Criteria for NFG Affiliation

These criteria were set by the IFRTD Advisory Committee in 2002. They form the basis for recognition of national networks as affiliated networks or National Forum Groups (NFGs) of the IFRTD. NFGs vary in their organisation, interests and membership, and have strengths and weaknesses in different areas. Wherever possible the IFRTD will support an emerging NFG to achieve the criteria listed below. Questions regarding these criteria should be directed to the appropriate IFRTD regional co-ordinator:

Select a regional co-ordinator International Office East and Southern Africa West and Central Africa Asia Latin America

Criteria:

1. Aims and objectives should be consistent with IFRTD
2. Transparency
   - The NFG should have instruments for transparency eg. constitution, articles of association, rules and by-laws.
   - Meeting minutes should be circulated.
3. Democratic structure
   - should have a governance structure elected by members.
   - at least one general assembly per year
   - work plans and financial reports to be presented to the general assembly.
4. Membership
   - must be broad, inclusive and open.
   - a membership list should be shared with the IFRTD devolved Secretariat
   - minimum of 10 individuals and/or 5 institutional members
5. Legal Status
   - discretionary, however an NFG should have a constitution and procedures.
6. Participation
   - Manifest in delegated tasks described in work plans
7. Sharing of information through networking
8. Conflict
   - clear conflict resolution mechanism embodied in the constitution.
   - mechanism for external mediation -conciliation in place.
9. Funding
   - Statement of funds presented to devolved Secretariat
   - NFG members receiving funds for projects that involve network members should report on the accounts.