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What/Who is CIVICUS? CIVICUS is an international alliance established in 1993 to nurture the foundation, growth and protection of citizen action throughout the world, especially in areas where participatory democracy and citizens' freedom of association are threatened. What does CIVICUS stand for? CIVICUS is not an acronym. It is a Latin term meaning "of the town" or "of the community." The first Board of Directors of CIVICUS believed that this term adequately reflects the values and mission of CIVICUS when it was formed. The CIVICUS Logo: What does it mean? The logo conveys a simple message of solidarity/unity in the face of cultural diversity. How did CIVICUS start? The fundamental building block for CIVICUS was the 1991 decision of a group of civil society leaders from across the world to reinforce and support the virtual expansion of citizen participation in every region of the globe. This 20-member group, serving as a steering committee for translating this idea into organisational reality, included Miguel Darcy of Brazil, Horst Niemeyer of Germany, Eddah Wacheke Gachukia of Kenya, Tadashi Yamamoto of Japan, Farida Allaghi of Saudi Arabia and Brian O'Connell of the United States. They agreed to test the potential for a global alliance of individuals and organisations which might strengthen civil society institutions, advocate for the cause of civil society among the world's decision-makers, and stimulate dialogue among civil society organisations and across the nonprofit, business and public sectors. By mid-1993, the formative work was completed at Barcelona, marked by the first meeting of the founding Board of Directors of CIVICUS, which was composed of distinguished figures in civil society drawn from 18 countries on six continents. What are the early achievements of CIVICUS? Since 1993, CIVICUS has built successively on important achievements. These include preparation of regional reports on the status of civil society (1994); publication and global distribution of Citizens--Strengthening Global Civil Society (1995), the organisation's first world report on the state of civil society; regional consultations of members; two World Assemblies (Mexico City in 1995 and Budapest in 1997) of members and allies; an expanding membership (400 by end of 1997) of organisations and individuals across the world; a growing publication record and groundbreaking work by three special Task Forces in 1996 and 1997 on increasing understanding and visibility of the sector, the legal principles necessary for the sector's empowerment, and enhancing the sector's resource base. Where is CIVICUS located? CIVICUS headquarters and operational hub is located in Johannesburg, South Africa. We also have offices in Washington, DC, United States. Who can be a member of CIVICUS? NGOs, civil society organisations, grant making institutions, business entities committed with social issues, or any individual interested in civil society issues can become a member. What are the contact details of CIVICUS? CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation CIVICUS House, 24 GwiGwi Mrwebi Street, corner Quinn Street, Newtown, Johannesburg, 2001, South Africa PO Box 933, Southdale, Johannesburg, 2135, South Africa Tel +27 11 833-5959 Fax +27 11 833-7997 1112 16th Street NW, Suite 540 Washington DC, 20036, USA Tel +202 331-8518 Fax +202 331-8774 For more information and details about CIVICUS and its programmes, please email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . |
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