involved in HIV infection, AIDS, viral elimination and persistence. Topics include:

- successful prevention, particularly from a rural perspective
- how should HIV education & information be presented to rural men & women
- anti-retroviral drugs are in the Indian market & are used unscientifically with no counselling
- what achievements have we made in the past two years to provide care and support to our men and women infected with HIV
- do we use them in our prevention strategies

Deadline for registration: 10 November, 2001

DATE: 2-5 December, 2001
VENUE: Chennai,(Madras), India
CONTACT: Secretariat, 3rd International Conference on AIDS India 2001, Department of Experimental Medicine/AIDS Resource Center, Tamilnadu Dr.MGR Medical University
ADDRESS: 40 Anna Salai, Guindy, Chennai 600 032, INDIA
TEL.: (91-44) 235-4203
FAX: (91-44) 235-3698
E-MAIL: [email protected]
INTERNET: http://www.aidsindia2000.org/

2001 ASIA PACIFIC EARTH CHARTER CONFERENCE

In 2002 as part of Rio+10, the Earth Charter will be presented to the World Summit on Sustainable Development for endorsement by the United Nations General Assembly. This conference is part of civil society's contribution to the global sustainability agenda. It provides an opportunity for organisations and individuals from the Asia Pacific Region to learn more about the Earth Charter initiative, build networks for promoting sustainability in the region and to share practical examples of sustainability best practices.

"The Goal of the Earth Charter is to become like the United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It will become a symbol of the aspirations and the commitments of people everywhere."
Maurice Strong, Chairman of the Earth Charter Council, Special Advisor to the UN.

THEME: Sustainable Futures
DATE: 29 November - 2 December, 2001
VENUE: Brisbane, AUSTRALIA
ENQUIRIES: Clem Campbell, Conference Coordinator
TEL.: (61-7) 387-57132
E-MAIL: [email protected]

D. TRAINING COURSES

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY OFFERS POST-GRADUATE PROGRAMMES IN 2002

SOCIOLOGY (HONOURS, MA, DPHIL)
FOCUS: Applicable theoretical knowledge, methodology and research methods
and a specialisation area in Sociology

COMMUNITY AND POPULATION STUDIES (BPHIL)
FOCUS: Development theory and practice in SA with the emphasis on obtaining
practical skills in community and population development.

COMMUNITY AND DEVELOPMENT (MPHIL, DPHIL)
FOCUS: Development theory and practice in SA with the emphasis on obtaining
understanding of development issues and a practical orientation to the
resolution of development problems.

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AND POLICY (MPHIL)
In collaboration with the Dept of Social Work
FOCUS: Interdisciplinary theoretical and empirical analysis of youth
development and policy issues in SA, including crime and substance abuse,
exploitation and victimization, and sexuality and health. Management and
evaluation of youth services and programmes.

GENDER STUDIES (MPHIL)
In collaboration with the Dept of Political Science
FOCUS: The unique gender programme will include theory and research
methodology as well as electives such as 'Women and Citizenship', 'Gender
and Literary Theory', 'Women sexuality', 'Gender and Masculinities', 'Women
and the Law', 'Gender and Crime'.

SOCIAL SCIENCE METHODS (MPHIL, DPHIL)
FOCUS: The methodology of social sciences research, including aspects of
science philosophy, research ethics, the sociology of science and research
management.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY STUDIES (MPHIL, DPHIL)
FOCUS: The social study of science and technology, also including aspects
such as the following: the philosophy of science and technology, the policy
of science and technology, research and innovation management.

Closing date: 15 Nov, 2001. For more information and forms
CONTACT: Bernita de Wet
ADDRESS: Dept of Sociology, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, SOUTH AFRICA
TEL.: (27-21) 808-2134
E-MAIL: [email protected]

E. RELEVANT POSITION LISTINGS

WEST AFRICA PROGRAM ASSOCIATE - SEARCH FOR COMMON GROUND

Description: Search for Common Ground's (SFCG) mission is to transform how people deal with conflicts - away from adverse approaches toward co-operative solutions. We design and implement multifaceted programs that aim to resolve conflict and prevent violence. We seek to help conflicting parties to understand their differences and act on their commonalties.

The West Africa Program (SFCGWA) has projects in Liberia and Sierra Leone and is establishing a presence in Guinea. Talking Drum Studio, Liberia was established in January 1997 with the goal of reducing political and ethnic violence by stressing themes of peace, reconciliation and democratization, using radio as its main tool. Talking Drum Studio, Sierra Leone was established in September 2000, modeled after, and mentored by, TDS-L with the same overall goal of reducing political and ethnic violence.

Summary of Post: A Program Associate is required to support the work of the West Africa Program and will be based in Washington, DC reporting to the West Africa Regional Director (RD). The post holder will be an exceptional writer, and will be responsible for the development of proposals and reports, promotional materials, award nominations and web updates. He/she will serve as a personal assistant to the RD. The post holder will work closely with the Program's Administration Manager and will, at the request of the RD, be assigned tasks and be supervised by that individual. Travel to the field offices may be possible but should not be expected. This is a wonderful opportunity for someone who wants to work in the field of conflict resolution.

For more information visit: www.idealist.org/jobs/16392/81559

PROGRAM DIRECTOR - AFRICAN FUTURES FORUM

Description: The purpose of this position is to serve as a focus point for the development, implementation, and management of all programs related to the COHRTEC grant including, but not limited to (a) hiring and training of a program co-ordinator in Senegal, (b) hiring and training of program instructors, (c) identification of program consultants, (d) development of program materials. (e) students recruitment and performance in Senegal, (f) serving as a liaison between COHRTEC and AFF.

Education: Master (MA, MSW, etc.); Languages: English, French; Additional Qualifications: Strong administrative background with at least 2-5 years of management experience, appropriate residency; internship or fellowship can substitute for this experience. Experience working with diverse minority populations. Good working knowledge of nonprofit organizations especially in the field of health care and child advocacy. Computer experience, international experience preferred. Preference will be given to applicants with doctoral training.

For more information visit: www.idealist.org/jobs/62083/81590

F. NEW PUBLICATIONS

LEGAL AND ORGANIZATIONAL PRACTICES IN NONPROFIT MANAGEMENT

By Pasquale Ferraro, International Development Law Institute
197 pages, published by Kluwer Law International, ISBN 90-411-1688-5

Leaders of nonprofit organizations everywhere believe passionately in what they are doing. They often put in long hours, and with little or no remuneration, they are willing to do everything and anything to further the work of their organizations. In most Western countries, nonprofit leaders have had easy access to myriad support agencies, professional training and self-help publications. In developing countries, this is not always the case. The manager of a local, regional or even national NGO rarely has formal training in the skills needed to manage efficiently.

Fortunately, academic curricula designed specifically for the nonprofit sector are becoming more and more common in business schools around the world. This development alone reflects the importance and validity that the sector has earned.

Governments everywhere are 'downsizing'. This process has inevitably shifted services that were once the province of government to non-governmental entities. If NGOs are to fill the void left by government, they must not only achieve excellence in their substantive field, but must also be capable of delivering services using sound business practices. Otherwise, they are doomed to failure. The future of these organizations will depend upon their ability to manage their resources efficiently. The topics covered in this volume, among the first of its kind to be written by a European with extensive experience in developing and transition countries, provide basic 'survival tactics' for small organizations with limited staff and resources.

The practical advice given by the author will contribute to the sustainability of the many NGOs in developing and transition economy countries that are struggling to succeed under challenging odds.

NEW BOOK ON RESEARCH

The Nonprofit Sector Research Fund of The Aspen Institute announced on 29 October the release of Mapping New Worlds: Selected Research on the Nonprofit Sector Around the Globe. This compilation examines the role and impact of nonprofit organizations - including advocacy, development, relief, human service, health, education, arts, and other agencies - in various countries around the world.

In light of recent events taking place in the United States and abroad, this timely resource will help to increase understanding of a broad range of nations and cultures.

To obtain a copy of Mapping New Worlds, which helps to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Nonprofit Sector Research Fund, please visit www.nonprofitresearch.org .

For more information
CONTACT Winnifred Levy
TEL.: (1-202) 736-5814
E-MAIL: [email protected]

BUSINESS PARTNERS FOR DEVELOPMENT REPORT

Business Partners for Development has published a new report entitled 'Endearing Myths, Enduring Truths: Enabling Partnerships Between Business, Civil Society and the Public Sector. The report provides an insight into the emerging lessons from BPD's four Clusters. It can be viewed on line at www.bpdweb.org/krg where you can also register to get on BPD's general mailing list.

G. INTERNET NEWS AND WEBSITES

NEW E-NEWSLETTER LAUNCHED BY THE KOSOVA WOMEN'S NETWORK
[Advocacy Project">

Prishtina, October 29, 2001

'The international community needs to do much more to eradicate the trafficking of women from Kosova and curb violence against women in the province', according to a new monthly publication by and for the women of Kosova.

The 'KWN Voices' newsletter is published in Albanian and English and intends to serve the Kosova Womens' Network (KWN), which links 32 women's groups across the province. The newsletter will be accompanied by a new KWN website, which will soon be open to visitors at www.womensnetwork.org .

To subscribe send an e-mail to [email protected] with 'subscribe' in the body of the message.

SCHOOLNETAFRICA: BRIDGING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE WITH A MADE-IN-AFRICA BRAND

Organisations promoting education in African schools through the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs), otherwise known as schoolnets, have mushroomed in over 20 African countries to date. This evolution has given way to the establishment of a SchoolNetAfrica to facilitate the growth and development of national schoolnets across the continent.

Headquartered in South Africa and governed by a 12-member Steering Committee representing 10 countries from all five sub-regions across the continent, including a representative from the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, SchoolNetAfrica is the first African-based, African-led, pan-African school networking institution on the continent. In partnership with national schoolnets SchoolNetAfrica kicks off with a number of flagship projects. Over the next three years, under the banner of an aptly phrased: OPERATION DOT LEARN program, SchoolNetAfrica plans to

- Connect African schools to the Internet
- Build champions to lead and develop national schoolnets
- Pilot the development of online curriculum
- Create a knowledge warehouse
- Promote the development of world class learners through its ThinkQuest Africa competition
- Lobby and advocate for cheap Internet access for schools in Africa

For more information contact the SchoolNet Africa press liaison officer, Ms Heba Ramzy at RITSEC in Egypt at [email protected] or the SchoolNet Africa Executive Director, Ms Shafika Isaacs at [email protected]

WORLD MOVEMENT SITE ON CEE AND NIS COUNTRIES

World Movement announced the launch of its internet site on Central and Eastern Europe and the New Independent States. The section provides links to democracy networks, information about organizations participating in the World Movement in these regions, publications and research materials, funding sources, and other useful links.

INTERNET: www.wmd.org/cee-nis/cee-nis.html or via the World Movement's home page: www.wmd.org

If you have any suggestions, comments, or information to include in this or any other sections of the World Movement site, please contact: [email protected]

RACISM: WHY A WORLD CONFERENCE NOW?
[SIMS">
A report on the September 2001 UN World Conference in South Africa, its relevance, objectives and recommendations (969 words) can be found at: www.simedia.org/new/racism-wld-conf.html .

COMMINIT SITE
Resource for research: www.comminit.com/comments_aboutus.html

RENEWED AND UPDATED WEBSITE OF DG ENLARGEMENT
INTERNET: europa.eu.int/comm/enlargement/

H. SCHOLARLY SUPPORT AND AWARDS

THE CITIZEN BASE AWARD - SOUTH AFRICA

The Citizen Base Initiative (CBI), a creative resourcing programme of Ashoka, has created the Citizen Base Award - an international challenge competition providing seed capital to NGOs for innovation in local resource mobilisation. The award aims to spark, identify and support local resource mobilisation as an alternative to international fundraising. This is an international award that has already been hosted in Brazil, Thailand, Bangladesh and India. It is currently running in Argentina and South Africa (SA).

CBI SA invites all South African non-profit organisations to enter the Citizen Base Award. We are giving away cash prizes valued at R250,000. Five NGOs that submit locally focused resource mobilisation strategies, which are replicable, innovative and feasible and demonstrate the ability to generate resources and mobilise citizen support, stand the chance to each win R50,000. The non-cash prizes that our five winners will also take away include one free pass to a three-day CBI resource mobilisation workshop and one free pass to a two-day Sangonet IT training workshop.

ELIGIBILITY
To enter this award, your organisation must be a South African non-profit organisation in the development sector - a NGO, a CBO or community service organisation (CSO).

ENTRY DETAILS
Entry details are available from: www.citizenbase.org
Alternatively you may contact the CBI office in SA.
TEL.: (27-11) 403-3916
E-MAIL: [email protected]

INTERNATIONAL YOUTH IN ACTION AWARD

Youth In Action and the Global Youth Action Network are offering awards of USD 1,000 to young people (under 25) who have started a project anywhere in the world that has positively impacted their community. UNESCO's InfoYOUTH Network and Prodigy Internet have offered funds for these awards, which aim to provide greater recognition for young people's positive contributions.

Only youth-initiated projects that are on-going or completed and have created a measurable and positive result are eligable.

Deadline: 21 March, 2002

CONTACT: [email protected]
INTERNET: youthlink.takingitglobal.org/action/yiaa.html

I. FROM THE READER

Dear e-CIVICUS newsletter,

If possible, I would like to be added to the mailing list for information from CIVICUS. I received a newsletter from a friend and found it very informative.

Kathy Vandergrift
CANADA

J. ABOUT CIVICUS

CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation is an international alliance dedicated to strengthening citizen action and civil society throughout the world.

e-CIVICUS is produced weekly, and distributed to thousands of subscribers worldwide. If you would like to comment on a past issue of e-CIVICUS or request that appropriate information about your organisation be included in a future issue of e-CIVICUS, please contact the CIVICUS Newsletter Office at the following e-mail address: [email protected]
Due to space restrictions, we may not be able to include all submissions.

To subscribe: send a blank e-mail with 'subscribe' in the subject line to [email protected]
To unsubscribe: send a blank e-mail with 'unsubscribe' in the subject line to [email protected]

Co-ordinator of e-CIVICUS:
Miklos Barabas, Programme and Communications Director
TEL.: (36-1) 356-8440 FAX: (36-1) 356-8499
E-MAIL: [email protected]
INTERNET: www.civicus.org