An Overview of Cyprus NGOs

AN OVERVIEW OF CYPRUS NGOs

Office of the Commissioner for Volunteerism

and Non Governmental Organizations

1CAMESM MEETING, SCHOOL OF MEDICINE

EUROPEAN UNIVERSITY OF CYPRUS , FEB 2016

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Volunteerism Definition & Significance to Society and Economy

The voluntary sector or community sector (also non-profit sector or "not-for-profit" sector) is the duty of social activity undertaken by organizations that are not for-profit and non-governmental.

The presence of a large non-profit sector is sometimes seen as an indicator of a healthy economy in local and national financial measurements. With a growing number of non-profit organizations focused on social services, the environment, education and other unmet needs throughout society, the nonprofit sector is increasingly central to the health and well-being of society

CAMESM MEETING, SCHOOL OF MEDICINEEUROPEAN UNIVERSITY OF CYPRUS , FEB 2016

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General framework of Policy

Fields of activities/actions The volunteer sector covers all the fields and needs of society. Its role is considered very important both in European and International level.

European Policies◦ Directly connected with the EU. ◦ Active Participation + Volunteering + Youth = COMBAT UNEMPLOYMENT

Cyprus Policy The Government has established a comprehensive policy for Active Participation and Volunteering. The upgrading and support of volunteering is one of the main aims of the Government. It is an innovative initiative which has been applied for the first time upon the establishment of our Republic.

Stakeholders: Civil society, Volunteering and Non Governmental Organizations, Local Authorities and the Church of Cyprus.


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Volunteering Model Volunteering can be seen as

a combination of : Activism and unpaid work / service

Activism and use of free time

Use of free time and activism

Unpaidwork / service

ActivismUse of free time Finally, volunteering is a

combination of all three elements mentioned above


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The Role of Organized Civil Society (OCS)

In modern times, volunteering has been established as the institution that helps address the social, economic and environmental problems and aims to fill in the gaps created by the weakness of the state and market mechanisms.

Its role in society varies from recognition, treat up to solve challenges that are important to the States and their inhabitants. It extends even to the organization of cultural and social life and to physical and mental wellbeing of the population.

Contributes positively to the development and implementation of democracy and human rights, through public awareness, participation in public life

Ensures transparency in public authorities.

The absence of action by the civil society organizations have a significant negative impact on quality of life of the people

CONCLUSION


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NGOs in Cyprus Many Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) – almost 5400 – have been established in our country, focusing in the fields of environment, culture and social services. Their actions depend upon the volunteering of their members. They act as:

institutions

non-profit organizations

associations

clubs

The establishment of organizations is an act based on the right to freedom of building “associations”, a right protected by the Constitution and many other international commitments which have been accepted and undertaken by the Republic of Cyprus.

Although the present government has improved the image of organized civil society with a series of actions, there is still room for further enhancement.


Important to be mentioned

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CHALLENGES (1) There are six (6) challenges which must be addressed TOGETHER by the Government and civil society in order to exploit to the maximum extent possible the contribution of organized civil society in our country:

◊ Establish a more positive perception of the value of OCS◊ Recognition of its contribution for the best interests of our country and elsewhere◊ Disclosure of ways in which it is possible to engage in activities◊ Establishing skills recognition plan to be acquired through participation in its

activities◊ Clear formulation of ethical standards with which compliance is supervised and ways

they can be implemented.◊ Development of a modern legal framework

◊ Completion of effort putting together a new legal framework fully in line with international standards that will include checks and controls, transparency, better information and better targeting

◊ Implementation of the above mentioned overall approach


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CHALLENGES (2)◊ Ensuring access to resources

◊ Study the possibility of revising the arrangements related to tax deductions for donations.

◊ Exploring ways to facilitate and encourage donations from abroad◊ Support the capacity of OSC to generate income to achieve its objectives through

undertaking economic activities◊ Simplify grants procedure and ensure the competitiveness and transparency.◊ Removing obstacles in the process to recover funds available from abroad (eg EU funds)◊ Expansion of the project called "House of the Volunteer" and exploring other ways of

using public facilities.◊ Skills development

◊ Promotion and respect for the Charter of Volunteer on "Rights and Responsibilities of Volunteers“

◊ Encourage and support the OCS training in financial reports, applications for funding and participation in consultation exercises

◊ Support to networks created by the CSOs to facilitate cooperation◊ Recognition of informal and non - formal learning.


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CHALLENGES (3)◊ Promoting participation

◊ Encourage senior officials to conduct regular dialogue with OCS on issues of their competence and promote their cooperation

◊ Development of a legislative framework for consultation on draft bills and decisions at all levels of government, efficient and inclusive, making full use of Internet technology

◊ Full alignment with the rules governing access to official information requirements for effective public participation

◊ Ensuring access to justice◊ Review the possibility and make recommendations regarding the undertake of costs

by the government in cases where OCS raise judicial review proceedings with regards to the public interest

◊ Ensure effective protection of OCS from intimidation and threats.


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Policies to support and upgrade the voluntary sector

CREATION OF NETWORKS: Creation of Networks for NGOs that are active in the same field. Networks will be created for a specific field in order to utilize at the maximum level human resources, infrastructure, funds, information etc.

VOLUNTARISM AND UNEMPLOYED CITIZENS: With the Cooperation of the Ministry of Labor, Welfare and Social Insurance we encourage unemployed citizens, to be active in the volunteer sector by focusing on the benefits of being a volunteer.

INVOLUNTARY SERVICE: With the Cooperation of the Ministry of Labor, Welfare and Social Insurance, beneficiaries of GMI should be offered social work.


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HOW WE PROMOTE OCS


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PROMOTING ACTIVE PARTICIPATION THROUGH GOVERNMENTAL POLICIES Tools for Active Participation

CITIZENS’ DAY

PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS

WORKING GROUPS RECOGNITION OF

INFORMAL AND NON - FORMAL LEARNING.

BETTER COORDINATION, INFORMATION AND FINANCIAL TRANSPARENCY.

FOSTERING VOLUNTEERING AND ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP IN SCHOOLS, FROM A YOUNG AGE.

QUESTIONNAIRES

ONLINE DISCUSSIONS

STUDIES


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CREATING INFRASTRUCTURE (1)

HOUSE OF VOLUNTEERS The objective is to meet the basic housing and office needs of voluntary NGOs. Specific criteria which must be met by the interested organizations for an application.

The whole project has been achieved in collaboration with the Department of Public Works and the Ministry of Transport, Communications & Works. A Volunteer House has already been establishes in Larnaca and Nicosia. Great help was also offered by the Department of Electrical and Mechanical Services of the Ministry of Transport, Communications & Works and CYTA.

The aim is to establish the Volunteer’s House in all districts of our country.


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CREATING INFRASTRUCTURE (2) HOUSE OF VOLUNTEERS - LARNACA


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HOUSE OF VOLUNTEERS - NICOSIA

CREATING INFRASTRUCTURE (3)


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SAILING FOR LOVE – A LESSON FOR LIFE

During the weekend 11-12 July 2015, the Commissioner’s of Volunteers and NGOs Office and the Cyprus Sports Organisation, organized with the support of OPAP and the participation of the Municipalities of Paphos, Limassol, Larnaca and Ayia Napa the SAILING FOR LOVE – A LESSON FOR LIFE. The initiative aimed to collect useful supplies for needy school students. There was the voluntary participation of owners of sailing boats and Petrolina Company. The event was supported by the Civil Defence, the Police and the National Guard.


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Volunteering in the Army

Policy Implementation

Creation of a Volunteering group in the army where soldiers and officers can participate, regardless if they are members of NGOs or not.

Suggestions ( can be anonymous) for activities should be encouraged (seminars, consultation days, etc).

The Army will support volunteering activities with infrastructure and human resources


Volunteering and active citizenship in Schools (1)

Active citizenship and volunteering in schools is considered to be very important as it provides tools to prevent harmful behaviors and promotes values within our young students necessary for their life as adults. Thus, we have been working closely with the Ministry of Education and Culture to introduce the policy of volunteering and active citizens in schools. In this context:

a teacher and a student will be appointed for volunteering and active citizenship

at least one activity for volunteering and active citizenship should be established every academic year

a good practices compendium was distributed

educational trips are scheduled to promote volunteering and active citizenship .

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IN EACH SCHOOL UNIT


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Volunteering and active citizenship in Schools (2)

CHILDREN’S CONFERENCE FOR VOLUNTEERING AND ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP

XIII LIMASSOL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, November 2014


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Coordination meeting of stakeholders that support citizens with food and other basic supplies

The event was organized at the Presidential Palace, with the participation of the President of the Republic of Cyprus.

Participations: Representatives from Volunteer Organizations, Local Authorities and the Church of Cyprus.

The main outcomes were: better coordination and cooperation between stakeholders, control and checking of the beneficiaries, and establishment of a coordination committee in every district. Implement of a common application form, common criteria for the beneficiaries and an electronic software (with the cooperation of the Commissioner for Personal Data Protection and of PVCC) that will connect all the stakeholders.


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CITIZENS’ DAY 15 September, according to the Decision of the Council of Ministers #78.470 dated March 3, 2015

In the context of the CITIZENS’ DAY an Informal Council of Ministers was held on Monday, December 7, 2015 at the Presidential Palace for the first time in the history of Cyprus, with the participation of high school and university students.

Young people had the opportunity to watch how Ministerial Cabinet operates. After the completion of its work, they had the opportunity to discuss their concerns with the President of the Republic and the Ministers and make relevant suggestions. The whole process was a part of the Cabinet’s decision to institutionalize Citizens’ Day.


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Public Consultations The aim of the public consultation day is to give citizens the opportunity to express their suggestions and opinions, exchange views about specific matters in order to influence governmental policies.

1st Public Consultation3 – 5 December, 2013

13 Ministries and Agencies took part with target groups and specific topics.

Over 600 citizens and stake holders took part in the first Public Consultation.

The President of the Republic of Cyprus participated in the first Consultation with over 100 Volunteer and Non Governmental Organizations

2nd Public Consultation - 14 – 23 June 2014

14 Ministries and Agencies took part with target groups and specific topics.

Over 750 citizens and stake holders took part in the second Public Consultation.

The President of the Republic of Cyprus participated in the Consultation with over 150 from the non organized civil society.

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With the cooperation of the Directorate General for European Programs, Coordination and Development we will provide information to all interested parties through their portal. http://www.fundingprogrammesportal.gov.cy/en/χρηματοδοτικα-προγραμματαThe Ministry of Education and Culture coordinates the recognition of non-formal and informal learning (stakeholders: Universities, employers, the volunteer sector and NGOs).In the framework of reforming the Local Authorities and to enhance the Cooperation with NGOs we decided to establish NGOs councils, and the public consultation process. Also we suggest the establishment of a district committee for the protection and welfare of animals.

ON – LINE DISCUSSIONS


http://www.fundingprogrammesportal.gov.cy/en/%CF%87%CF%81%CE%B7%CE%BC%CE%B1%CF%84%CE%BF%CE%B4%CE%BF%CF%84%CE%B9%CE%BA%CE%B1-%CF%80%CF%81%CE%BF%CE%B3%CF%81%CE%B1%CE%BC%CE%BC%CE%B1%CF%84%CE%B1

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Declaration of the “Rights and Responsibilities of Volunteers”

The approval by the Council of Ministers, of the Declaration for the “Rights and Responsibilities of Volunteers’’, ratifies at a political level, an important document that reinforces and improves the Volunteering Sector (including Non Governmental Organizations).

Establishment of a common base for the support and improvement of volunteering sector. It also serves as a “Code of Conduct”.


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Volunteering Culture and Active Citizenship in Schools

The handbook is an effort to promote volunteerism and culture of voluntary consciousness from the earliest stages of development and education of young people, forcing children to engage in activities that make them active citizens. It aims both to teachers and students of primary and secondary education and includes experiential activities and good practices.


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Policy Paper: The Organized Civil Society in Cyprus: Building for the future.

The documents aims to stimulate discussion about the ways in which the potentials of organized civil society in Cyprus can be exploit by taking the necessary measures both by the Government and as well as by the Organized Civil Society itself. The Policy Paper has been prepared in consultation process with the Council of Europe and it will be handed to the Ministerial Council for approval


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Suggestions for active participation in volunteering

◊ Adoption of parks by Voluntary and Non Governmental Organizations . Cooperation with Local Authorities to maintain and preserve them.

◊ Cooperation with Local Authorities, Voluntary Organizations and Non Governmental Organizations for maintenance of infrastructure that benefits the community.

◊ Cooperation between Local Authorities and Voluntary Organizations for organizing social and charity events.

◊ Cooperation with schools to promote volunteering.◊ The active participation of citizens will be achieved through the organization of

workshops and consultation. Through this way participants will learn to offer to community and to care for the common good of society.


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Volunteering Sectors & Actions

Actions

Home care and specialized programs

Voluntary services at hospitals

Drivers and carriers

Clerical work

Events organizations and fundraisers

Consulting services

Meetings and partnership promotion

Volunteering may be continuous and structured, partial or occasional.

Fields of action:

Environmental issues. Issues for the protection and welfare of animals.

Human rights, racial discrimination and gender equality issues.

Consulting services.

Youth and children.

Health and prevention issues, social welfare and care issues especially for people with fewer opportunities (poor, unemployment, disabled).

Sports and culture.


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Other sectors for volunteeringwith the cooperation of the Government Program “neighborhood watch”. Cooperation between citizens and the police. Civil Defense Blood drive volunteering Observers for the forest fires

Provision of free services Free Counseling Services Offering of free infrastructure (especially multipurpose halls) for event planning.

Social economy New sector of development


Benefits of Volunteering

Acquire Knowledge, skills, experiences.Get to know new people and create friendship.Feel good about themselves – open doors to the future.Active participation is an important prevention tool against the fight of drugs, alcohol and violence.Virtues and values Provide important services, where the government cannot.Contribute to the empowerment of Democracy, and to a more stable society.All the above are important tools in supporting unemployed young people to find a job

or acquire formal learning in Universities or Colleges.

What is the actual financial Estimation is 8–14% of the cost of volunteerism in society? Gross Domestic Product.

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QU

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ON AN

SWER


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Investing in volunteering Promote participation as a way of Life. Encourage citizens to participate in voluntary activities. Studies show that citizens trust more agencies

that are connected to volunteering activities.

Volunteers must learn their rights and responsibilities.

Charter on the “Rights and Responsibilities of Volunteers”. Important articles: 1,5,7,11,12,13,14,38,42

HOW??

CAMESM MEETING, SCHOOL OF MEDICINEEUROPEAN UNIVERSITY OF CYPRUS , FEB

2016

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An Overview of Cyprus NGOs

Health & Medicine

Transcript of An Overview of Cyprus NGOs