NGO/Government Cooperation at the Local Level: An International Perspective David Moore European Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ECNL)

Need for a paradigm shift … From … Paternalism 1-way funding relationship Downward focus To … Partnership Multi-faceted relationship Joint focus toward community needs Local Gov’t NGOs Community Needs

Supportive Legal Framework Access to information Consultation on issues of public concern Participation in decision-making Participation in management of local public services Good standards in grant-making

Compacts: A Framework for Cooperation Agreements between local governments and NGOs to improve relationship for mutual advantage. Shared Principles Joint Undertakings

Origin of Local-Level Compacts Transferred from central level English Compact 100% of local authority areas Initiated directly at local level Gydnia, Poland 1 – Develop principles in working group 2 – General meeting of local NGOs 3 – Coordinator prepared first draft

Areas of Cooperation Information and consultation Decision-making Service provision Funding Volunteering

Consultation Local Government Plan on consultation Use plain language Allow 8-12 weeks Analyze feedback Be willing to change proposals NGO Sector Encourage participation Be clear as to constituency Provide objective feedback Respect confidentiality of information withheld

Funding Local Government Be transparent in assessing applicants Recognize core costs of NGOs Be consistent in funding conditions Promote fair access Establish fair funding levels NGO Sector Employment standards Management standards Financial systems

Impact “The Compact has taken us places we never thought it would go. It has been the vehicle that has improved community relations.” “Without the Compact we wouldn’t have had the framework to work together so effectively.”

Thank You! For further information: This presentation has been produced with the financial assistance of the European Union under the project “Strengthening the Legal Framework for Citizen Action through Freedom of Association,” implemented by the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law. The contents of this presentation are the sole responsibility of ECNL and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the European Union. Copyright © 2008 European Center for Not-for-Profit Law