Launching Congo
January 26, 2007
Executive Summary
A Movement for
A historic opportunity is at hand for the
However, the DR Congo does continue to suffer from the consequences of a very long and deadly war. More than 4 million people have died in the war in the
Why has the world’s deadliest humanitarian emergency, the deadliest of all conflicts and humanitarian crises since World War II, been met with such a gravely insufficient response?
The simple answer is ignorance. The media does not cover the DR Congo in a significant way, so people do not know about it. And even if they are aware of this crisis, there are precious few outlets for mobilizing their concern. Instead, world leaders focus their attention on more politically pressing issues, regardless of the scale of the atrocities taking place in the DR Congo.
There is reason to hope. We have learned that once communities and key leaders know the story of the DR Congo, people want to act. The DR Congo deserves and needs a global, engaged citizens’ movement that will educate and mobilize communities around the world to support the Congolese. These communities, organizations and individuals will then partner with policy experts to bring the DR Congo to the forefront of our governments’ agendas and urge an international response appropriate to the scale of the need.
As Congo Global Action, we have brought together policy experts and grassroots organizations to form the world’s largest coalition on the DR Congo that will mobilize increased local and international response to the DR Congo crisis.
Through months of meetings, we have laid the groundwork. Now we ask your support in launching this coalition. Drawing on the experiences of other successful movements such as Genocide Intervention Network, Africa Faith and Justice Northern Uganda Lobby Days, Save Darfur, Ban Landmines, Control Arms, Jubilee Campaign and others, we have devised a clear strategy, and now we are gathering the resources that will let us implement it.
Enclosed, you will find detailed information about the conflict in the DR Congo, our coalition and our vision for the three conferences and future action. We hope you will join us in sparking a movement that will be the long-overdue action responding to the voices of the people of the
INTRODUCTION
DR Congo: The World’s Deadliest Emergency
The war in DR Congo is by far the world’s deadliest conflict since World War II. The International Rescue Committee’s latest mortality survey in 2004 demonstrated that 3.9 million people had died because of the conflict and that a further 39,000 are possibly still dying every month, with nearly half of these deaths being children under the age of five.
The conflict in the DR Congo began at the conclusion of the Rwandan genocide. The Interahamwe, the Hutu militias responsible for the massacre of one million people in
Various militias and government forces were sent in to fight first the Interahamwe, then each other. The chaos erupted into what has been termed “
Though a peace accord was reached in 2003 and the first democratic elections in over 40 years have just taken place in 2006, the conflict continues to cause a complete shut-down of vast regions of the country, leaving civilians to fend for themselves against brutal attacks, torture, looting, rape and murder, as well as deprivation of the most basic conditions necessary for life.
Shockingly, of the excess mortality recorded in the DR Congo, only 2% are a result of violence. Security issues have severely limited access to humanitarian relief and basic services, resulting in tens of thousands of “excess deaths” every month, primarily from easily preventable diseases and malnutrition.
In areas where the UN Security Forces have maintained a presence, the number of “excess deaths” drops dramatically. Additionally, with a major up-scaling of humanitarian aid, simple and cost-effective interventions can easily prevent these deaths. National judicial reform, effective and transparent economic policies and monitoring can end the economic exploitation and looting that many see as one of the main causes of the conflict.
Considering the DR Congo’s vast resources, an end to the conflict could transform this long-neglected nation into a major stabilizing influence on all of its nine neighboring countries. “
As Human Rights Watch put it, "If you want peace in
Nurturing Hope in the Heart of Darkness
Despite these grave statistics, the Congolese people have hope and have taken steps to improve their day-to-day lives. Many small, disparate grassroots efforts have mobilized citizens around the DR Congo through education and fundraising for direct aid projects. There are groups setting up schools and hospitals, counseling victims of rape and violence, and caring for orphans. But despite their efforts and dedication, their impact is limited and millions of Congolese remain out of reach of education, health care, and basic necessities. Small projects have surely improved the lives of many families and individuals, but solving the problems of the DR Congo will require much more.
International NGOs and policy experts have long recognized the need and advocated for greater involvement on the part of the international community in addressing these larger issues. Yet they have often had difficulty rallying support among decision-makers. Advocates have found that this is not because of a lack of compassion but a lack of awareness among decision-makers’ constituents. Unless legislators are hearing directly from their constituents that they are concerned about the DR Congo, this country and its people will never be a priority.
Now more than ever it is time to nurture this burgeoning hope and sustain the momentum the peace and rebuilding process has thus far attained. Therefore, we Congolese and international groups have come together to raise global and local awareness of the needs and advocate for greater assistance to the Congolese people as they continue to rebuild their lives and their country.
Together, as the Congo Global Action Coalition, we form a movement far greater than the sum of its parts, with a momentum that will generate the action, policy recommendations and funding assistance for the benefit of the people of the DR Congo. We will share our talents, expertise and resources to unite effective high-level policy advocacy with a groundswell of grassroots support. Together we will set the agenda to undertake and fund practical, constructive solutions to the DR Congo crisis.
Congo Global Action is a collection of humanitarian, human rights, environmental and faith-based organizations, students, Congolese Diaspora and other grassroots movements. What began with a single meeting on July 7, 2006 of representatives from fifteen organizations concerned about the DR Congo has grown into a coalition of more than 60 organizations with weekly meetings and new organizations joining every day. With a membership base of over half a million people, our organizations are coming together to advocate for the DR Congo and to urge increased local and international response.
Four months of brainstorming and outreach to other organizations culminated in a three-day retreat November 9-12, 2006 during which we produced a final Unity Statement, a structure for the coalition, and a plan for our next advocacy steps.
With organizations from four continents, Congo Global Action is truly a global community. Organizations that have already signed on to our Unity Statement include:
- The Bayindo Group SA
- Bureau pour le Voluntariat au Service de l’Enfance et de la Santé
- CARE
- Coalition pluraliste des Patriots Congolais - COPPAC
- Concern Worldwide
- Congolese Community of
- Conseil Pour la Paix et la Reconciliation – COPARE
- En Avant
- Friends of the
- The Friends of the
- Friends of the Earth
- Global Witness
- Hand Up Congo
- Initiatives Femmes Enfants et Developpement – Bukavu
- International Foundation for Elections Systems - IFES
- International Rescue Committee
- Jubilee Campaign
- Mama Makeka House of Hope
- Mennonite Central Committee
- Norwegian Refugee Council (pending approval)
- OXFAM (pending approval)
- Run for
- Save the DRC
- Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur
- Tous Unis pour Batir
- UMCOR – United Methodist Committee on Relief
- World Relief
- World Vision (pending approval)
There are many more organizations whose membership is pending approval by their boards of directors and/or senior management.
Please see the next page for the Unity Statement that joins us together in our efforts to improve life in the DR Congo.
A historic opportunity is at hand for the Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly
The Congolese people have demonstrated their overwhelming commitment to the peaceful rebuilding of their country by participating in their first democratic election in more than 40 years.
Nonetheless, the DR Congo continues to suffer from what the United Nations calls "the world’s deadliest emergency" and faces massive obstacles to its reconstruction:
Ø More than 4 million Congolese have died since 1998 as a result of the war. Although "
Ø Rebel groups, militias, and oftentimes the underpaid and poorly trained Congolese armed forces continue to kill, torture, rape, enslave, loot, and harass populations. Sexual violence in the DR Congo remains a daily threat for women and girls living in war-affected areas. Nationwide, the justice and security instruments remain largely dysfunctional and corrupt.
Ø Vast quantities of mineral wealth are smuggled and exported from the DR Congo every year without benefit to the Congolese people. The UN has accused all nations involved in the conflict of using the war as a cover for this looting. Networks of armed groups, elites, corporations, governments and Congolese civil and military officials control and pilfer diamonds, gold, cobalt, tin, copper and other natural resources. We benefit daily from the use of the DR Congo’s looted riches such as coltan, a vital component of our computers, cell phones, and home gaming systems.
The collective response to this crisis remains gravely insufficient.
The government must establish and maintain peace throughout all its provinces. It also must restore basic services, help millions of people return safely home and resume their livelihoods, set up efficient and trusted security and judiciary institutions, and organize economic usage of natural resources for the benefit of the Congolese. The people of the DR Congo must be empowered to hold their government accountable. The international community must provide adequate and sustained support for these efforts in order to save lives, keep people safe, and end economic exploitation.
As humanitarian, human rights, and faith-based organizations, students, Congolese, and grassroots movements, we come together to advocate for the DR Congo and urge increased local and international response, beginning with our own communities and institutions.
JOIN US.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Congo Global Action aims to raise global and local awareness of the needs of the Congolese people and advocate for specific responses from policy makers, including increased funding, both at the international and national level. There are three objectives that will form the pillars of the coalition’s efforts:
· Saving Lives,
· Keeping People Safe, and
· Ending Economic Exploitation
Pillar I: Saving Lives
Pillar I is devoted to helping to end the humanitarian crisis in the DR Congo by stopping the thousands of unnecessary deaths due to disease and malnutrition that are easily prevented with the provision of clean water, reliable access to healthcare and inexpensive medicine.
To achieve this vision of a healthy DR Congo, Pillar I has three advocacy goals:
1. To advocate for the full funding of the Humanitarian Action Plan for the DR
2. To promote bilateral and multilateral funding for humanitarian programs and other financial assistance to the DR Congo.
3. To encourage private donations and charitable giving to Congo-based humanitarian programs, especially local civil society groups, hospitals, and other programs dedicated to the rebuilding of local infrastructure.
Pillar II: Keeping People Safe
Ending the nightmare of violence in the DR Congo that includes offenses by militias and national military alike who loot, rape, kill and abuse Congolese civilians is the goal of Pillar II.
To achieve a level of safety and security that allows men, women and children to lead normal lives free of fear, Pillar II has the following goals:
- Advocate for the renewal and expansion of MONUC (the UN peace-keeping force in the DR Congo) and security sector reform. See Annex A for our letter to the UN Security Council
- Advocate for disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programs.
- Create a campaign that defends women and educates men about rape prevention.
- Restore the childhood of thousands of war-affected children, many of whom have served as either soldiers, sex slaves.
Pillar III: Ending Economic Exploitation
The DR Congo is one of the richest countries in the world in terms of natural resources and mineral wealth, yet the Congolese people live in abject poverty unable to benefit from the wealth of their own country.
To end the cycle of economic exploitation of the
1. Establish a process to ensure certifiably clean resources.
2. Establish a nationwide Contract Review Process in the DR Congo.
3. Ensure transparency and equality in the Export Process.
4. Establish a Code of Conduct for businesses working in the DR Congo.
5. Establish mechanisms to fight corruption on a local level.
COALITION ACTIVITIES
The coalition envisions undertaking a variety of activities over the next five years to achieve its goals. Its activities will fall into five categories: communications and outreach; fundraising and grassroots organizing; training and capacity building; annual grassroots conferences; and engagement with policy makers.
There will be three phases of activities. During the initial phase, the coalition will focus on consolidating its membership. Activities will concentrate on disseminating information, solidifying relationships among member organizations and individuals. In addition, the coalition will hone its advocacy messages for each pillar, sharpen members’ advocacy skills and methods, and take those messages to policy makers. IN addition, during the first phase the coalition will finalize its structure and operational needs in order to successfully accomplish its goals.
Progress will be measured by the extent to which awareness of the need to save lives, keep people safe and ending economic exploitation has increased among average citizens and policy makers. (Please see the “Results” section of this proposal for more details). As Phase I benchmarks are met, the coalition will be able to move on to Phase II activities.
Phase I will focus on two major categories of activities: Communications and Outreach Activities and Grassroots Organizing and Fundraising. These types of activities will continue throughout the life of the campaign and advocacy efforts. Examples of each are listed below:
A. Communications and Outreach
- Website
Quick and easy access to current, accurate information and resources will be crucial for the coalition’s success. A powerful website will be necessary to spread information to all parts of the globe and engage everyday citizens on all continents in Congo Global Action activities and conferences. All of the materials of the Coalition will be in French and English. The website will also serve as a clearinghouse and a reference for coalition members, grassroots organizers, the media, and the rest of the world. Plans are underway for a website that will allow for interactive activities such as:
· Reading up-to-date information on the DR Congo;
· Subscribing to a news feed and blog;
· Registering for upcoming conferences and activities;
· Sending e-postcards to key government officials, legislators and staff;
· Posting local grassroots events and messages;
· Downloading materials such as our logos, posters, and advocacy kits;
· Creating student chapters, Community Groups and organizations for all ages;
· Interacting with fellow members via peer to peer and other virtual tools.
- Influencing Policy Makers
The founding coalition members have extensive experience influencing policy makers. Most recently, they came together to advocate for the recent passage and signing of Senate Bill 2125, the
Congo Global Action plans to continue such collaboration to influence policy makers in the
· The UN Headquarters: United Nations Security Council members, the United Nations Operation Agencies such as UNICEF, UNOCHA, UNDP, UNHCR, WFP, etc.
· US State Department
· US National Security Council
· US Congress – House International Relations Committee and Senate Foreign Relations Committee and Appropriations.
· Universities across the Unites States via student groups, International Relations departments, etc.
· Think-Tank Groups based in larger cities, such as
· US Congressmen and Congresswomen in their home towns – at Town Hall meetings and constituent meetings.
· United Nations offices in
· European Union leadership in
· Influential Governments: The
· Universities across
· Think-Tank Groups based in larger cities:
· Newly formed Government of the
· African Union in
· The Tri-partite Plus Commission with DR Congo,
· Key Border Countries and influential Governments: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, Congo – Brazzaville, Zambia, Angola, South Africa, Namibia, and the Central African Republic
- Editorials and Media Outreach
Congo Global Action intends to take advantage of the incredible power of the media, to both educate the grassroots and to persuade governments and private companies to make decisions that will benefit the people of the DR Congo. One of the most successful campaigns in recent years has involved conflict diamonds and the need for diamond companies to take responsibility for the ways their diamonds are obtained. Global Witness and World Vision, two important members of Congo Global Action, led this campaign which, through threats of boycotts and calls for increased transparency, all but ended the trade of conflict diamonds by major diamond distributors like DeBeers. This abrupt turnaround in a formerly extremely corrupt industry can be replicated in the DR Congo’s lucrative industries.
Run for Congo Women is another example where media was used to reach out to new and unlikely demographics. Coverage in Runner's World, Oprah, and Fitness Magazine exposed athletes and other fitness enthusiasts to the issues of the DR Congo and the work of Run for
Congo Global Action will rely on its members’ extensive experience and expertise in media outreach and campaigns to plan a media strategy that will gain global support for the DR Congo.
Key elements of our media strategy include:
.
· Placements in key newspapers, magazines and journals around the world on a monthly and quarterly basis
· Op/Ed placement
· Editorial board lobbying
· Print and TV media releases and stories
· Working with a film-maker to create a documentary about the DR Congo
· Coordination of celebrity involvement
· A downloadable press kit that will include information about the DR Congo, contact information for coalition member experts, fact sheets, photographs and indexes
· B-roll footage that will be available for News and TV stations to use in covering the DR Congo
· Downloadable press releases and instructions for gaining media attention for community and grassroots activities
B. Grassroots Organizing and Fundraising
Congo Global Action will also organize and provide advice and assistance on grassroots organizing that will engage communities and concerned citizens in the DR Congo, the
- Run for
Run for Congo Women is a grassroots fundraiser designed to raise awareness about the war in the DR Congo, and to raise money to sponsor individual war-affected women. The Run was started in 2005 by Lisa Shannon who ran 30 miles to raise $28,000 on her own to sponsor 80 Congolese women through Women for Women International. In 2006, runs ranging from one to 200 participants were organized in ten
The purpose of the run is threefold. Firstly, it educates those who might not normally be aware of the plight of the Congolese. Participants educate their communities about the DR Congo when asking for pledges via email, personal contacts, and hosting house-parties. Secondly, it directly invests sponsoring individuals in the lives of individual Congolese women. Not only do they help these women rebuild their lives, but they gain a sense of personal connection to the crisis through letter exchanges with their "sister". Thirdly, it generates greater awareness through advocacy and media attention. Letter campaigns and other advocacy activities have been incorporated into Run for Congo Women events in the form of petitions and advocacy letters. Additionally, Lisa Shannon has used the clout gained by media and growing momentum with the runs to lobby for the passage of DR Congo related legislation. In 2006, there were feature articles about the Run in The Oregonian, Runner's World, Oprah Magazine, Chicago Public Radio's Worldview, and many other local and national media outlets.
In 2007, runs in their second year are expected to grow in numbers of participants. New runs will be added in locations from
Congo Global Action believes that Run for Congo Women has the potential to be a key entry point for committed grassroots leaders to join its coalition. We intend to capitalize on the Run for
- Community and Social Activities
Community and social activities have proven to be successful methods of gathering people to learn about issues and concerns and what can be done about them. Such activities were instrumental in the success of the Run for Congo Women effort and the efforts of the Genocide Intervention Network and are a primary means of gaining membership throughout Europe and
Congo Global Action plans to incorporate these types of activities into its “advocacy tool kit” and encourage its members to do the same. Examples of activities are: Book clubs for all ages, house parties, and outreach to churches and other faith-based organizations with ideas for fundraisers and material for study and youth groups.
- Youth Activities
So far, Congo Global Action members are predominantly professional employees of NGOs of all sizes and visions, but in the coming months we will work to engage an increasing number of youth. Involving youth and encouraging their activism is important on several levels. Firstly, it is important that they learn about the world around them and how they fit into a global community. Secondly, as the future leaders and policy makers of the world, it is important that they learn how to be constructive members of a democratic society. Thirdly, their interest and enthusiasm can provide tremendous energy to advocacy efforts and grassroots organizing such as those of Congo Global Action.
The coalition plans to harness this energy and give youth the tools to become good global citizens through activities such as creating student chapters in universities and high schools around the world, reaching out to school teachers and providing them with curriculum supplements, and setting up pen-pal projects to link students in the DR Congo with students in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia.
- Annual Grassroots Conferences
Congo Global Action intends to bring its members together each year to strengthen the network, provide an opportunity to share knowledge, experience and skills, and provide advocacy opportunities in key geographic locations. The grassroots conferences are designed to give everyday people the skills, knowledge base, and support needed to become community leaders for the DR Congo. The coalition organizations will draw on their members and constituencies (over half a million people) to participate in these conferences. We will also reach out to other key groups to mobilize a diverse cross section of activists, students, and communities.
It is essential that this grassroots movement be global in its reach. Hence, we propose three conferences with similar agendas in Africa, Europe and
Specifically, the aims of the conferences are the following:
· To educate a diverse array of citizens around the world about the crisis in the DR Congo, facilitate their advocacy to world governments and increase their participation in activities that directly benefit the Congolese people in the DRC.
· To provide a forum where international leaders and civil society members of the DR Congo can connect, network, and generate a collaborative enterprise that will last.
· To assemble and create links between movements and persons concerned by the situation in the DR Congo that will facilitate grassroots lobbying with policy-makers in decision centers such as Brussels, Washington DC and Nairobi.
Experts will be invited to deliver workshops on key issues within each of the three pillars: Saving Lives; Keeping People Safe; and Ending Economic Exploitation. For instance, issues to be covered with respect to “Saving Lives” include gender-based violence, health and well-being, and issues faced by returnees. Issues to be covered with respect to “Keeping People Safe” are human rights and the path to good governance in the DR Congo, demobilisation, disarmament, and reintegration of fighters, and the role of the United Nations in the DR Congo. Issues to be covered under the “Ending Economic Exploitation” pillar include the role of the DR Congo’s mineral riches and international organizations in the conflict, labor issues and the environmental impact of the war.
Participants will also attend workshops to improve their skills in grassroots organizing and influencing policy makers. The conferences will culminate in a day of meetings with elected representatives and policy makers located in each of the three locations.
A detailed agenda can be found in Annex B.
Participants
Participants will be invited by sponsoring organizations to travel to the nearest of the three conference locations for the event. A particular focus will be placed on the following groups:
- Civil Society Organizations from the DR Congo
- Civil Society Organizations from around the world
- University Students
- Faith-Based Groups
- Congolese Diaspora
- Environmental Groups
- Organizations & Constituencies not yet involved in our coalition
- Human Rights Groups and their constituencies
Voluntary donations of $25 will be requested as a registration fee. In limited cases, student groups and other disadvantaged individuals will be able to apply for travel scholarships to attend and participate in one of these conferences.
Guests of honor, such as global NGO advocacy leaders, national grassroots leaders, think tank leaders, embassy representatives, and US State Department officials will also be invited.
Keynote Speakers
Congo Global Action has already begun to identify and contact possible keynote speakers. We are seeking people from the Human Rights Community, Nobel Peace Prize winners, former United Nations officials such as Koffi Annan and Jan Egeland, and key writers or journalist that have promoted the cause of the DR Congo.
For Congolese Keynote speakers, these include:
Mr. Denis Mukwege Mukengere, Director of the
Mr. Murhabazi Namegabe, Director of the Office of Voluntary Service for Children and Health. He will deliver precise information concerning human rights violations and their consequences for children.
Ms. Christine Karumba, Director of Women for Women International. She has extensive practical knowledge of the situation of women in the DR Congo and can share her perspectives on the experiences of refugees.
Locations
Conference I:
The coalition has chosen
Conference II:
Conference III:
Expected outcomes
The coalition expects the following four outcomes from the three grassroots conferences:
1. At least 500 participants per conference; approximately 1,000 participants are expected for the
2. At least 100 Student Chapters created throughout the world.
3. At least 100 Community Chapters mobilized on the DR Congo throughout the world.
4. Global advocacy grassroots network formally in place via the Coalition – Congo Global Action will have the membership to solidify the international grassroots network.
We anticipate three main results from these new members and grassroots groups when they return home:
1. Increased advocacy to policy makers;
2. Increased education and outreach at the community level and
3. Solidification of coalition networks and relationships.
Activities that will help us to achieve these results include targeted and strategic efforts to:
1. Raise awareness about the crisis amongst the world public;
2. Empower participants to translate knowledge and passion into action that affects clear and defined policy and other goals;
3. Invite constituents into conversations about re-imagining popular conceptions of Africa and relations between the International Community and
4. Access mainstream and other media tools with thoughtful information and messaging;
5. Coordinate influential leaders as well as pre-existing organizations and constituencies to speak and mobilize with one voice; and
6. Lobby elected and appointed officials to take decisive action;
Though this campaign will focus primarily on the DR Congo Crisis, our efforts will ultimately have a tremendous impact on global awareness of humanitarian crises across
Our campaign will:
1. Pressure governments to enact policies that support sustainable peace in the entire region affected by the conflict;
2. Increase public discourse internationally about the global causes and effects of as well as possible solutions to the conflict;
3. Raise the stakes for individuals who are responsible for the perpetuation of conflict and the failure to mitigate its consequences to force them to act more responsibly;
4. Foster amongst target audiences intelligent conversation about global civic engagement and the value of all human life;
5. Create a constituency of people concerned about broader global inequity and boundaries between peoples
ACTION PLANS FOR YEAR ONE
Congo Global Action will determine action plans for that will incorporate all types of activities in order to achieve the goals of each of the three pillars.
Pillar I, “Saving Lives”, activities in 2007 will include the following:
Ø Meet with selected UN Security Council members (US,
Ø Meet with the Belgium Mission to the UN in
Ø Write Op-Eds and newspaper articles for major media outlets alerting the public about the humanitarian conditions in the DR Congo and urging support for humanitarian funding
Ø Write press releases, develop an on-line activism strategy, and initiate a letter-writing campaign targeting U.S. Government offices following the release of the 2007 budget in February
Ø Develop on-line “Take Action” campaigns that permit citizens to contact their elected officials in support for funding for the DR Congo
Ø Develop a “Post-Card Campaign” targeting major donor nations to support the 2007 Humanitarian Action Plan
Ø Participate in
Ø Create and participate in grassroots events, vigils, and interfaith events highlighting the plight of people in the DR Congo.
Pillar II, “Keeping People Safe”, activities in 2007 will include the following:
Ø Contact the UN Security Council members through letters or Aria Formula urging an expanded mandate for MONUC See Annex A for our letter to the Security Council
Ø Work within the World Bank MDRP Structure to provide timely information about their DDR program and the inclusion or not of children
Ø Contact male celebrities to record radio statements speaking out against rape to be played on Radio Okapi in the DR Congo
Ø Work with organizations that have in-place awareness programs and school programs about land mines, child sorcery, and other child-related security concerns with a goal to disseminate the information nation-wide through the national school system.
Ø Hold an inter-faith dialogue to raise awareness about gender-based violence in the DR Congo
Ø Join the 2007 “16 Days” campaign against violence towards women
Ø Supply the Congo Global Action website with timely information about gender-based violence, child soldiers, and other security issues in the DR Congo
Ø Participate in grassroots activities aimed at educating the public worldwide about violence towards women and security concerns in the DR Congo
Pillar III, “Ending Economic Exploitation”, activities in 2007 will include the following:
Ø Pressure the World Bank and OECD governments to review their
contracts and uphold international standards
Ø Explore the possibility of having the European Union trade commission hold a hearing on the role and policy of EU based companies that have contracts in the DR Congo
Ø Facilitate the convening of an intergovernmental panel of arbitration of specialists to receive complaints, analyze reports, and make recommendations
Ø Work with the World Bank to convene a Special Panel to examine their investment in DR Congo-based development-aimed extractive projects
Ø Nominate one DR
Ø Educate and mobilize civil society in the
March 8 - International Women's Day to organize a radio show on
affiliate, DC based WPFW focusing on the impact of economic exploitation
of the
March 9-12 - Ecumenical Advocacy Days 2007
April 8-13th - The end of the first 100 days of the new DRC government
April 25th - the anniversary of the Clean Diamond Trade Act to work with
coalition members to support advocacy opportunities on
June 30 -DRC Independence day to develop a grassroots media focused
activity
December 10 - International Human Rights Day to develop a grassroots
media focused activity
Ø Develop a corporate target and campaign which will use investor-based and grassroots strategies to exert leverage on companies operating in the DRC
Phase II Activities
Phase II will focus on capacity building, fundraising, and direct engagement of public officials. The coalition will work to strength newer member organizations and grassroots groups and efforts that have come together as a result of its education and advocacy efforts in Phase I. As a result, advocacy efforts will be more driven by these groups as they continue to focus on achieving the objectives of the three pillars.
- Training and Mentoring
Targeted trainings and workshops will be developed for coalition members that exhibit a high level of commitment to and skill for advocacy on the three pillars and grassroots organization. These promising individuals will be identified from the Congolese organizations and newly formed grassroots organizations in particular. Training would be provided in the coalition’s main activities: communications and outreach; influencing policy makers; grassroots organizing; and fundraising. Key training in communications and outreach would include use of the media, public speaking, strategic messaging, and writing of editorials and press releases. Techniques for effective lobbying and interaction with elected representatives and policy makers as well as policy formation will also be taught. Effective grassroots organizing skills would include how to engage the community and how to hold an effective “stunt” or protest. Fundraising training would include the creation and implementation of fundraising strategies and management and hosting of fundraising events. These trainings would also provide an opportunity for these individuals to have access to experts for ongoing policy briefings and updated information from the field.
These individuals will also be matched up with more experienced members of the coalition who will serve as mentors. Mentorship will provide a more structured yet inexpensive way for coalition leaders to share their experience and knowledge, provide advice and strengthen the network. It is envisioned that the main methods of communication will be email, instant messaging and phone. The annual conference will provide an opportunity for in-person interaction. Members will also be encouraged to have additional face to face meetings to the extent possible. The coalition will explore funding opportunities for other workshops and gatherings as well.
- Internships
Professional internships are often a good opportunity for organizations and individuals with similar goals to learn from each other first hand and strengthen their working relationship. The majority of the founding members and organizations are well-established, professional organizations from which the Congolese and newly formed grass roots organizations could learn a great deal by observing and working with them firsthand.
Founding members and organizations will identify opportunities in their programs and work plans that would be valuable for other coalition members to visit and participate in. Examples might be fundraising events, trainings, advocacy days, conferences, etc. In addition, depending in which country the internship takes place, the interns can visit other coalition members, grass roots organizations, and policy makers to provide their perspective on the ongoing needs of the DR Congo as well as practice their education and advocacy skills.
Internships would be unpaid. The coalition will work with the participating members to help them identify funding for airfare, accommodation and meals during their stay.
- Fundraising
Congo Global Action will continue to raise funds primarily to support the work and development of Congolese civil society organizations that have solid reputations who are working to achieve the goals of the three pillars. Recipients of the funding would be selected through a competitive grant proposal process.
The initial funds for these grants will be raised through a number of coalition grassroots efforts. Such efforts would include but not be limited to the following:
· The growth of Run for Congo Women. Each year, runs will be added in other
· The holding of national house parties. Coalition members will be asked to hold house parties on a certain day and to invite friends, family and neighbors to contribute a certain amount (for example, the amount that they would spend to go out to dinner).
· A call for front yard fundraisers such as lemonade stands, garage sales, and bake sales
· Organizing concerts or other community events
· Holding Film Nights
- Dialogues with public officials
In the second phase of the coalition’s work, it will be important to engage public officials and policy makers more intensely. This will allow more coalition members to impress upon them their concerns and commitment to the DR Congo as well as engage the officials in creating solutions and committing resources.
This sort of dialogue will be most important in the DR Congo for its peace and rebuilding process. Regular dialogues with their elected officials, whether at the local or national level, will strengthen the democratic process and help citizens and citizens’ organizations to hold their officials accountable. At the same time, a constructive dialogue will likely lead to government officials having a greater understanding of citizens’ concerns and priorities as well as the creation of more appropriate and viable solutions. Such interaction is also likely to be viewed as positive democratic progress by the international community and encourage it to continue investing in the peace and rebuilding of the DR Congo.
At the same time, such activities will have a significant effect in other countries as well. Grassroots organizations will be encouraged to hold dialogues with their elected and appointed national representatives in their home districts. This will allow more people to participate in the discussion and for these elected officials to gain a better understanding of the importance that saving lives, keeping people safe and ending economic exploitation in the DR Congo holds for their constituents.
Lastly, policy makers and public officials from around the world and the DR Congo in particular, who have shown commitment to and support for Congo Global Action’s objectives and activities will be invited to speak at and participate in the annual grassroots conferences and other events to further awareness on critical issues for the DR Congo.
Phase III Activities
Congo Global Action recognizes that nurturing hope and progress in the DR Congo is a long-term effort. Phase III activities will focus on sustaining the progress that has been achieved in the first two phases. As such, the timing and precise activities will depend largely on those results.
Congo Global Action seeks to be a long term supporter of the people of the DR Congo as the country transitions to a self-sustaining healthy, secure and prosperous nation. In order to remain in position to continue its advocacy and support efforts the coalition envisions having a small secretariat with a small, core staff that will take over the day-to-day management of the coalition’s activities. The current coalition committee structure would evolve into a Board of Directors. The Executive Committee would have more oversight function but be less involved in the day to day operations. The same is expected for the other committees. The Board of Directors would be expected to continue their involvement in specific advocacy efforts as well as fundraising.
Perhaps just as importantly, Congo Global Action will seek to share the knowledge, skills and experience gained by its membership with the larger global community seeking to prevent other countries from experiencing the suffering that the DR Congo has. Based on the ideas outlined in the International Commission on Intervention and State Sovereignty’s report, "Responsibility to Protect" (http://www.responsibilitytoprotect.org/) Congo Global Action aims to be a founding partner in the creation of a lasting international umbrella organization of dedicated, mobilized citizens, NGOs and policy makers poised to advocate for the prevention and cessation of mass atrocities when governments fail to protect their own citizens. The world is in desperate need of an international institution with a mobilized citizen base, which will pressure our own governments to act as these situations arise. The focus will be general advocacy and situation specific campaigns (for instance Darfur, DR Congo,
Congo Global Action will continue to advocate for the rebuilding of this vast and strategic country, the DR Congo, but we won't stop there.
COALITION STRUCTURE
The founding members of Congo Global Action are committed to building the coalition and have created an organizational structure to advance its mission and implement its activities. The coalition structure will consist of an Executive Committee, a Steering Committee, an Advisory Committee, a working group for each of the three pillars, task oriented working groups, and Associate members. It is important to note that all working groups and committees are made up of volunteers from our member organizations and agencies. Their commitment to this coalition goes above and beyond the duties of their full-time jobs and is a tribute to how strongly Congo Global Action members feel about their work on the DR Congo. The committees and working groups are described below:
Executive Committee
The Executive Committee is responsible for the overall management of the coalition. It is made up of six (later nine) members who are truly passionate about this coalition and were elected democratically and unanimously. They will serve a nine-month term, up for re-election in July, 2007 or these positions will be taken over by paid staff and/or a formal Board of Directors.
The Executive Committee will be responsible for:
· Maintaining the vision and direction of the coalition;
- Coordinating, overseeing and advising the working groups;
- Outreach to coalition members and potential members;
- Launching necessary additional working groups and tasks; and
- Handling all fundraising, and financial and administrative oversight.
Executive Committee Members:
Chair: International Rescue Committee (Shannon Meehan)
Vice Chair: Coalition Pluraliste de Patriotes Congolais (Nita Evele)
Run for
Friends of the
International Rescue Committee –
Please see Annex C for background on the Executive Committee members.
Steering Committee
The Steering Committee’s primary responsibility is to provide leadership and direction in the coalition’s efforts to achieve the three pillars as well as other activities. It is made up of those individuals who are dedicated to the coalition and willing to put in the time and effort to remain active in the coalition. Each pillar working groups has selected a chair and vice-chair to coordinate the activities.
Specifically, the steering committee will:
- Create and draft the policy statements for the assigned pillar
- Lead and coordinate the direction and activities of the three pillars;
- Vet all public statements by the coalition;
- Advise, lead and coordinate necessary additional working groups and tasks;
- Create grassroots activities for community outreach; and
- Participate in all biweekly Friday conference calls.
Advisory Committee
The Advisory Committee is made up of individuals who may not have the time to be part of the steering committee, but are available for consultation on projects concerning their areas of expertise and interest. These individuals represent the organizations that have full membership in the coalition. In particular, the committee members will:
- Be available and responsive when approached by a member of the coalition;
- Stay informed about issues affecting the DR Congo, and share our message at every opportunity; and
- Authorize all public statements by the coalition.
Associate Members
These members are organizations and individuals, who strongly support the mission of Congo Global Action and who, for whatever reason, feel they cannot sign their name to coalition documents, statements, or activities, but are willing to provide behind-the-scenes advice, assistance and/or financial support for the efforts of the coalition.
Working Groups
In order to effectively accomplish specific goals in our advocacy for the DR Congo, coalition members have divided into six working groups. Working groups include representatives from organizations of all sizes and types. The complex messages they have created are informed by policy experts that will not only be used to target policy makers, but can also be adapted to be more accessible for grassroots mobilization. Each group meets regularly and has developed a set of goals and a plan of action for achieving those goals.
There is a working group for each of the three pillars:
- Pillar I: Saving Lives
- Pillar II: Keeping People Safe
- Pillar III: Ending Economic Exploitation
These groups are responsible for creating and implementing the action plan for each pillar.
In addition, there are three task-based working groups:
· Media, Communications and Website. This group is currently designing the website and researching media possibilities.
· Grassroots Organizing. This group is currently planning grassroots activities for 2007 and creating downloadable tools for community activities.
· Hope for
Figure 1: Current Coalition Structure
Associate Members (Input) Advisory Committee
Budget Narrative
This budget reflects funding for the two primary objectives of the Congo Global Action Coalition:
1. To have full-time staff to manage the growing membership, pillar messaging, communications and grassroots activities for at least 12 months.
2. To hold three Regional Conferences to solidify and galvanize the global movement for action on the DR Congo.
We have organizations that will donate the office space for the staff members, for example, the IRC offices in
In addition, African Faith and Justice Network (AFJN) is willing to be the fiscal sponsor where the coalition’s fundraising can be housed under a separate bank account within AFJN under their 501 (c3) status until the Coalition is firmly rooted in structure and funding.
It is important to note that the working groups and pillar work is done via volunteered time by many people from all across the coalition’s membership.
A detailed budget is attached. The following is a description of the costs and their intended results.
Staffing Requirements
Regional Outreach Coordinators
We would hire these positions in phases that best suit the needs of each region and these positions will all respond to outreach not only in their specific location but coordinate globally. Please see attached job description in Annex D.
The Coalition has budgeted fringe benefits at 30 percent to provide a competitive benefits package and to cover related employment taxes as stipulated by each country’s labor law.
Total Staffing Requirements are estimated to be 243,750 USD.
Office Requirements
Initial equipment and supplies
Each regional coordinator will be equipped with a basic work station set up. This will include a laptop computer and software, a printer, chair, desk, mobile phone, and initial office supplies. A laptop and mobile phone will be particularly important as it is envisioned this position will undertake significant travel within his/her region.
Recurring Office Costs
As stated previously, office space for each of the coordinator will be provided free of charge by member organizations. We estimate this in-kind contribution has a value of 600 USD per month per coordinator resulting in a total contribution of 21,600 USD for the year.
The coalition anticipates significant communication needs for each of the coordinators. This includes internet access, mobile phone service coverage and conference calls.
We have also budgeted for basic office supply needs on a monthly basis.
Other Costs
Legal Fees:
Congo Global Action will have to be legally registered so that it may employ staff and accept donations. We anticipate that the legal fees associated with this registration will be donated and have an estimated value of 2,500 USD per country for a total of 7,500 USD.
Website Design & Branding Development:
There will be initial costs for licensing and full website development and training of staff to maintain the site. The coalition anticipates receiving donated services for the maintenance of the website once it is set up.
Database Maintenance:
Subscription to a robust database program and interactive website tools such as those provided by Democracy in Action or GetActive are necessary for managing constituency information, allowing for an interactive website, and for website maintenance. The cost for a year of these services has been estimated at 6,300 USD.
Total Office Requirements and Other Costs are estimated to be 143,540 USD.
Staff Travel
The coalition coordinators will be required to travel within their regions for outreach and networking. We have estimated four trips per year per coordinator.
Washington, DC Coordinator: this coordinator would make trips around the United States to large cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia and Houston, as well as cities with large and active student populations such as Boston, San Francisco, Portland, Seattle, Ann Arbor, Durham, Atlanta, etc. for outreach to Diaspora groups, student chapters, and active community groups, and for organizing grassroots activities.
Regional airfare has been estimated at 550 USD for travel within Africa, Europe and the
Total Staff Travel requirements are estimated to be 14,100 USD.
The Grassroots Conferences
Meals
Breakfast, lunch, dinner and two coffee breaks will be provided on each of the three days of the three conferences for all participants. This will result in a cost of 107,250 USD per conference.
Program Requirements
Conference packages with advocacy and documentary materials will be provided to participants at each of the three conferences. Printing will be done in black and white for cost savings. The coalition estimates these to cost approximately 3,330 USD per conference.
Communications and outreach will be necessary to inform conference participants and ensure smooth organization of the conference. We estimate the associated costs to be approximately 3,330 USD per conference.
T-shirts, buttons and other small advocacy and promotional items will be provided to the participants in recognition of their participation and commitment to the coalition’s goals. These will also be of use to them when they are back in their home communities and educating fellow citizens on the issue of the DR Congo. We estimated T-shirts to cost 5,336 USD per conference and buttons and other materials to total 850 USD per conference.
Audio/ visual equipment will be required for many of the conference sessions. The coalition will borrow from its membership organizations to the extent possible. However, rental at the conference will be necessary. We have budgeted 2,000 USD per conference for this requirement.
Two keynote speakers will be invited to address the participants at each conference. The coalition will cover their travel and accommodation. A small honorarium is also budgeted. The total anticipated cost is 4,000 USD per conference.
Travel Scholarships for Participants
Recognizing that not all participants will have the means to cover the cost of travel to the conference, the coalition envisions providing travel scholarships for 10% of participants. We have budgeted regional airfare at 350 USD per trip for approximately 60 participants per conference. This comes to a total of 21,000 USD per conference.
We have also budgeted three nights of accommodation at 100 USD per night per participant per conference for these selected scholarships. This is a total of 18,000 USD per conference.
The coalition would like to ensure that Civil Society representatives from the
The attendance of senior coalition members will also be essential for conducting coalition business and networking with coalition members. Congo Global Action will cover the travel costs for these members.
For the
One roundtrip airfare from Africa to
Three roundtrip airfares from the
For the
One roundtrip airfare from Africa to
One roundtrip airfare from Europe to
One roundtrip airfare the West Coast to
For the
One roundtrip airfare from Europe to
Three roundtrip airfares from the
Total costs for the Grassroots Conferences will be 576,558 USD.
Value of Donated Services and in-kind Contributions
As previously noted, the coalition anticipates receiving donated services and in-kind contributions from its members and others. Currently, we have factored in the following:
- Office space for each coordinator estimated at 600 USD per month for a total of 21,600 USD for the first year
- Donation of legal services and use of 501 c 3 for registration and receipt of donations estimated at 2,500 for each country
- Membership support to the conferences and the coalition structure at approximately 100,000 USD.
This results in a total value of 129,100 USD in donated services/ in-kind contributions.
Therefore,
Annex A:
January 31, 2007
Dear Ambassador,
We, the Congo Global Action, are a collection of humanitarian, human rights, environmental and faith-based organizations, students, Congolese Diaspora and grassroots organizations. With a membership base of over half a million people, our organizations are coming together to advocate for the Democratic Republic of Congo and to urge increased local and international response.
One of our key points is to advocate for the renewal and expansion of MONUC (the UN peace-keeping force in the DR Congo) and security sector reform.
It is widely known to our organizations and our members in the DR Congo that the national army remains the most prominent perpetrator of human rights violations today. Its tactics and methods create acute humanitarian crises and contribute to the displacement of civilians, especially during harvest times. These tactics only serve to compound the human suffering in the Eastern portion of the country today.
It is, therefore, crucial that MONUC remain in the DR Congo, and their new mandate focuses on the following priorities:
- MONUC must concentrate its efforts to train the National Army and Civilian Police on the international standards, including human rights and humanitarian responsibilities that they are sworn to protect.
- MONUC must do all it can to assist the DR Congo to achieve the necessary skills and capacity at all government levels to address conflict without a return to arms and further human suffering.
- MONUC must exert political pressure and work with the newly elected government to ensure that any human rights violations or abuses to civilians by police and/or national army are deemed illegal and unacceptable and that perpetrators will be held accountable. MONUC must play a key role in ending the impunity that currently pervades DR Congo.
- MONUC must report publicly on arms trafficking in DR Congo. The United Nations presence in the DR Congo is in the best position to highlight violations of the arms embargo and the trade of illegal arms. They must take the necessary action to end the flow of arms and put in place mechanisms that ensure safeguards against further illicit weapons trade.
The above actions, combined with the imposition of MONUC’s exit strategy must be linked to measurable improvements in the lives of Congolese people. We believe that the UN’s actions in combination with the
Now is the time for the United Nations Security Council to support the DR Congo by strengthening and extending MONUC’s mandate. The extreme conditions in the DRC require determined and well planned intervention by MONUC and the entire International Community.
We, the undersigned organizations, urge the United Nations Security Council to strengthen and expand MONUC’s mandate in order to effect an unprecedented change during the most crucial period in the history of DR Congo.
List of NGOs:
Annex B: Conference Schedule
Conference Schedule
Friday
3:00 pm - 7:00 pm Registration and exhibit hall open
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Reception and Dinner
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Keynote speaker and Film
8:30 pm – 10:30 pm Film Screening of King Leopold’s Ghost: a film that highlights the colonial history of the DR Congo.
Saturday
9:00 am -10:30 am The World’s Deadliest Humanitarian Emergency: Intro to the Situation in the DRC (panel discussion with short film) – a solid overview
During the three Saturday workshops sessions, participants will be able to choose from a variety of topics the ones that most interest them.
11:00 am - 12:30 pm Breakout sessions– see topics below
12:30 pm - 2:00 pm Lunch
2:00 pm - 3:30 pm Breakout sessions - see topics below
4:00 pm - 5:30 pm Breakout sessions - see topics below
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Dinner and performance
8:00 pm - 10:00 pm Film Screening, “The Greatest Silence: Rape in
A recent documentary produced by HBO. Possible filmmaker appearance.
Saturday Workshop Topics
Participants will have time to attend three of the following discussions
Humanitarian Issues
- Silent Screams: Women and violence in the war-affected DR Congo
- An Unspeakable Toll: The health situation in the DR Congo
- Going Home: Assisting the DR Congo’s IDPs rebuild their lives
- Restoring the Dignity of Self Sufficiency in the DR Congo.
Keeping People Safe
- Out of the Heart of Darkness: The path to good governance in the DR Congo
- Arms Trade
- The Power to Protect: The Future of the UN in the DR Congo
- Dealing with DR Congo’s Militias: Demobilize, Disarm, and Reintegrate
- Human Rights in the DR Congo
Economic Exploitation
Can You Hear Me Now? How the DR Congo’s mineral riches have fueled the conflict, with special emphasis on coltan.
Show me the Money: How multinational corporations have cashed in on conflict.
Labor in the DR Congo
Militias in the Mist: The impact of the war on the DR Congo’s forests and wildlife.
Sunday
8:00am-9:00am Informal optional morning worship
9:30am-11:00am You are the Tipping Point for
11:30am-1:00pm Breakout sessions: Nuts and Bolts of Grassroots Organizing and formulating Student Chapters and other community chapters – follow up activities for outreach and advocacy on the DR Congo
1:00-2:30pm Lunch
2:30pm-4:00pm Advocacy 101: Preparing for Lobby Days and high level meetings
4:00pm-5:30pm Closing ceremony. Celebrity appearance.
Monday
9am- 5pm ADVOCACY DAYS
i. Training for participants in how to conduct an effective lobby meeting
ii. Comments and encouragement from members of Congress
iii. Several hours of pre-arranged meetings for all participants to lobby their elected representatives in groups
iv. A closing session about how to lobby from home district
i. Training on meeting with EU Members
ii. Key meetings with EU Country representatives on the DR Congo
i. Training and split participants up into groups for Embassy and Donor meetings
ii. Donor Meetings with many international donors who have regional offices in
iii. Embassy meetings with leaders in key Embassies from Europe, US,
Annex C: Bios of Executive Committee
Shannon Meehan
International Rescue Committee’s Deputy Director for Advocacy, Shannon Meehan has spent more than 17 years working in conflict zones around the world. As Deputy Director of Advocacy at the IRC, Shannon is responsible for covering the IRC’s policy priorities for the continent of
Nita Evele
Nita Evele is an activist from the DR Congo. She was born in
Hervé de Baillenx
Since March 2007, Hervé de Baillenx has been the Director of the International Rescue Committee’s
Lisa Shannon
Lisa Shannon, a small business owner and creative professional, was home sick one day watching Oprah when she learned of the crisis in the DR Congo. She set out to raise sponsorships for Women for Women International's
Maurice Carney
Maurice Carney is the co-founder and Executive Director of the Friends of the
Rocco Puopolo
Rocco Puopolo, a Xaverian Missionary Priest, hails from
Annex D: Regional Outreach Coordinator Job Description
Regional Outreach Coordinator
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Congo Global Action, an up-and-coming coalition of organizations and individuals devoted to support the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), has a full-time position available for an enthusiastic, energetic, bilingual person, to serve as an Outreach and Conference Coordinator. Candidate will manage administrative functions related to the Congo Global Action Coalition and the three global conferences during 2007. Ideal candidate will have an outgoing and enthusiastic personality to manage the details for participants, speaker and sponsor interactions both leading up to the event as well as onsite, in French and in English. Candidate must be proactive and flexible and able to work independently in a fast-paced team environment and think on his or her feet. The position will report to the Executive Committee of Congo Global Action.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Administrative Support with the Coalition:
· Research and advise the Executive Committee and other relevant working groups on global grassroots activities for the Coalition’s constituencies.
· Be the main point of contact for coordination of the three Pillar working groups. Guarantee that the minutes of all Pillars have gone out to the Coalition members.
· Create and maintain a bi-monthly Newsletter of Coalition Activities from each region.
· Manage the membership database, contact list and flow of communication to all members.
· Coordinate with the Pillars and interns all the minutes of the task oriented working groups.
· Track the financial inputs and outputs.
· Research funding possibilities for the Executive Committee to take on.
· Research and recommend tools, infrastructure models, and fund raising models for coalitions.
Administrative Support for the Conferences:
· Research and confirm conference speakers, location, meals, speakers, lodging and logistical details in direct collaboration with the Executive Committee and Conference working group.
· Serve as the main point of contact for customer inquiries and registration including answering inbound calls and emails.
· Create and handle registration system: manage event registration website using our online registration software, register speakers and other attendees as needed, and assist registrants with online registration, cancellation or substitution,
· Maintain internal event contacts database with pertinent information when communicating with participants.
· Email or call potential event attendees to confirm attendance and registration.
· Create, proofread and edit various forms and boilerplate documents required for attendees – also includes creating, proofing and organizing name badges.
· Create and maintain speaker tracking chart for conferences.
· Communicate with speakers, sponsors, and attendees with information and forms for upcoming events.
· Generate and distribute internal reports- both pre-event (registration and revenue numbers) and post-event (final attendance, revenue and post-event survey results)
· Fax, copy, file and perform other administrative tasks as required or assigned
· Coordinate onsite office logistics leading up to event.
· Maintain calendar of upcoming grassroots and advocacy activities and coordinate parallel events.
Onsite Forum Support:
· Registration desk coverage
· Coordination, check-in and badge check
· Assist in attendee movement from sessions to activities, meals, etc.
· Onsite office setup; onsite support may include any administrative tasks and are assigned by management as needed
· Onsite distributions and material coordination
QUALIFICATIONS:
- An undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university
- Fluency in French and the ability to work effectively in both French and English.
- Two years of event-planning experience, ideally internationally in both Europe and
- Excellent time management and organizational skills; absolute dedication to detail and the ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines
- Strong ability to multitask, handle changing priorities and manage multiple events/deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Exceptional interpersonal skills
- Ability to work both autonomously and as a strong team player
- Strong PC skills, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Excel) and database experience
- Ability to travel to conference sites and work extended hours/weekends
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