What is SOLIDAR?

Who are we  European network of 60 national NGOs

What we want  To advance social justice in Europe and worldwide.

History  Created in 1948 as International Workers’ Aid (IWA) within the framework of the Socialist International (SI)  IWA changed its name to SOLIDAR in 1995 when it moved to Brussels

Areas of work  3 main areas of work o Social policy & social service provision o Development policy & humanitarian aid o Education and lifelong learning  Examples: o Silver Rose Awards Ceremony

Social Affairs  A more social Europe o High quality, accessible social services for all o Social inclusion and non-discrimination o Decent work and quality jobs for all o Balanced approach to economic, employment and social policy o Strengthened Social dimension of EU enlargement  Examples: o Together for Social Europe Campaign o Making Industrial Relations work for Decent Work o Social platform for innovative social services o Decent work and social inclusion in the Western Balkans

International cooperation  Rights-based approach to development, empowerment, social and economic justice: o Fighting inequalities: Decent work and social protection o Empower people: Democracy and freedom of association o Humanitarian intervention based on solidarity  Examples: o Active in more the 100 countries in the world (through its members and the Global Network) o Decent Work for Domestic Workers: organising and campaigning o Decent work, Decent life campaign o Mobilizing for social justice in MENA region

Education  Empowerment and participation of (vulnerable) people through lifelong learning o Guaranteeing all individuals with the chance to fully participate in society o Promotion of the validation of non-formal and informal learning outcomes o Recognition of skills, competences and knowledge acquired through prior-learning.  Examples: o Investing in education: building inclusive learning societies o Individual skills and competences validation mechanisms

Working methods  EU policy analysis and evidence-based policy recommendations  Ensuring the participation of members and practitioners in EU decision making  Building progressive civil society networks in Europe and world-wide  Capacity building of members and networks

2013: Dialogue for change  6 Conferences: o Investing in education: building learning societies o Decent work and social protection o Quality employment in social and health sector o Promoting youth employment (NEETs) o Human rights and freedom of association o Innovative social services  Bringing together (vulnerable) people, practitioners, academics and decision makers related to EU policies  Providing policy analysis, case studies on social realities and evidence-based policy recommendations

Alliances

Relations with EU institutions

Contact Rue du Commerce Brussels Tel: Keep up to date with SOLIDAR’s activities by subscribing to our online newsletter on