Nonviolence Network In Arab Countries

Definition of the Network: The Network is a flexible body that connects organizations and individuals working in the field of nonviolence in the Arab World. Goals of the Network The goals of this network is to coordinate the relation between the organizations and individuals involved in training in nonviolence, including sharing related material and experience, and to help linking the members of the network with donor organizations around the world.

The General Assembly (GA) is all the members of the network. The members, whether individual or an organization must be directly involved in nonviolence and practices nonviolence, either in its activities or give training in nonviolence. The GA holds all the structures of the network accountable and should evaluate the work of the Steering Committee and the coordination body. The GA periodically elects a steering committee from the members. GA members are also responsible to recruit more members to the network. Individuals can choose to join the network as individuals or through an organization.

The GA members can be members of other networks or bodies if they want unless it contradicts the spirit of nonviolence, and unless there is a conflict of interest with the network.

The Steering Committee (SC) consists of elected members of the General Assembly. (Suggestions for numbers are needed; however, it is advised to keep it small) The steering Committee can on monthly or quarterly basis and when needed urgently. Meetings can be held Online using Skype can be used since it is free or IRC since it is more secure.

The SC is responsible to monitor the work of the coordination body and discuss the reports submitted by the coordinator before sending them to the GA. The SC can also select one of its members or the GA members to represent the network in international forums when needed.

The Coordinator is a paid staff member whose job can be specified as follows:

1- Collect the needs of the members that help them develop their work for nonviolence

 2- Find funding organizations in the issue of nonviolence and create a Data Base and keep it up-to-date

 3- Inform the network members about deadlines for funds related to Nonviolence

4- Find related organizations around the world and introduce them to the members

5- Collect Grant application forms for different funding organizations and make them on a website that can be designed specifically for the network

6- Raise funds for the Network to maintain its stability

7- Circulate reports or news especially about activities of member organizations to the other members and the Media. (members should send it to the coordinator)

8- Create a monthly report and semi-annual report about the Network

9- Conducts a regular Internet search to find new organizations or individuals who can be potential members of the network.

It is important to note that it is the responsibility of the members to send their proposals directly to the funding organization without having to through the coordinator.

The coordinator can be hosted in one of the member organizations to minimize costs. The organization should be compensated for the usage of resources and space. The coordinator can be changed if the steering committee can prove that he/she did not do the job appropriately.