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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 (see back cover).
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.
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.
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.
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
may be obtained from the NGO Forum office at:
#9-11, Street 476, Toul Tompoung I,
Phnom Penh, Tel: 023 214 429 or Download
the application from from our website:
Membership Application Forms
(37KB)
Membership Fee
(16KB)
Membership List
Click here to see our current member organizations.
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