EAPN Poland – governance and internal democracy

EAPN Poland EAPN Poland set up on 1st of February 2007 Created by 17 organisations Now 31 member organisations (7 of them are federations) It is non-registred and it is based at one of the member organisations (WRZOS) that coordinates its work. Confirmation at GA in 2012 Our work is governed by informal terms of reference (includes values, principles, ways of working, etc) New organisations fill an application and send their statute. Acceptation made by EXCO

EAPN Poland Every year GA Every 4 years EXCO election 8 people at EXCO (meeting every 2-3 months) Reports from GA sent to all members, reports from EXCO sent to EXCO Additionally, 7 people are involved in our Council of Social Experts (meetings every 5-6 months)

EAPN Poland Decision made by EXCO, supporting role of the Council Positions papers prepared by EXCO with Council & member organisations help All opinions, position papers, expertise sent and consulted with all member organisations Reports from EAPN EXCO, EUISG to EXCO of EAPN Poland and yearly to GA PEP meetings organised by different organisations – decision made at GA

EAPN Poland No paid staff, all members are volunteers Sometimes extra volunteers Funding only from time to time Role of WRZOS in funding Short-term strategy

EAPN Poland - STRENGTHS Stable situation with EAPN Poland Secretariat Clear decission making process Clear procedures (GA, EXCO) Strong EXCO

EAPN Poland – WEEKNESSES/CHALLENGES Relation EAPN Poland – WRZOS Involvement of member organisations No permanent funding PEP involvement Consultation processes Involvement of people between meetings