What is the NGO Forum?
The NGO Forum on Cambodia is a membership organisation for local and international NGOs based in Cambodia. It exists for information sharing, debate and advocacy on priority issues affecting Cambodia’s development. It represents NGO views to decision-makers on issues such as development policy, gender, environmental protection and land rights.
Who can become a member?
International and local NGOs operating in Cambodia that are committed to NGO Forum’s mission and to participating in NGO Forum activities may apply for membership of the NGO Forum. Applications for membership are considered by the Management Committee of the NGO Forum, a committee elected from among the member organisations. Eligibility criteria are described in the NGO Forum’s By-Laws.
Does membership of the NGO Forum cost anything?
A small membership fee is charged as a sign of member commitment to the NGO Forum. It ranges from $10 to $300, based on the organisation’s overall budget. Local NGOs who commit to being active members may request a waiver of the membership fee. The main commitment required from members is their active participation.
What are the responsibilities of members?
Member organisations should be committed to actively participating in the work of the NGO Forum. They should also be willing to take prompt action to commit their NGO to a public stance on issues of public concern. Member meetings are held quarterly in Phnom Penh. The NGO Forum will cover the travel costs of participants from the provinces, if not covered by any other funding source. All full member organisations need to participate in elections for the NGO Forum Management Committee, which governs the NGO Forum on behalf of the members.
It is expected that all member organisations will be involved in at least one of the various NGO working groups or networks facilitated by the NGO Forum.
What are the benefits of membership?
The main benefit of membership is being able to join in the joint advocacy activities, sharing of information, and educational opportunities provided by the NGO Forum. Through working together in the NGO Forum, NGOs are able to achieve their common advocacy objectives.
While the NGO Forum reserves the right to invite non-members to some of its activities, member organisations have the first priority for all invitations and information dissemination.
Members of the NGO Forum are automatically invited to become part of any and all of the NGO Forum’s networks. Members may be invited to Forum-sponsored functions, trainings and workshops. Members will receive information bulletins, newsletters, briefing papers, reports and educational material published by the NGO Forum.
Most importantly, member NGOs have the opportunity to influence decisions being made on Forum policies, priorities, strategies and actions, and to raise issues of concern. This includes voting on statements and positions taken by the NGO Forum, and standing for election to the NGO Forum’s Management Committee.
The NGO Forum provides NGOs the opportunity to meet and work alongside representatives from many international and Cambodian NGOs with common values and interests, and with common advocacy goals.
Why become a member of the NGO Forum?
By working together, NGOs can be more effective in advocating positive changes of benefit to Cambodia and its people. Formal membership of the NGO Forum shows commitment to work together with other NGOs for positive change. When more NGOs join the NGO Forum, the NGO Forum’s voice becomes stronger and better able to influence government and donor policies.However, this will be effective only if the members are active and fully participate in the decision-making of the NGO Forum. Members also have the right to complain if they feel that the NGO Forum is not acting in line with the decisions and views of its member organisations.
EXCERPT FROM THE NGO FORUM BY-LAWS
MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES
3.1.1. Full Member Organizations: Agencies with Full Member status have the right of voice and vote in Member Meetings. Staff of agencies with Full Member status may be elected to serve on the Management Committee.
3.1.2. Associate Member Organizations: Agencies with Associate Member status have the right of voice only.
FULL MEMBERSHIP ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
3.2.1. Applicants for full membership of the NGO FORUM must be non-government organisations (NGOs), which are not-for-profit, not for proselytising, and not aligned with any political party inside or outside the country;
3.2.2. Have an office or Representative inside the country;
3.2.3. Are implementing or supporting on-going programs in Cambodia which are beneficial to the well being of the Cambodian people, normally evidenced by at least two years experience of implementing or supporting projects in Cambodia;
3.2.4. Have as a primary objective the provision of development and humanitarian assistance, including educational and advocacy activities;
3.2.5. Have a genuine concern for the impact of social, economic, political and environmental developments on the lives of Cambodian people;
3.2.6. Are committed to actively participating in working groups and meetings of the Forum;
3.2.7. Are willing to take prompt action to commit their NGO to a public stance on issues of public concern here in Cambodia;
3.2.8. Are committed to exercising their vote on all proposals put to the membership for decision;
3.2.9. Agree to pay annual membership fees. Fees will be applied on a schedule based on in-country program budget. The fees may be waived where agreed by the Management Committee.
ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
3.3.1. Applicants for Associate Membership of the NGO FORUM must be organisations which satisfy eligibility requirements 3.2.1 and 3.2.4 to 3.2.6 above and are committed to supporting activities of the NGO FORUM.
3.3.2. Agencies eligible to be a Full Member may not choose Associate Member status instead of Full Member status.
How can NGOs apply for membership?
Application forms and Membership fee may be obtained from the NGO Forum office at: #9-11, Street 476, Toul Tompoung I, Phnom Penh, Tel: 023 214 429 or can be download the application from from here: Membership Application Form and Membership Fee.